Ep 9. Southern Comfort

In Cook's Country season 8 episode 9, titled "Southern Comfort," viewers are taken on a journey through the iconic cuisine of the American South. Hosts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison, alongside the Cook's Country team, explore the foods that are synonymous with Southern comfort.

The episode begins with a spotlight on a classic Southern dish - fried chicken. The team sets out to find the perfect recipe for the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken, without the need for a deep fryer. They explore various techniques and ingredients, eventually landing on a recipe that is sure to satisfy any fried chicken craving.

Next up on the menu is Brunswick stew, a hearty and comforting stew that is a staple of Southern cuisine. The team uncovers the history of this dish, tracing its roots back to the American Civil War. They then set about creating a recipe that honours the traditions of Brunswick stew while also adding their own unique twist.

The team also explores the Southern tradition of barbecue, visiting a renowned pitmaster to learn about his signature smoking techniques and secret ingredients. They then take these lessons back to the Cook's Country kitchen to create their own barbecue sauce, perfect for any backyard cookout.

No Southern comfort food episode would be complete without a recipe for macaroni and cheese. The team delves into the history of this beloved dish, tracing its origins back to the 18th century, before setting out to create the ultimate mac and cheese recipe. Their recipe combines the classic flavours of cheddar and milk with a crispy breadcrumb topping, resulting in a dish that is sure to become a household favourite.

Last but not least, the team tackles a classic dessert - peach cobbler. With the help of a local baker, they learn the secrets to making a perfectly flaky crust and a deliciously sweet filling. Their recipe elevates this classic dessert with the addition of bourbon and a nutty streusel topping.

Throughout the episode, Bridget and Julia provide helpful tips and tricks for home cooks, from achieving the perfect fry on chicken to creating a creamy mac and cheese sauce. Viewers are sure to be inspired and hungry after watching "Southern Comfort," a celebration of the iconic foods of the American South.