Ep 7. The Devil Made Me Do It

In Cook's Country season 9 episode 7, titled "The Devil Made Me Do It," the hosts explore flavorful and rich Southern cuisine, including a recipe for classic Devil's Food Cake. Airing on PBS, this episode focuses on the bold and spicy flavors of the South and the creativity of the home cooks who have adapted Southern dishes over the years.

The show begins with a visit to a family-owned hot sauce company in New Orleans, where the hosts taste the fiery flavors of Louisiana. They learn about the tradition of adding hot sauce to everything from gumbo to fried chicken, and get a chance to try some of the sauces for themselves.

Next, the hosts dive into the world of Southern sweets with a recipe for Devil's Food Cake. They explain the history of this classic cake, which was created in the early 1900s as a counterpart to the lighter and fluffier angel food cake. The hosts share tips and techniques for creating a rich and chocolaty cake that is sure to please any sweet tooth.

Moving on to savory dishes, the hosts take on a recipe for Shrimp and Grits - a quintessential Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations. They share their own take on this classic recipe, highlighting the key ingredients and techniques that make this dish so special. From using the best quality shrimp to cooking the grits just right, the hosts offer up plenty of tips and tricks for creating a perfect plate of shrimp and grits.

In addition to these main recipes, the show also features a segment on skillet cornbread - another staple of Southern cuisine. They explain the art of cooking cornbread in a skillet, and share a recipe that features a touch of honey for added sweetness.

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of using fresh and local ingredients whenever possible. They also highlight the creativity of home cooks who have put their own spin on classic Southern dishes over the years.

Overall, "The Devil Made Me Do It" is a delicious and informative episode of Cook's Country that celebrates the bold and spicy flavors of Southern cuisine. From hot sauce to shrimp and grits, the hosts showcase the best of Southern cooking while offering up plenty of tips and techniques for home cooks to try in their own kitchens.