Ep 8. Flat Is Beautiful II: The Reload

In this episode of Good Eats: Reloaded season 2, host Alton Brown continues his exploration of the art of flat cooking in "Flat Is Beautiful II: The Reload." As with the previous "Flat Is Beautiful" episode, Brown takes a look at the many tasty and creative ways to cook with a variety of ingredients on a flat surface, and this time around, he's offering up some new techniques and recipes for viewers to try out and enjoy.

Beginning with a primer on the different types of stovetop griddles and pans available to home cooks, Brown explains how to choose the right equipment for the job and offers tips on how to properly care for and season your flat cooking surface.

From there, he moves on to the food, showcasing a number of inventive and delicious recipes perfect for cooking on a flat surface. Highlights include a crispy-edged, fluffy-centered Dutch baby, a sour cream-based blintz batter that yields perfect golden-brown pancakes, seared scallops with romesco sauce and smoked paprika oil, and a savory, vegetable-packed frittata that's sure to please both vegan and meat-eating diners alike.

Throughout the episode, Brown emphasizes the importance of temperature control and proper technique in achieving the best results from flat cooking. He also offers up plenty of advice on how to master the art of flipping, an essential skill for any would-be flat cook.

One of the standout segments of the episode sees Brown revisiting a recipe from the original "Flat Is Beautiful" episode and giving it a fresh new twist. His savory stuffed masa cakes feature a filling of spiced black beans and roasted corn, wrapped in a flavorful masa dough and cooked on a griddle until crispy and golden. Brown's updated version includes a new ingredient and method for achieving the perfect stuffing-to-dough ratio, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make at home.

As always, Brown's humor and enthusiasm are on full display throughout the episode, making for an engaging and educational viewing experience. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just looking to up your breakfast game, "Flat Is Beautiful II: The Reload" is sure to provide plenty of inspiration and kitchen know-how.