Ep 8. Flat Is Beautiful: Going Crackers

Good Eats season 12 episode 8, titled "Flat Is Beautiful: Going Crackers," explores the world of crackers. Host Alton Brown takes viewers on a journey through the history and science of crackers, demonstrating how they're made and sharing recipes for making them at home.

The episode begins with a brief history of crackers, which were originally invented as a way to preserve bread dough. Alton explains that crackers are essentially just flattened bread, and notes that the first commercially-produced crackers were made in 1801 by a man named Josiah Bent.

Next, Alton demonstrates how crackers are made, using a simple dough made from flour, salt, water, and some form of fat or oil. He explains that the key to making a good cracker is to roll the dough out as thinly as possible, which ensures that the crackers will be crisp and crunchy. Alton also discusses the science behind the different types of fats that can be used in cracker dough, and how they affect the texture and flavor of the final product.

After showing viewers how to make a basic cracker dough, Alton moves on to some more interesting variations. He demonstrates how to make cheese crackers, using grated cheese and paprika to flavor the dough. He also shows how to make sesame crackers, which are flavored with sesame seeds and soy sauce. Alton explains that these types of crackers are great for serving with dips or spreads, and are a delicious alternative to store-bought crackers.

As the episode progresses, Alton explores the different ways that crackers can be used in cooking. He demonstrates how to make a cracker crust for a savory quiche, using crushed crackers mixed with melted butter. He also shows how to make a sweet cracker crust for a pie, using crushed graham crackers mixed with sugar and butter. Alton notes that cracker crusts are a great alternative to traditional pie crusts, and are much easier to make.

Finally, Alton shares a recipe for a homemade version of one of the most popular crackers in the world: Ritz crackers. He demonstrates how to make the dough, roll it out, and shape the crackers using a biscuit cutter. Alton notes that although these homemade Ritz crackers are more time-consuming to make than store-bought ones, they are much more flavorful and satisfying.

Overall, "Flat Is Beautiful: Going Crackers" is a fascinating and educational episode of Good Eats. Alton Brown's enthusiasm for the subject matter is infectious, and viewers will come away with a new appreciation for the humble cracker. Whether you're an experienced baker or a total novice, this episode is sure to inspire you to get into the kitchen and start making your own crackers.