Ep 1. The Turkey Strikes Back

Good Eats is a long-running cooking show that focuses on educating viewers about the science of food and cooking techniques. Season 15 of the show premiered with an episode titled "The Turkey Strikes Back," where host Alton Brown delves into the world of turkey cooking.

In this episode, Alton Brown sets out to solve the mystery of why so many people struggle to cook a perfect Thanksgiving turkey. He inspects various methods of turkey cooking, from spatchcocking to deep frying, and tries to find the ideal way to cook a juicy, flavorful bird. Along the way, Brown shares tips and tricks that can help viewers elevate their own turkey cooking skills.

The episode begins with Brown discussing the history of Thanksgiving and how turkey became the centerpiece of the holiday meal. He then introduces the common methods of turkey cooking, such as roasting and deep frying, and explains how each method affects the flavor and texture of the meat.

The first cooking method Brown examines is spatchcocking, which involves flattening the turkey by removing the backbone and pressing down on the breast meat. This method allows the turkey to cook more evenly and quickly, resulting in juicy meat and crispy skin. Brown shows viewers how to properly spatchcock a turkey and provides tips for seasoning and basting.

Next, Brown explores the often-controversial method of deep frying a turkey. He sets up a fryer and walks viewers through the process, emphasizing the importance of safety precautions. Brown also shares a recipe for a flavorful brine that can be used to inject moisture and flavor into the turkey before frying.

After evaluating both spatchcocking and deep frying, Brown moves on to traditional roasting. He explains the importance of properly seasoning and trussing the turkey to ensure even cooking. Brown shares his own recipe for a delicious herb-roasted turkey and shows viewers how to make a simple but flavorful pan gravy.

Throughout the episode, Brown also touches on the importance of selecting the right-sized bird and properly thawing it before cooking. He even tackles the age-old question of whether to stuff the turkey or not, offering his opinion and a recipe for a delicious stuffing that can be cooked separately.

"The Turkey Strikes Back" is a comprehensive guide to turkey cooking that will leave viewers feeling confident and excited to tackle their next Thanksgiving meal. With Brown's clear explanations and scientific approach, viewers will learn valuable skills and gain a deeper understanding of the art and science of cooking.