Ep 7. The Trouble With Cheesecake

In the fifth season of the popular cooking show Good Eats, episode 7 titled “The Trouble With Cheesecake” is all about cheesecake. Host Alton Brown takes the viewers on a journey through the history and science of cheesecake while sharing his tips and tricks for making the perfect one.

The episode begins with Brown introducing the three types of cheesecake: New York, Italian, and French. He explains that New York cheesecake is the most common in the United States, while Italian and French cheesecake have their own unique characteristics. Brown goes on to explain the importance of choosing the right crust for your cheesecake and what ingredients to use in making it.

Brown then moves on to explaining the importance of using the right type of cream cheese. He explains how different brands of cream cheese can vary in moisture and that picking the right one can make or break your cheesecake. He also goes into the science behind the use of eggs in cheesecake and how they help stabilize the mixture.

Next, Brown talks about the importance of a water bath when making cheesecake. He explains that the water bath helps to regulate the temperature and prevents the cheesecake from cracking. Brown shares his method for creating a water bath and emphasizes the importance of using a thick, heavy-duty aluminum foil to wrap the bottom of the pan.

Brown also touches on the topic of sour cream and its use in cheesecake. He explains how it can help add tanginess and creaminess to the mixture and shares his recipe for a classic New York-style cheesecake.

Throughout the episode, Brown shares his expertise and experience on how to avoid common mistakes when making cheesecake, such as overmixing or overbaking. He also provides tips on how to achieve a smooth, creamy texture and avoid lumpy cheesecake.

In addition to the classic New York-style cheesecake, Brown also shares a recipe for a savory cheesecake made with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. He explains how this unique twist on traditional cheesecake can be served as a hors d'oeuvre or as a main dish.

Overall, “The Trouble With Cheesecake” is a delightful and educational episode that will inspire viewers to try making their own cheesecake at home. Alton Brown's passion and expertise make this episode a must-watch for all cheesecake lovers and baking enthusiasts.