Ep 17. Sometimes You Feel Like A Nut

In season 7, episode 17 of Good Eats titled "Sometimes You Feel Like A Nut," Alton Brown takes us on an adventure exploring nuts, from their origins to their uses in various dishes.

The episode starts with Alton delving into the history of nuts and their role in human culinary tradition. He talks about how nuts were an important food source for ancient civilizations, and how they were used in ways that are still popular today, such as in baking.

Next, Alton demonstrates how to properly toast nuts to bring out their flavor and make them more versatile in cooking and baking. He explains how different nut varieties have different flavor profiles and textures, and how toasted nuts can be used in everything from trail mix to salad.

Alton then explores the health benefits of nuts, from their high protein and fiber content to the vitamins and minerals they provide. He also emphasizes the importance of portion control, since while nuts are a nutritious snack, they can also be high in calories.

The episode then moves on to showcasing a variety of nut-based dishes, starting with a homemade nut butter. Alton demonstrates how easy it is to make your own nut butter at home using a food processor, and he also provides tips for flavor variations, such as adding chocolate or maple syrup.

Next, Alton prepares a chopped salad with various nuts and seeds, showing how they can add both flavor and texture to a dish. He also showcases how nuts can be used in savory dishes like pesto or meat rubs.

The episode also touches on the different ways nuts can be used in sweets, such as in a classic French dacquoise or a modern nut-based ice cream.

Throughout the episode, Alton provides helpful tips and tricks for working with nuts, such as how to properly store them and how to tell when they have gone rancid. He also provides insight into cultural uses for nuts and their symbolism in different traditions.

In conclusion, "Sometimes You Feel Like A Nut" is a comprehensive exploration of nuts that is both educational and mouth-watering. It's perfect for anyone who loves cooking or wants to know more about the history and versatility of this important ingredient.