Ep 13. Puddin' Head Blues

In this episode of Good Eats, titled "Puddin' Head Blues," host Alton Brown dives into the world of pudding. Specifically, he explores the various types of puddings and how to make them from scratch.

The episode begins with Brown explaining the history of pudding, dating back to medieval times when it was made in animal intestines. He then dives into the first type of pudding, bread pudding, and shows viewers how to make a basic bread pudding recipe using stale bread, milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Next up is rice pudding, which Brown points out is a classic comfort food. He explains that rice pudding is made by simmering rice in milk until it thickens, then adding sugar, vanilla, and other flavorings. Brown shares his own recipe for rice pudding, which includes a touch of cardamom for a unique twist.

Moving on to custard-based puddings, Brown makes a vanilla pudding using egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and milk. He notes that the key to a successful pudding is to cook it slowly and stir it constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Brown also shares a tip for using plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming on the top of the pudding as it cools.

Lastly, Brown explores the world of chocolate pudding, which he notes is a childhood favorite for many people. He shares his own recipe for homemade chocolate pudding, which includes cornstarch, cocoa powder, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. He also demonstrates how to make a quick chocolate sauce by whisking together cocoa powder, sugar, and hot water.

Throughout the episode, Brown provides helpful tips and tricks for making perfect puddings, such as using a double boiler to prevent scorching and using an immersion blender to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency. He also explains the science behind each type of pudding, such as the role of starch in thickening custard-based puddings and the importance of cornstarch in creating a silky texture in chocolate pudding.

As always, Brown infuses his signature humor and personality into the episode, making it both informative and entertaining. Viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the versatility and deliciousness of homemade puddings, as well as the knowledge to make them from scratch.