Ep 1. Fireplace Cooking

Paula's Best Dishes is a cooking show where famous chef Paula Deen shares her best recipes with the audience. In the second season, the first episode is named Fireplace Cooking. As the name suggests, the episode focuses on the art of cooking food over fireplace flames, be it indoor or outdoor.

Paula, along with her son, Jamie, and a guest chef, showcases various recipes and techniques that can help viewers become proficient in fireplace cooking. She explains that cooking over an open flame is an age-old practice that has been used for centuries by various civilizations across the world.

The episode starts with Paula introducing the concept of fireplace cooking, mentioning how it adds an unparalleled flavor to the food and is an excellent way to cook for large numbers of people. She also mentions that while it may seem intimidating, it is a lot of fun, and with some practice, anyone can become good at it.

Paula then moves on to the first recipe and shows how to cook a whole chicken over the open flame. She explains that it is essential to cook the chicken slowly over the fire to ensure even cooking and avoid burning. Paula also suggests using a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven to hold the chicken and trap the flavors inside.

Next, Paula prepares a pork loin that has been marinated overnight with herbs and spices. She shows how to place the marinated meat on skewers and cook them over the fire. Paula advises turning the skewers frequently to avoid uneven cooking and burning.

After the pork loin, the show introduces the special guest chef, who joins Paula and Jamie in cooking a dish together. They prepare a hearty lamb stew that uses various vegetables and herbs. The guest chef mentions how important it is to continually stir the food while cooking over the open flame to ensure that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.

In the next segment, Paula moves on to the dessert course, where she shows how to make a delicious apple cobbler over the fire. She explains that cooking the cobbler slowly while covering it with a foil wrap helps in achieving a gooey and tender texture.

The episode ends with Paula summarizing the different techniques and tips for fireplace cooking, encouraging viewers to try these recipes at home. She mentions how using a variety of cooking tactics, such as using cast-iron pans, skewers, and aluminum foil, can make the whole process easier and enjoyable.

Overall, Fireplace Cooking is an exciting and informative episode that help viewers appreciate the art of cooking over an open flame. Paula's Best Dishes season 2 episode 1 has something for everyone, from beginners to experienced cooks, and encourages experimentation and innovation in the kitchen.