Ep 5. Episode 5
- October 19, 2018
The Big Family Cooking Showdown returns for its highly anticipated second season with the fifth episode showcasing the culinary skills of four families from across the UK. The theme for this round is comfort food, and the teams must prepare dishes that will not only satisfy the judges' taste buds but also bring a sense of warmth and happiness to the table.
The first family to take on the challenge is a busy family of five from Bristol, featuring a mother and her two daughters. They opt for a classic shepherd's pie with a twist – swapping out the traditional lamb filling for a vegetable medley of sweet potato, carrot, and courgette. The judges appreciate the creativity and heartiness of the dish but question whether it is truly comfort food without the usual meaty elements.
Meanwhile, a family of siblings from Glasgow brings a Scottish twist to the competition with their haggis and neeps pie, a hearty dish made with the famous Scottish delicacy and mashed turnips. Despite some initial skepticism from the judges, the unique flavor profile and authenticity of the dish win them over.
Next up is a family from London comprising a father and his two teenage children, who serve up a spicy take on mac and cheese. The judges appreciate the warmth and comfort of the dish but note that the spice level may be too much for some palates.
Finally, a mother and her two sons from Birmingham present their version of chicken katsu curry, a Japanese-inspired comfort food dish. The judges are impressed by the complexity and depth of flavors in the dish but question whether it strays too far from traditional British comfort food.
As the families cook, the judges share tips and tricks for creating comforting and delicious dishes, emphasizing the importance of seasoning, color, and presentation. They also take the opportunity to chat with the families about their cooking backgrounds and family traditions, providing insight into the unique stories behind each dish.
After tasting and deliberating, the judges make their decision, and one family is crowned the winner of this round. The remaining families are given constructive feedback on their dishes and sent home with new knowledge and inspiration for their next cooking endeavor.
Overall, episode 5 of The Big Family Cooking Showdown showcases the diversity of comfort food in the UK and reminds viewers of the joy and warmth that good food can bring to any family gathering.
