Ep 11. Hot and Spicy

Food(ography) is a delectable food and travel series on the Cooking Channel that explores the origins and cultural significance of iconic and trending dishes around the world. In season 1 episode 11, titled Hot and Spicy, host Mo Rocca takes viewers on a fiery journey across the globe to discover the most mouth-watering and tongue-tingling foods that pack a punch.

The episode kicks off with a visit to Nashville, Tennessee, where Mo meets up with the owners of Hattie B's hot chicken, a beloved local joint that serves up crispy, juicy and spicy chicken that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Mo learns about the origins of this hot and spicy dish and how it became a staple in Nashville's food scene. He also gets a chance to taste the different levels of heat – from mild to "shut the cluck up" – and gets an inside scoop on the secret ingredient that makes Hattie B's chicken so addictive.

Next, Mo travels to Japan to explore the world of wasabi, a notoriously pungent and spicy condiment that is often used in sushi and other Japanese dishes. He visits a wasabi farm in the mountains and learns about the unique way in which wasabi is grown and harvested. Mo also meets with a sushi chef who shares his expertise on the different types of wasabi and how to pair it with different kinds of fish to create a perfect umami explosion in your mouth.

The episode takes a detour to Mexico, where Mo discovers the joys of mole, a rich and complex sauce that is made from a blend of spices, chili peppers, and chocolate. He visits a restaurant in Puebla that specializes in mole and learns about the painstaking process of making this intricate sauce, which can take up to two days to prepare. Mo also tries his hand at making mole and discovers just how difficult it is to get the balance of flavors just right.

Back in the US, Mo visits New Orleans, Louisiana, the birthplace of spicy Cajun cuisine. He meets with a local chef who takes him on a tour of the city's iconic Creole restaurants and introduces him to dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, which are both spicy and hearty. Mo also gets a chance to taste a legendary sandwich called the "Muffuletta," which is loaded with spicy Italian meats and pickled vegetables.

The final stop on Mo's hot and spicy adventure takes him to Sichuan, China, the home of some of the spiciest cuisine in the world. He visits a street market and marvels at the wide variety of spicy dishes on offer, from hot pot to spicy tofu to spicy rabbit head (!). Mo meets with a local chef who introduces him to the unique flavors and ingredients of Sichuan cuisine, like Sichuan peppercorns and chili bean paste, and shows him how to make a fiery dish called "huiguorou" or twice-cooked pork.

Hot and Spicy is a sizzling episode of Food(ography) that will leave you craving for more. Whether you're a fan of Nashville hot chicken, Japanese wasabi, Mexican mole, Cajun gumbo or Sichuan cuisine, this episode has something for every spice lover out there. Mo Rocca's infectious enthusiasm and genuine curiosity for all things food make for a fun and engaging viewing experience that will inspire you to explore new flavors and dishes. So grab some water, strap in and get ready for a spicy adventure that you won't forget in a hurry.