Ep 20. American Classics I

In the twentieth episode of the tenth season of Good Eats, host Alton Brown explores the origins and evolution of classic American dishes. In this episode, entitled "American Classics I," Brown breaks down the DNA of some of America's most iconic dishes, from mashed potatoes to apple pie.

Brown begins by examining the history of mashed potatoes, tracing the dish back to its roots in sixteenth-century Peru. He explains how the potato made its way to Europe and eventually to the United States, where it became a staple of American cuisine. Brown then walks viewers through the process of making perfect mashed potatoes, offering tips on how to achieve just the right texture and flavor.

Next, Brown turns his attention to meatloaf, another American classic with a long and complex history. Brown explains how meatloaf evolved from an ancient Roman recipe for mince pie, and how it was popularized in America during the Great Depression as a way to stretch ground beef further. Brown then demonstrates how to make a delicious meatloaf that is moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

The third dish on Brown's itinerary is crab cakes, a classic dish from the Chesapeake Bay region that is beloved across the country. Brown explains how crab cakes evolved from a dish made by seventeenth-century English settlers in the Chesapeake Bay area, and how the dish has changed and adapted over time. Brown then shows viewers how to make crab cakes that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with just the right amount of tangy flavor.

Brown's next stop is the humble but beloved hot dog, another classic American food that has a long and varied history. Brown explains how hot dogs evolved from sausages made in seventeenth-century Germany, and how they were popularized in America by street vendors in the late nineteenth century. Brown then demonstrates how to make homemade hot dogs that are juicy, flavorful, and completely customizable.

Finally, Brown wraps up the episode with a deep dive into the history and cultural significance of apple pie, perhaps the quintessential American dessert. Brown explores the origins of apple pie in medieval England, and explains how the dish evolved over time to become a symbol of American identity and values. Brown then demonstrates how to make a classic apple pie from scratch, with a flaky crust and a perfectly spiced filling.

Throughout the episode, Brown employs his trademark blend of humor, science, and culinary know-how to explore the origins and evolution of these classic American dishes. Whether you're a fan of mashed potatoes, meatloaf, crab cakes, hot dogs, or apple pie (or all of the above!), Good Eats: American Classics I is sure to whet your appetite and leave you craving more.