Calling All Cooks Season 2 Episode 18 Mango Pie/Spanakopita

Calling All Cooks is a delightful cooking show that features talented home cooks from all around the country, sharing their favorite recipes and culinary tricks. In this particular episode, titled "Mango Pie/Spanakopita," two passionate cooks showcase their unique dishes, offering a blend of sweet and savory flavors that are sure to tantalize the taste buds.

The episode begins with Jane, a seasoned home cook from Florida, revealing her secret recipe for a delectable Mango Pie. As the camera zooms in on a platter of ripe, golden mangoes, Jane explains her love for this tropical fruit and how it has always been a staple in her household. With a warm smile, she dives right in, demonstrating the step-by-step process of creating her signature dessert.

Jane begins by prepping the pie crust, combining flour, butter, and a pinch of salt. With graceful movements, she skillfully kneads the dough until it's perfectly pliable. Next, she gently rolls out the crust, ensuring an even thickness. As she lines the pie dish, her hands move like a seasoned artist, effortlessly creating a neat, fluted edge.

Moving on to the star ingredient, Jane picks up a knife and deftly cuts a perfectly ripe mango into cubes. She explains the importance of selecting a ripe mango for maximum flavor. It's apparent that Jane has an expert’s eye for choosing the juiciest ones. With a sprinkle of sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, she adds the ideal balance of sweetness and tanginess to the fruit.

Jane then reveals her secret weapon, a touch of ground cardamom, which enhances the tropical flavors of the mango. The aroma of this exotic spice fills the room, making viewers salivate with anticipation. Carefully spooning the mango mixture into the waiting golden crust, Jane ensures every corner is filled to perfection.

The pie is then placed in the oven, and Jane takes a whimsical moment to describe how her family eagerly awaits this dessert on special occasions. Their mouths water as she talks about the heavenly aroma that emanates from the kitchen as the mango pie bakes. The anticipation builds as Jane opens the oven to reveal a beautifully golden crust and bubbling mango filling.

While the mango pie cools, the spotlight shifts to George, a charismatic home cook from Chicago, who is eager to share his recipe for Spanakopita. With Greek heritage flowing through his veins, George's passion for this classic dish shines brightly.

George begins by generously greasing a baking dish, preparing it to embrace layers upon layers of golden, flaky phyllo pastry. His hands move with precision, laying one delicate layer at a time, revealing the ethereal nature of this iconic ingredient. As he works, George shares his childhood memories of assisting his Yiayia (grandmother) in the kitchen, lovingly shaping these delectable triangles.

The filling, a tantalizing blend of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and fragrant herbs, is carefully mixed. George explains the importance of squeezing all moisture from the cooked spinach to avoid a soggy pie. Viewers are captivated as he artfully assembles each triangle by gently folding the edges, creating perfectly neat parcels filled with the rich earthy aromas of Greece.

As George places the Spanakopita in the oven, he speaks of the joy it brings him to share this dish with his family and friends. The tantalizing smell of warm, buttery phyllo pastry fills the air, inviting everyone into the kitchen, eager to taste this irresistible creation.

Back to Jane, the mango pie has cooled to the perfect temperature, allowing her to slice it with ease. She serves a generous slice, revealing the vibrant, golden filling. With each bite, the viewers' taste buds are transported to a tropical paradise, the sweet mango mingling with the hint of cardamom and the buttery crust. Jane's Mango Pie is a true testament to the love and dedication that she pours into her cooking.

Finally, George's Spanakopita emerges from the oven, its golden, flaky layers promising a medley of flavors. He cuts through the pie, revealing a perfectly even slice. Viewers can practically taste the crispy phyllo, the creamy feta, and the earthy spinach that dances on their palate. George's Spanakopita is a symbol of heritage and the cherished bond between generations.

As the episode comes to a close, viewers are left inspired by the culinary talents showcased in this Mango Pie and Spanakopita extravaganza. The passion, love, and treasured family recipes shared by Jane and George highlight the beauty of homemade cooking, inviting everyone to try their hand at these delightful dishes in their very own kitchens.