Cooking for Real Season 3 Episode 8 The Big Easy
- 21 min
Cooking for Real season 3 episode 8, "The Big Easy" takes viewers on a culinary journey through the vibrant city of New Orleans. Host Sunny Anderson showcases an array of delicious and authentic dishes that capture the essence of the city's rich history and cultural diversity.
The episode begins with Sunny exploring the famous French Quarter, where she stops by Cafe Du Monde to try their iconic beignets. She then heads to the bustling Tremé neighborhood to visit a local market, where she picks up fresh ingredients for the dishes she will be preparing later on.
Back in the kitchen, Sunny starts off by whipping up a classic New Orleans dish: gumbo. She explains how this hearty stew, which typically includes seafood or meat, okra, and a roux-based sauce, is a staple of Creole cuisine. Sunny's version of the dish features shrimp, sausage, and chicken, along with a mix of spices that give it a bold and flavorful kick.
Next up, Sunny prepares jambalaya, another popular Creole dish that combines rice, meat, and vegetables in a flavorful one-pot meal. She uses a mix of Andouille sausage and chicken, and adds in bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes for a burst of fresh flavor.
For the seafood lovers, Sunny creates a mouthwatering shrimp and grits dish. She cooks the grits with cream and butter, and adds in cooked shrimp, bacon, and a spicy tomato-based sauce. The result is a creamy, savory dish that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
To round out the meal, Sunny makes a refreshing cucumber salad with a vinaigrette dressing. She explains how this light and crisp salad is the perfect accompaniment to the rich and flavorful Creole dishes.
Throughout the episode, Sunny shares interesting tidbits about the history and culture of New Orleans, including its French, Spanish, and African influences. She also showcases the city's vibrant music scene, with clips of street performers and jazz musicians sprinkled throughout the show.
Overall, "The Big Easy" is a fun and mouthwatering episode that captures the magic of New Orleans through its delicious food and rich cultural heritage. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this episode is sure to inspire you to try your hand at some classic Creole dishes.