Cook's Country Season 11 Episode 9
Cook's Country
Season 11

Ep 9. Reimagining Italian-American Classics

  • TV-G
  • October 20, 2018
  • 23 min

In season 11 episode 9 of Cook's Country from America's Test Kitchen, titled "Reimagining Italian-American Classics," viewers are taken on a culinary journey through classic Italian-American dishes with a modern twist. The episode is hosted by Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison, who guide viewers through each recipe with their expertise and attention to detail.

The first dish on the menu is spaghetti and meatballs, a staple in Italian-American cuisine. The hosts explain that the challenge with this dish is creating a meatball that is both tender and flavorful without being too dense. To solve this dilemma, they turn to a surprising ingredient: ricotta cheese. By incorporating ricotta into the meatball mixture, they are able to create a delicate and rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce.

Next up is eggplant parmesan, a classic Italian-American dish that is often heavy and greasy. The hosts aim to provide a lighter and healthier version of this dish without sacrificing flavor. They begin by salting the eggplant slices to remove any excess moisture, which makes the dish less oily. They then use panko breadcrumbs to create a crispy coating that is both flavorful and light. Finally, they use a technique called "cheat's tomato sauce" to create a simple yet delicious tomato sauce in just minutes.

The hosts then move on to chicken parmesan, another beloved Italian-American dish. To elevate this classic, they use a unique method of breading the chicken. Instead of using flour and egg, they use a combination of mayo and panko breadcrumbs to create an ultra-crispy coating. They also experiment with different cheeses to find the perfect combination of flavor and texture, ultimately deciding on a blend of provolone and mozzarella.

Finally, the hosts take on a dessert: tiramisu. This classic Italian dessert is often overpoweringly sweet, so the hosts aim to create a version that is more balanced and nuanced. They begin by substituting ladyfingers with thin sheets of sponge cake, which allows for a lighter texture. They then use a combination of espresso and marsala wine to create a rich and flavorful soak for the cake. To finish it off, they use a whipped cream cheese filling that is both tangy and sweet.

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide helpful tips and techniques for home cooks looking to recreate these dishes in their own kitchen. From the best ways to prepare eggplant to the secret to creating a fluffy whipped cream cheese, viewers will learn valuable skills and techniques that they can apply to a wide range of recipes. With their expert guidance, viewers will be able to reimagine classic Italian-American dishes with a modern twist.

Description
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  • First Aired
    October 20, 2018
  • Content Rating
    TV-G
  • Runtime
    23 min
  • Language
    English