Ep 1. BBQ Brisket

Cook's Country is back with a bang! In the season 12 premiere episode, the team delves into the world of BBQ brisket, exploring the best methods and techniques for creating the ultimate smoky, melt-in-your-mouth meat.

Hosts Bridget and Julia kick off the episode by heading to Texas to see how the state's iconic BBQ brisket is made. They visit a renowned pitmaster to learn his secrets to creating the perfect bark, smoke ring, and tenderness in the beef. The team then brings those techniques back to the Cook's Country kitchen to put their own spin on the classic dish.

First up is a recipe for BBQ Brisket with Coffee Rub, which features a bold and flavorful rub made with coffee, paprika, cumin, and brown sugar. The team simulates the smoky flavor of a wood-fired pit by using liquid smoke in the braising liquid and cooking the brisket low and slow in the oven for several hours until it's fall-apart tender. They then finish the meat off on the grill to impart a smoky char.

Next, the team tests out a recipe for Slow-Cooker BBQ Brisket, which utilizes a slow cooker to achieve that same tender, smoky flavor. They use a spice rub with ingredients like garlic powder, brown sugar, and chipotle powder to amp up the flavor, and layer slices of onion and jalapeno over the brisket to add extra moisture and texture. After 10 hours in the slow cooker, the result is a juicy, flavorful brisket that falls apart at the touch of a fork.

Finally, the team creates a recipe for BBQ Brisket Tacos, which shows off how versatile brisket can be in different dishes. They use leftovers from the Slow-Cooker BBQ Brisket recipe to make a taco filling with a spicy salsa and crumbled queso fresco. The combination of smoky, juicy beef with fresh herbs and tangy salsa is a match made in heaven.

Throughout the episode, the Cook's Country team shares tips and tricks for creating the perfect brisket, from selecting the right cut of meat to trimming the fat to achieving that ideal bark and smoke ring. They also offer suggestions for sides and sauces to serve alongside the brisket, such as Texas-style coleslaw and homemade BBQ sauce.

Overall, this episode is a must-see for any BBQ enthusiast or meat lover looking to up their brisket game. The Cook's Country team brings their trademark enthusiasm and expertise to the table, resulting in a mouth-watering menu of recipes and plenty of new techniques to try at home.