Ep 12. A Trip to the Big Easy

In season 12 episode 12 of Cook's Country, titled "A Trip to the Big Easy," our culinary experts embark on a flavorful journey to New Orleans, Louisiana. Hosts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison are joined by food critic, Tom Fitzmorris, to explore the culinary traditions of this lively city.

The episode starts with a visit to the iconic Café du Monde, where the trio tries the famous beignets - fried dough covered in powdered sugar. They then head to the French Market, where they explore the different types of peppers used in Louisiana cuisine and select ingredients for their next recipe.

Back in the kitchen, Bridget and Julia try their hand at making an authentic New Orleans staple - gumbo. They start by making a homemade roux, a mixture of flour and oil cooked until it turns brown, which forms the base of the gumbo. The hosts also incorporate andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp, along with the holy trinity of Cajun and Creole cooking - onions, celery, and bell peppers. They serve their gumbo with a side of steamed white rice.

Next, Bridget and Julia visit Boudin Bakery, where they taste the famous boudin sausage, which is a mixture of pork, rice, and spices. They then use this unique ingredient to make a boudin-stuffed chicken breast. They butterfly a chicken breast and stuff it with boudin sausage before grilling it to perfection.

For the final recipe, Bridget and Julia make a praline-inspired dessert - pecan cobbler. They start by making a sweet biscuit topping that is flavored with vanilla extract and nutmeg. They then top the mixture with a combination of brown sugar, butter, and pecans before baking it to a golden brown.

Throughout the episode, the hosts share interesting facts and history about New Orleans cuisine, such as the influence of French, Spanish, and African cultures, and the importance of seafood in the diet. They also discuss various cooking techniques, such as making a roux and grilling chicken.

Overall, "A Trip to the Big Easy" is a delicious and informative episode that highlights the unique dishes and flavors of New Orleans. The hosts' enthusiasm and expertise make it a fun and engaging watch for anyone interested in Southern cooking.