Ep 5. Regional Italian-American Favorites

Cook's Country is a TV show that explores the world of traditional cooking and shares delightful recipes that have been passed down through generations. The show's twelfth season, episode 5, "Regional Italian-American Favorites," presents some of the most iconic Italian-American dishes that have become household favorites across the country.

As the name suggests, this episode is all about the regional cuisine of Italy that has been brought over by immigrants to the United States and adapted to fit American palates. The episode begins with a classic dish that is a staple of Sunday dinners in many Italian-American households - the meat and tomato sauce known as "gravy" in some parts of the country.

The hosts of the show, Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison, along with test cook Bryan Roof, embark on a journey to find the perfect recipe for this timeless dish. They visit home cooks in New Jersey, who offer their tips and tricks for achieving the perfect flavor and texture. The hosts then take their knowledge back to the kitchen and experiment with different techniques and ingredients to create the ultimate "gravy" recipe.

Next up is another classic dish that originated in Southern Italy but has become synonymous with American cuisine - pizza. The hosts explore the history and development of this beloved food, going back to its humble origins as a simple flatbread. They then visit a pizzeria in New York that has been making pizzas the old-fashioned way for over a century.

The hosts then head back to their own kitchen and share their recipe for a classic New York-style pizza, complete with a crispy, yet chewy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and perfectly melted cheese. They also experiment with different toppings, including pepperoni, mushrooms, and even pineapple to create unique flavor combinations.

The third dish in this episode is a classic Sicilian dessert - cannoli. This sweet, creamy treat has become a staple at Italian-American bakeries and restaurants across the country. The hosts explore the origins of this dessert in Sicily and then travel to Boston, where they sample some of the best cannoli that the city has to offer.

Back in the kitchen, the hosts go through several iterations of the cannoli filling, experimenting with different types of ricotta cheese, sweeteners, and flavorings. They also provide tips for achieving the perfect, crispy shell that makes this dessert so irresistible.

Lastly, the hosts venture to Detroit to explore a unique style of pizza that is exclusive to the Motor City - Detroit-style pizza. This pizza features a thick, fluffy crust that is baked in a rectangular pan, creating a crispy and caramelized edge. The hosts visit a pizzeria that specializes in this type of pizza and learn about the techniques and ingredients that make it so unique.

Back in their own kitchen, the hosts share their recipe for a Detroit-style pizza, complete with a crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and melty cheese. They also experiment with different toppings, including traditional pepperoni and mushroom, as well as a unique combination of barbecue sauce, chicken, and bacon.

Overall, this episode of Cook's Country offers a delightful tour of some of the most beloved Italian-American dishes across the country. The hosts' passion for cooking and exploration is evident throughout the episode, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the rich culinary traditions that have developed over generations.