Ep 10. Pennsylvania Dutch Country

In season 13 episode 10 of Cook's Country, titled Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the show's hosts take a culinary tour of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, a region famous for its hearty German-inspired food culture. The episode opens with a demonstration of making traditional schnitzel and spaetzle, a dish made of breaded and fried pork cutlets served over egg noodles. The hosts note that this quintessential Pennsylvania Dutch dish has its roots in both German and Austrian cuisine and is a favorite in the region.

Next, the hosts visit a local family farm to learn about raising heritage chickens and eggs. The farmer shares tips for finding the freshest and best-tasting eggs and explains why heritage chicken breeds produce the most flavorful meat. The hosts then try their hand at making deviled eggs and a classic chicken pot pie, highlighting the importance of using homemade stock for maximum flavor.

In another segment, the show's cooks explore the history of the shoofly pie, a molasses-based dessert that has been a staple in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine for centuries. They visit a bakery that specializes in shoofly pie to learn about its origins and try their own version with a twist – adding crumb topping and chocolate chunks for a modern update.

Moving on to entrees, the hosts showcase two classic dishes with a twist. First, they prepare a slow-cooker version of ham and bean soup, a comfort food that is perfect for chilly winter days. They add collard greens for a southern twist and serve it with homemade cornbread. Then, they whip up a classic meatloaf, but use turkey instead of beef for a leaner version. They also infuse it with classic Pennsylvania Dutch flavors by adding sauerkraut and whole-grain mustard.

Finally, the episode ends with a dessert segment featuring a unique and flavorful take on the classic apple dumpling. Instead of a pie crust, the hosts wrap the apple in a flaky puff pastry and serve it with a rich caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. They also visit an apple cider mill to learn about the importance of fresh-pressed cider in traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cooking.

Throughout the episode, the hosts share interesting facts and history about the cuisine and culture of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. They highlight the importance of using fresh, local ingredients and showcase traditional recipes with a modern twist. This episode of Cook's Country is perfect for anyone looking to explore the rich food culture of Pennsylvania Dutch Country and learn about the history and traditions behind the dishes.