Ep 11. Motor City Favorites

In Cook's Country season 13 episode 11, titled "Motor City Favorites," the Cook's Country team takes a trip to Detroit to explore the unique flavors and dishes that are beloved by locals.

The episode kicks off with host Bridget Lancaster taking viewers to Eastern Market, a historic marketplace in the heart of Detroit. There, she meets up with local expert and food blogger, Ederique Goudia, who shows her around the market and introduces her to some of her favorite vendors. Together, they sample some of the market's famous smoked meats, including sausages, bacon, and ham, before stopping at a bakery to try some fresh-baked bread.

Next, test cook Ashley Moore takes over in the kitchen to show viewers how to make Detroit-style pizza, a local favorite that has a thick, chewy crust and is topped with a layer of cheese, followed by a layer of sauce. Ashley uses a cast-iron skillet to make the pizza, which helps to create the perfect crispy crust. She also shares some tips for making homemade pizza dough that is easy to work with and results in a delicious final product.

In the next segment, Bridget meets up with local BBQ expert, Derek Summers, who shows her how to make classic Detroit-style BBQ ribs. Detroit-style ribs are different from other styles of BBQ because they are double-smoked and are cooked with a unique spice blend that includes coriander, paprika, and mustard powder. Derek shares his recipe for the spice rub and also shares some tips for how to smoke the ribs using an outdoor smoker.

In the final segment of the episode, Jack Bishop takes viewers on a trip to a local diner to try a Detroit classic dish - the Coney Island hot dog. The Coney Island hot dog is topped with a meaty chili sauce, mustard, and chopped onions, and is usually served with a side of fries. Jack samples the hot dog and talks to the owner of the diner about the history of this popular dish, which dates back to the early 1900s.

Throughout the episode, the Cook's Country team showcases the unique flavors and dishes that are beloved by Detroiters, while also offering tips and tricks for replicating these dishes at home. Whether you're a fan of pizza, BBQ, or hot dogs, there's something for everyone in this episode of Cook's Country.