Cook's Country Season 14 Episode 8 Thanksgiving Simplified

In this season 14 episode 8 of Cook's Country titled "Thanksgiving Simplified," the hosts take on the daunting task of simplifying the classic Thanksgiving meal. The episode begins with an in-depth discussion on turkey and how to create the perfect brine that ensures the meat stays moist and flavorful during cooking. Using a combination of herbs, salt, and sugar, the Cook's Country team suggests soaking the turkey in the brine overnight for the best results.

Next, the team tackles the side dishes, focusing on two classic dishes that can be intimidating for many bakers: pie and gravy. To make pumpkin pie less daunting, Cook's Country suggests using a twist on the classic recipe by adding a hint of ginger and maple syrup to the filling. They also share a foolproof method for creating perfectly flaky pie crusts without any fuss or mess.

When it comes to gravy, the problem is often lumps and a greasy texture. Cook's Country has a solution for this by using an immersion blender to mix the flour and turkey drippings together. This technique creates a smooth, silky gravy with a rich, meaty flavor that will delight all guests.

The hosts also share a quick and easy recipe for a classic green bean casserole. They infuse the classic dish with a bit of a twist by using panko breadcrumbs and French fried onions for a crispy, flavorful topping that will have everyone asking for seconds.

One of the biggest challenges of Thanksgiving dinner is managing all of the cooking times and temperatures of various dishes. For this reason, Cook's Country suggests using a pre-made stuffing mix that can be prepared ahead of time and baked on the day of the meal. This ensures that the stuffing is perfectly cooked and eliminates any worries about overcooking or undercooking.

Finally, the team shares a delicious cranberry sauce recipe that can be made quickly and easily using fresh or frozen cranberries. They use a combination of sugar, orange juice, and cinnamon to create a light and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the turkey.

Overall, this episode of Cook's Country is a great resource for anyone looking to simplify their Thanksgiving meal while still impressing their guests with delicious and flavorful dishes. With tips and tricks for brining turkey, creating perfect pie crusts, and making silky-smooth gravy, this episode has something for everyone. By following the recipes and techniques laid out by the Cook's Country team, viewers can create a memorable and stress-free Thanksgiving dinner.