Cook's Country Season 15 Episode 1 Cast Iron Everything

In Cook's Country season 15 episode 1, titled "Cast Iron Everything," the team focuses on the versatility and durability of cast iron cookware. The episode begins with host Bridget Lancaster explaining that cast iron is a favorite among home cooks for its ability to evenly distribute heat, its stovetop-to-oven versatility, and its longevity.

First up is an American classic: skillet cornbread. Ashley Moore, a test cook for Cook's Country, explains that the key to making perfect cornbread in a cast iron skillet is to preheat the skillet in the oven for fifteen minutes before adding the batter. This step helps the cornbread get a crispy, golden crust. The cornbread recipe includes buttermilk, which gives it a tangy flavor, and bacon fat, which adds richness. Test kitchen manager Chaney Kwak gives the cornbread his seal of approval, saying it's "moist, tender, but still has that great cornbread texture."

Next, host Julia Collin Davison takes on a recipe for savory cheesy grits, which are baked in a cast iron skillet in the oven. She starts by sautéing onions and garlic in the skillet, then adding chicken broth and heavy cream to the mixture. Once that simmers, she stirs in the grits and bakes them in the oven for about half an hour. The result is a cheesy, creamy side dish that's perfect for brunch or dinner.

After that, test cook Ashley Moore makes a recipe for cast iron skillet chicken with gravy. She begins by searing bone-in chicken thighs in a hot skillet, then deglazing the pan with chicken broth. She adds butter and flour to the mixture to make a roux, which thickens into a delicious gravy. The chicken is returned to the skillet to cook through in the gravy. Test kitchen director Erin McMurrer praises the dish, saying, "it's so succulent and juicy. And that gravy is almost like a pan sauce – it's super-flavorful."

Finally, host Bridget Lancaster tackles a dessert recipe: a skillet apple crisp. She starts by cooking apples with sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in the skillet over medium heat until they're tender. Then she makes a simple streusel topping with oats, butter, flour, and brown sugar. The streusel is sprinkled over the apples, and the whole thing goes into the oven for about twenty minutes. The result is a warm, gooey dessert that's perfect for a cozy night in.

Throughout the episode, the Cook's Country team offers tips for caring for cast iron cookware, including how to season it, how to clean it, and how to revive a rusty or neglected skillet. They also talk about the history of cast iron cookware, including its popularity among American pioneers and its resurgence in modern times.

Overall, "Cast Iron Everything" is a celebration of the humble cast iron skillet and all of the delicious dishes that can be made with it. Whether you're a seasoned cast iron veteran or a newcomer to the world of cast iron cookware, this episode is sure to inspire you to get cooking.