Cook's Country Season 15 Episode 8 Pennsylvanian Melting Pot
- October 22, 2022
In Cook's Country season 15 episode 8, titled "Pennsylvanian Melting Pot," the team ventures into the heart of Pennsylvania to explore the state's diverse culinary traditions.
The episode kicks off with a visit to the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, where host Bridget Lancaster checks out some of the market's most popular food stalls. From juicy roast beef sandwiches to buttery shoofly pies, Bridget explores the market's vast array of classic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes.
Next, the Cook's Country team explores the state's coal country, where they visit a historic coal mine to learn about the region's mining and culinary history. They then head to a local diner to sample one of the area's most beloved dishes: the coal region staple known as the "Tray."
Moving on to the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside, Bridget takes viewers inside the world of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. She visits a farmstead to learn the secrets of making classic dishes like chicken pot pie and apple dumplings. She even tries her hand at making chow chow, a pickled vegetable relish that's a staple in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine.
Back in the kitchen, the Cook's Country team sets out to create their own versions of some of Pennsylvania's most iconic dishes. First up is the Tray, a layered dish of mashed potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and a hearty meat and vegetable sauce. The team experiments with different types of meats and vegetables to create their own unique spin on this classic coal region dish.
Next, they tackle the infamous Philadelphia-style roast pork sandwich. By slow-roasting a pork shoulder in the oven and topping it with tender broccoli rabe and sharp provolone cheese, the Cook's Country team creates a sandwich that rivals the city's most famous sandwich shops.
Finally, they dive into the world of Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food with a recipe for chicken pot pie. By using a mix of white and dark meat chicken and a homemade crust, they create a version of this classic dish that's both comforting and delicious.
As always, the episode ends with a taste test in which Bridget and the team sample their own creations and share their thoughts on each dish. Viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the rich culinary traditions of the great state of Pennsylvania.
