Ep 7. Dishes In Disguise

In season 4, episode 7 of the popular food show, Food: Fact or Fiction?, viewers are taken on a journey through the world of "Dishes In Disguise." Host Michael McKean explores the fascinating history behind some of the most iconic dishes that have a hidden secret lurking within them.

From savory dishes that appear sweet, to desserts that are actually savory, this episode leaves no stone unturned in the quest to uncover the truth behind each culinary conundrum. Using his trademark wit and charm, McKean takes the audience on a fascinating journey through the stories and myths behind each dish, delivering surprising insights into the ways in which food can deceive us.

The episode is broken down into segments, each exploring a particular type of dish in disguise. In the first segment, viewers are introduced to savory dishes that appear sweet. These include classics like meat pies, which traditionally contained both sweet and savory ingredients and were often served as a dessert. McKean is joined by culinary experts who help explain the reasons for these mixed-up dishes, including the practical need to preserve meat and the unique flavors that developed from mixing sweet and savory ingredients.

Next up, McKean turns his attention to dishes that look like one thing, but are actually something else entirely. These include dishes like spaghetti squash, which, when cooked, resembles spaghetti but has an entirely different taste and texture. As always, McKean digs deep into the history behind these dishes, revealing how they developed and why we still love them today.

The third segment of the episode explores the world of "hidden ingredients," focusing on dishes where the key ingredient is not immediately apparent. This includes classic dishes like Caesar salad, where the anchovies are often overlooked, but are an essential part of the recipe. Viewers are treated to a glimpse of the art and science behind this type of deception, as chefs and food historians weigh in on the reasons why we hide ingredients and the ways in which this affects our perceptions of food.

Finally, the episode takes a look at the world of savory desserts. These include sweet potato pie, which is often mistaken for a dessert, but is actually a savory dish, and the famous English dessert, trifle, which contains a surprising amount of savory ingredients. Once again, McKean uses his unique brand of humor and expertise to explore the fascinating history behind these dishes, offering insights into the reasons why they were developed and why they have become so beloved.

Throughout the episode, the audience is treated to stunning visuals of mouth-watering dishes and fascinating historical anecdotes that shed light on the origins of some of our favorite meals. With Michael McKean as their guide, viewers will be inspired to explore the world of food in entirely new and exciting ways, gaining a deeper understanding of not just what we eat, but why we love it so much.