Ep 5. Thanksgiving Countdown

In this episode of Food Network’s Thanksgiving season 2, episode 5, titled “Thanksgiving Countdown,” host and celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian takes us on a journey to create the ultimate Thanksgiving feast. With the clock ticking down until the big day, Zakarian shows us how to create delicious dishes with minimal stress.

The episode opens with Zakarian taking us through his preparation process, emphasizing the importance of planning and organization. From selecting the right ingredients to creating a cooking schedule, Zakarian demonstrates how to stay on track leading up to the big day.

Next up, Zakarian tackles the all-important centerpiece of Thanksgiving – the turkey. He shows us his tried and tested technique for roasting the perfect bird, with crisp skin and juicy meat. Zakarian also shares some alternative cooking methods such as brining and spatchcocking, both of which produce fantastic results.

Moving on to side dishes, Zakarian offers up a range of delicious and simple recipes that are sure to impress your guests. From creamy mashed potatoes to tangy cranberry sauce, Zakarian shows us how to take classic Thanksgiving dishes to a whole new level. He also offers up some unique ideas for incorporating seasonal ingredients like squash and pumpkin into your menu.

We then move on to desserts, and Zakarian’s expertise really shines through. He demonstrates how to make a show-stopping pumpkin pie with a flaky crust and velvety filling. He also shares some tips for creating a stunning apple tart, complete with a caramel glaze that will have your guests begging for seconds.

Throughout the episode, Zakarian emphasizes the importance of making dishes that can be prepared ahead of time. By doing so, you can save time and reduce stress on the day of your Thanksgiving feast. He also offers up some organizational tips, such as creating a cooking schedule and setting up a “mise en place” station to keep ingredients and tools within arm’s reach.

One of the standout moments of the episode comes when Zakarian shares his recipe for gravy. Rather than using a premade mix, Zakarian shows us how to create a rich, flavorful gravy using just a few simple ingredients. His tips on whisking and reducing the gravy ensure that it will be the perfect complement to your Thanksgiving meal.

As the episode comes to a close, Zakarian leaves us with some final words of advice. He encourages us to relax and enjoy the process of cooking, rather than stressing out over perfection. With his tips and recipes, Zakarian has given us everything we need to create a delicious and stress-free Thanksgiving feast.

Overall, this episode of Food Network’s Thanksgiving season 2, episode 5, is a must-watch for anyone looking to create the ultimate Thanksgiving feast. With Zakarian’s expert guidance and delicious recipes, you’re sure to impress your guests and create unforgettable memories.