Good Eats, Best of Snacks Season 1 Episode 5 Going Crackers

In the fifth episode of the first season of Good Eats: Best of Snacks, titled "Going Crackers," host Alton Brown takes viewers on a journey to explore the world of crackers. Brown showcases various types of crackers and explains the science behind what makes them crispy, crunchy, and flavorful.

The episode starts with Brown explaining that crackers are essentially flatbreads that have been baked twice to remove moisture and create a crispy texture. He then goes on to demonstrate how to make a basic dough for crackers using a combination of flour, water, and salt. Brown emphasizes the importance of evenly mixing the ingredients and explains how to use a pasta roller to roll out the dough.

Brown then explores the different types of crackers that can be made from the basic dough recipe. He demonstrates how to make classic butter crackers by adding butter to the dough and then rolling and cutting the dough into the desired shape. He also shows viewers how to make wheat crackers by using a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour.

Next, Brown turns his attention to flavorings and toppings for crackers. He explains how to add herbs, spices, and cheese to the basic dough recipe to create different flavor profiles. Brown also demonstrates how to add toppings like seeds, salt, and pepper to the tops of the crackers before baking for added texture and flavor.

Throughout the episode, Brown shares tips and tricks for achieving the perfect crispness in crackers. He explains that moisture and time are the biggest enemies of crispy crackers and demonstrates how to control both factors during the baking process. Brown also explains how to store crackers to maintain their crisp texture.

The episode concludes with Brown making a snack board featuring a variety of homemade crackers and dips. He pairs the butter crackers with a caramelized onion dip and the wheat crackers with a white bean dip. Brown explains that snack boards are perfect for entertaining because they allow guests to sample a variety of different flavors and textures.

Overall, "Going Crackers" is an informative and entertaining episode of Good Eats: Best of Snacks that is sure to inspire viewers to get creative in the kitchen and make their own delicious crackers. With Alton Brown as their guide, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the science behind what makes crackers so unique and learn how to make them at home with ease.