Good Eats Season 14 Episode 25 Alton's Countdown to T-Day

Alton Brown is back to get you ready for Thanksgiving with his signature meticulous yet entertaining approach to cooking. In this episode, Alton's Countdown to T-Day, he shares his ultimate Thanksgiving menu, complete with tips, tricks, and techniques to ensure your feast turns out perfectly.

Starting with the centerpiece of the meal, Alton breaks down his recipe for a classic roasted turkey. He walks through each step, from brining to trussing to carving, and gives helpful advice on how to avoid dry, overcooked meat. Along the way, he also introduces a couple of twists on the traditional bird, including a spatchcocked turkey and a maple-glazed turkey breast.

Of course, no Thanksgiving feast is complete without the sides, and Alton has plenty of suggestions for how to make them stand out. He starts with mashed potatoes, showing how to achieve the perfect texture and flavor with the right potato variety and technique. He also shares recipes for stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and cranberry sauce, all of which he gets creative with by incorporating unexpected ingredients like bacon, mushrooms, and apples.

For dessert, Alton goes beyond the classic pumpkin pie (though he does have a recipe for that, too). He showcases a maple and spice sweet potato pie that puts a twist on the traditional sweet potato casserole, as well as a bourbon peach cobbler that takes advantage of seasonal fruit.

Throughout the episode, Alton's signature style shines through. He doesn't just give you a recipe; he explains the reasoning behind each step and delves into the science of why certain ingredients and techniques work. His explanations are eloquent, but never stuffy, and are accompanied by his trademark wit and humor.

Alton also shares tips for making the Thanksgiving cooking process as stress-free as possible. He talks about prepping as much as possible in advance, using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, and enlisting guests to help with tasks like washing dishes and setting the table.

In addition to his recipes and tips, Alton also shares his thoughts on the true meaning of Thanksgiving. He talks about the importance of gathering with friends and family – even if it's only virtually this year – to share a meal and take time to reflect on what we're thankful for.

Overall, Alton's Countdown to T-Day is a must-watch for anyone looking to up their Thanksgiving game. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a first-timer, Alton's expertise and enthusiasm will help you create a delicious and memorable feast.