Good Eats Season 2 Episode 3 Apple Family Values

In episode 3 of season 2 of Good Eats, titled "Apple Family Values," host Alton Brown delves deep into the world of apples and their many varieties. With the help of his trusty assistant, W, and his beloved pup, Sparky, Alton explores the unique qualities of different apple types and how to make the most of them in cooking and baking.

The episode begins with Alton providing a brief history of apples and how they came to be such a ubiquitous fruit in the United States. He then moves on to discuss the different varieties of apples, touching on their flavor profiles and ideal uses. From Granny Smiths to Honeycrisps, Alton covers it all.

With the basics covered, Alton dives into some specific recipes that showcase the versatility of apples. He starts with a savory dish, making pork chops with apples and onions. Alton explains how to properly sear the pork chops and then adds in onions, apples, and a few other ingredients to create a flavorful sauce. He also provides tips on how to prevent apples from turning brown and which type of apples work best for this dish.

Next up, Alton turns his attention to a classic dessert: apple pie. He first explains the importance of choosing the right type of apple for pie-making – something tart and firm like a Granny Smith or Jonathan apple is ideal. Then he walks through the steps of making a homemade pie crust and assembling the pie, providing plenty of helpful tips along the way. Alton even offers up a trick for preventing the top of the crust from burning.

Moving on from the traditional apple pie, Alton heads to the grill to make grilled apple sundaes. He grills apple slices that have been coated in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon, then tops them with ice cream and homemade caramel sauce. This simple but delicious dessert is a perfect way to showcase the natural sweetness of apples while adding a bit of charred flavor from the grill.

Finally, Alton returns to the savory side of things with a recipe for apple soup. He starts by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in butter, then adds in peeled and diced apples along with chicken broth. After the mixture has cooked for a bit, he blends it all up into a smooth soup and adds a few finishing touches like cream and maple syrup.

Throughout the episode, Alton offers up plenty of useful tips and tricks for cooking with apples. He explains the difference between apple juice and apple cider, how to core an apple without a corer, and even how to store apples for maximum freshness. And, of course, he offers plenty of witty commentary and humorous asides along the way.

Overall, "Apple Family Values" is a fantastic episode of Good Eats that provides a thorough and entertaining look at the world of apples. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, there's sure to be something in this episode that will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.