Good Eats Season 9 Episode 12 A Pie in Every Pocket

In the season 9, episode 12 of Good Eats titled "A Pie in Every Pocket," host Alton Brown explores the versatility and convenience of pocket pies. He begins by demonstrating how to make a basic pie crust and filling, emphasizing the correct proportions of fat, flour, and liquid to achieve the desired texture.

Brown then shows viewers how to adapt the basic recipe for different types of pocket pies, including sweet and savory variations. He crafts a rustic apple and cheddar pocket pie, using apples preserved in a honey syrup and combining them with sharp cheddar cheese for a savory and sweet combination.

Next, Brown prepares a classic chicken pot pie filling, thickened with a roux and flavored with aromatics like thyme and bay leaves. He assembles the pies with the filling and a top layer of crust, demonstrating how to properly crimp the edges to seal in the filling.

In addition to traditional pocket pies, Brown also experiments with more unconventional fillings, including a chocolate and banana pocket pie and a spicy chorizo and cheese pocket pie. He discusses the importance of balancing flavors and textures in these types of recipes, using the right amount of sugar or salt to enhance the filling and ensuring that the crust is both flaky and sturdy enough to hold up to the filling.

Throughout the episode, Brown also shares his tips and tricks for making pocket pies ahead of time, either freezing the unbaked pies or baking them and re-heating before serving. He emphasizes the versatility of pocket pies as a portable snack or meal, perfect for busy days or on-the-go eating.

As always, Brown's scientific approach to cooking informs his techniques, explaining why certain ingredients or methods work better than others and offering insights into the chemistry of baking. His easy-to-follow instructions and engaging presentation style make this episode entertaining and informative for viewers at any skill level. Overall, "A Pie in Every Pocket" is a delicious exploration of a classic snack food with plenty of inspiration for creative pies.