It's Alive with Brad Season 2 Episode 6 Brad Makes Mistakes

It's Alive with Brad is a culinary show with a focus on fermentation and preservation. In season 2 episode 6, entitled Brad Makes Mistakes, the host Brad Leone takes viewers on a journey of appreciation for the process of fermentation and the importance of learning from mistakes.

The episode begins with Brad in his home kitchen, where he is experimenting with fermenting vegetables. He starts by making a brine, a mixture of salt and water, and adds it to a jar of chopped vegetables. Brad enthusiastically explains the science behind this preservation method, and how the presence of salt encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria while preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. However, as Brad proceeds with the fermentation process, he realizes that he has made a mistake and used too much salt. This leads to a discussion of the value of making mistakes and learning from them in the kitchen, as Brad acknowledges that his ferment might not turn out as intended.

Brad then heads to a brewery in Brooklyn, where he is meeting with a friend and fellow fermentation enthusiast to try some homemade beer. However, once again, the conversation quickly turns to mistakes, with Brad admitting that he once brewed a beer that tasted like broccoli. This leads to a discussion of the importance of experimentation and pushing boundaries, even if it doesn't always lead to the desired outcome.

Next, Brad heads to a cheese shop to learn about fermenting dairy products. Here he explains the importance of temperature and humidity in creating the optimal environment for fermentation. He admits that he once attempted to make cheese in his refrigerator, leading to a disastrous outcome. He emphasizes the importance of a good teacher, and the value of learning from those who have experience and knowledge in the field.

The episode concludes with Brad back in his kitchen, checking on his ferment. He acknowledges that it hasn't turned out as planned, but shares some tips on how to save a ferment that has gone awry. He emphasizes the importance of being patient and not giving up on an experiment, as there is always something to learn from the process.

Overall, the episode highlights the importance of mistakes and experimentation in the world of fermentation and preservation. Brad's enthusiasm for the subject matter is infectious, and the show offers a valuable lesson in the value of learning from failures.