Ep 8. Smoking and Spit-Roasting

Man, Fire, Food is a popular TV series that showcases the most innovative and creative ways cooks and chefs around the world prepare meals over open flames. In season 9 episode 8 titled Smoking and Spit-Roasting, the show explores the ancient cooking methods and traditions that are still in use today.

The episode takes viewers on a journey to discover different ways of smoking and spit-roasting meat. Host Roger Mooking visits meat experts, pitmasters, and grill masters across the country to learn about their cooking techniques and practices and how they create tantalizing flavors and aromas.

In the first segment of the show, Roger visits a meat smoker in Texas who uses a unique blend of spices and herbs to inject flavor into his beef brisket. He also explores how the pitmaster uses different types of wood to create a smoky aroma and flavor that enhances the taste of the meat.

Next up, Roger travels to North Carolina to meet a group of barbecue enthusiasts who are experts in spit-roasting whole hogs. He learns about the importance of fire control and how to maintain an even cooking temperature to achieve a crispy skin and tender meat on a spit-roasted hog.

In the third segment, Roger heads to California where he learns about Santa Maria-style grilling. This traditional cooking style involves cooking tri-tip steak over a red oak fire and seasoning it with a special blend of herbs and spices.

Finally, Roger visits a farm in upstate New York, where he meets a farmer who raises heritage-breed pigs that are specifically bred for flavors. He then assists in spit-roasting a whole pig, basting it with rendered pork fat and brushing it with a spicy apple cider vinegar-based sauce that adds a tangy kick to the juicy and tender meat.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visual imagery of food being prepared over open flames, as well as behind-the-scenes footage of meat smokers, pitmasters, and grill masters at work. With each segment, viewers get a glimpse into the passion and creativity that goes into preparing a perfect meal over an open fire.

In conclusion, Man, Fire, Food season 9 episode 8 titled Smoking and Spit-Roasting is a must-watch for food lovers and those who appreciate cooking techniques and traditions that connect us to our past. From Texas to California and from North Carolina to New York, this episode is a journey that explores the flavors and aromas of smoked and spit-roasted meats and the people who keep these ancient cooking methods alive.