Martha Bakes Season 7 Episode 5 Southern Classics

In the fifth episode of season seven of Martha Bakes, viewers are in for a treat with a special episode dedicated to Southern classics. Renowned chef and host Martha Stewart takes viewers on a journey through some of the most popular and iconic dishes from the American South, offering not only her signature tips and tricks for baking but also insights into the rich cultural history of these dishes.

Starting off with a nod to the deep roots of Southern comfort food, Martha explores the world of biscuits. From buttermilk biscuits to yeast biscuits and everything in between, she shares her recipes for making perfect biscuits at home, complete with step-by-step instructions and helpful hints. Viewers will learn about the difference between using cold butter and warm butter and how to get the perfect rise on their biscuits every time.

Next up are some classic desserts that no Southern table would be complete without. Martha shows viewers how to make her grandmother's famous pecan pie, complete with a flaky pie crust and gooey, rich filling. She also shares her recipe for chess pie, a simple but delicious dessert that has been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations. With Martha's tips on how to avoid a soggy crust and ensure that the filling is perfectly custardy, viewers will be able to make these pies with confidence.

No Southern baking episode would be complete without a deep dive into the world of cornbread. Martha shares her recipe for classic cornbread, as well as variations that incorporate ingredients like cheese, jalapenos, and bacon. She also offers up some tips for getting the perfect texture and flavor every time, including the importance of using a cast-iron skillet and preheating the oven.

Moving on to more savory dishes, Martha explores the world of fried chicken. With the help of a guest chef and fellow chicken enthusiast, Martha shares a recipe for classic Southern fried chicken that is juicy, tender, and crispy all at once. She also shares tips on how to brine the chicken beforehand for maximum flavor and why using a buttermilk marinade is so important.

Last but not least, Martha tackles macaroni and cheese - perhaps the ultimate Southern comfort food. She shares her recipe for a classic version that uses three different types of cheese for maximum flavor and creamy texture. Viewers will learn how to make a bechamel sauce from scratch and how to add in ingredients like Dijon mustard and cayenne pepper to give the mac and cheese an extra kick of flavor.

Throughout the episode, Martha emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking your time to get each step just right. She also shares insights into the cultural significance of each dish and how they fit into the wider culinary landscape of the American South. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this episode of Martha Bakes offers something for everyone who loves classic Southern cuisine.