Martha Bakes Season 8 Episode 1 Updated Classics

In season 8 episode 1 of Martha Bakes, titled "Updated Classics," Martha Stewart puts a modern twist on classic baked goods. From a savory twist on monkey bread to a reinvented popover recipe, Martha showcases how to take traditional recipes and elevate them with new flavors and techniques.

First, Martha introduces viewers to her version of monkey bread, but instead of the sweet and sticky version, she creates a savory garlic and herb version that's perfect for any dinner party. As she demonstrates how to make the dough from scratch, viewers learn helpful tips for working with yeast and shaping the dough into small balls.

Next, Martha turns her attention to an American favorite: popovers. However, she takes a unique approach by adding shredded cheese and herbs to the batter. Throughout the segment, Martha shares her expert tips for achieving the perfect popover, including how to properly heat the popover pan and when to leave them in the oven for optimal results.

Moving on to the third recipe, Martha shares her version of a classic French cheese souffle. This light, airy dish can seem intimidating to make, but Martha's methods make it approachable for any home baker. Using a mixture of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese, Martha creates a savory masterpiece that's perfect for any brunch or dinner party.

The fourth recipe in the episode is a sweet treat: banana bread. However, Martha takes this classic recipe to the next level by adding chocolate chips and chopped walnuts to the batter. Throughout the segment, Martha shares helpful tips for achieving a perfectly moist and fluffy banana bread every time.

Lastly, Martha rounds out the episode with a recipe for Chinese egg tarts. These individual-sized tarts have a flaky pastry crust and a delicious egg custard filling. Using her own spin on the traditional recipe, Martha incorporates a hint of lemon zest and vanilla extract for an added burst of flavor.

Throughout the episode, Martha shares her expertise and tips for baking success, including proper measurement techniques, the importance of room-temperature ingredients, and how to troubleshoot common baking dilemmas. Whether viewers are seasoned bakers or new to the kitchen, "Updated Classics" offers something for everyone and will inspire them to get into the kitchen and bake up something tasty.