Martha Stewart's Cooking School Season 4 Episode 12 Cheese

In season 4 episode 12 of Martha Stewart's Cooking School, the focus is on one of the most beloved and versatile ingredients in cooking: cheese. Martha takes viewers on a culinary journey exploring different kinds of cheese and how they can be used in a variety of dishes, from main courses to desserts.

The episode begins with an overview of the different types of cheese, including fresh, soft-ripened, semi-soft, hard, and blue. Martha discusses the characteristics of each type of cheese and offers tips on how to shop for and store cheese to ensure the best flavor and texture.

The first recipe Martha shares is a classic grilled cheese sandwich, made with a blend of cheddar and American cheese. She demonstrates how to make the perfect grilled cheese, with a crisp exterior and melty interior. Martha also offers suggestions for different types of cheese to use in grilled cheese sandwiches, such as Gruyere, Fontina, or Brie.

Next, Martha prepares a cheese soufflé, a dish that can be intimidating to many home cooks but is actually quite simple with the right technique. Martha walks viewers through the steps to make a fluffy and light cheese soufflé, using Gruyere cheese for its nutty flavor and creamy texture. She emphasizes the importance of properly whipping the egg whites and gently folding them into the cheese mixture to ensure the soufflé rises to its full height.

Moving on to a savory dish, Martha prepares a cheese and herb-stuffed chicken breast. She demonstrates how to butterfly a chicken breast and stuff it with a mixture of cheese, herbs, and garlic. The chicken is then roasted until golden and juicy. Martha explains that this dish can be easily customized with different types of cheese and herbs, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

For a vegetarian option, Martha creates a roasted vegetable tart with a Parmesan crust. She shows viewers how to make a simple crust using Parmesan cheese, flour, and butter, and then fills it with a medley of roasted vegetables, including zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. This tart is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining.

Martha also explores the sweeter side of cheese with a ricotta cheesecake with a graham cracker crust. She discusses the differences between ricotta cheesecake and traditional cheesecake, and walks viewers through the steps to make a creamy and tangy dessert. Martha adds a touch of lemon zest and vanilla extract to the cheesecake batter for a bright and flavorful finish.

Finally, Martha shares a recipe for cheese straws, a simple and addictive snack. Using puff pastry and grated Parmesan cheese, she shows how to make crisp and buttery cheese straws that are perfect for serving with cocktails or as an appetizer.

Throughout the episode, Martha emphasizes the importance of choosing high-quality cheese and using proper techniques to bring out the best flavor and texture in each dish. She also encourages viewers to experiment with different types of cheese in their own cooking, and to have fun exploring the world of cheese.