MeatEater Season 2 Episode 8 Cooking Special: Giving Thanks

In MeatEater's second season's eighth episode, titled "Cooking Special: Giving Thanks," host Steven Rinella puts his hunting skills to use for Thanksgiving dinner. He takes viewers on a journey starting with the basics, which involve hunting for the main course of the Thanksgiving feast. Rinella heads to his favourite hunting grounds in southern Arizona to hunt for a wild turkey.

During the episode, Rinella talks about the importance of giving thanks for the hunt, for the food on our plates and for our loved ones. He reminisces about his family's Thanksgiving traditions while cooking his wild turkey and several other dishes in a makeshift kitchen in the desert outdoors.

Alongside sharing tips for preparing the perfect Thanksgiving meal, Rinella also provides some much-needed insight into preparing the meat he brings back from his hunting trip. He walks viewers through the process, from skinning the bird, to plucking its feathers, to cleaning and preparing the turkey.

Throughout the show, Rinella focuses on the factors that make up a tasty and complete Thanksgiving meal. He discusses various cooking methods for the turkey, leaving viewers with a comprehensive guide on how to make the perfect Thanksgiving turkey - the star dish of the holiday.

In addition to the turkey, Rinella goes the extra mile by preparing various other sides that complement the main course. He also discusses how to cook game meat, including how to grill venison, smoke pork, and cooking different types of game birds.

Rinella's Thanksgiving special episode is perfect for anyone who wants to cook a delicious and authentic Thanksgiving feast. With his expert tips on cooking, hunting, and preparing meals outdoors, this episode is not just about the holiday feast but also about the journey, the camaraderie, and the simplicity of sharing good food with loved ones.

Overall, the MeatEater episode, "Cooking Special: Giving Thanks" is an excellent addition to the show's archive. It is both entertaining and educational, showcasing Rinella's prowess as a hunter, cook, and a great storyteller. Viewers will be inspired to consider the origin of their food, where it comes from, and how they can contribute to creating a more sustainable and mindful way of enjoying meals with their loved ones.