Ep 1. Cooking-Ingredients, Technique, and Flavor

The Everyday Gourmet: Rediscovering the Lost Art of Cooking season 1 episode 1 titled "Cooking-Ingredients, Technique, and Flavor" is all about the foundational elements of cooking. The focus is on how to take the ingredients that you have, use the proper techniques to cook them, and add the right seasonings to bring out the flavors.

The episode starts with the host, Chef Bill Briwa, walking through a farmers market and a grocery store, explaining how to choose the best ingredients. He talks about how to select fruits and vegetables based on their seasonality and how to choose meats and fish that are fresh and of high quality.

Then, Chef Briwa begins to demonstrate different methods of cooking, starting with the basics of sautéing and pan-frying. He explains that these techniques are fundamental to many different types of cooking and demonstrates how to cook a chicken breast, using different techniques to achieve different textures and results.

The host then moves on to more complex techniques, such as roasting and braising. He explains how to prepare a pot roast and a roasted vegetable medley, showing how these cooking methods bring out the best flavors in the food.

Throughout the episode, Chef Briwa emphasizes the importance of seasoning and shows how to use various herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the food. He explains how to make a basic marinade, which can be used for chicken, beef, or fish, and also shows how to make a simple vinaigrette that can be used on salads or as a marinade.

The episode concludes with Chef Briwa reviewing all of the different techniques and ingredients covered in the episode, emphasizing how all of these building blocks work together to create delicious and satisfying meals. He encourages viewers to experiment with these techniques and use their creativity to develop their own unique dishes.

Overall, this episode of The Everyday Gourmet: Rediscovering the Lost Art of Cooking is an excellent introduction to the basics of cooking and provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to improve their culinary skills. Chef Briwa's clear and concise explanations make even complex techniques seem approachable, and his enthusiasm for cooking is infectious. This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to gain confidence in the kitchen and rediscover the joy of cooking.