First of all, the topic was one I am not readily in the know about, so that gave the episode an added plus. Being not much of a wine or beer consumer, the details of selecting, pairing and using alcohol in cooking is a process I am learning. Having Alton give names of wines to use was much needed and I now feel better when it comes time to pick out a bottle for a dish.
However, the food quizzes on which item went well with the alcohol of choice was pretty easy.
The best part, however, was the discussion of corkscrews, with Lever Man. Those devices have been quite problematic for me in the past. I have bent one, had one that is too small, broke corks. Yeah, I real pain and I haven't opened that many bottles of wine! So, the one Alton recommended will be on my list to seek out.The winning recipe from the episode looks to be that beer/cheese bread. That is going on the must try list!
For both recipes from the episode, the lamb shoulder chops and the beer bread, head over to FN's site by clicking here.
Overall, this was one great episode for learning about using fermented alcohols, oh and how can you not like the ones when the yeasties appear? Five fine wine bottles for a great episode! Although, I liked the name on the fridge, Food Under the Influence, better for the title.
4 comments:
I really liked this episode. my only complaint is that (as a server and bartender) I was sad to see no mention of the "double hinge" wine key. it is a common sight in any server's apron and is an improvement on the classic "waiter's" corkscrew. it has an additional hinge that transfers the leverage upward rather than out to the side. cannot wait to try the bread, and hope he does spin off this episode for years!
Do you think the double hinge wine key is better than the corkscrew AB recommended?
I've messed up at least one plain corkscrew and have had to push the cork through on another bottle. I now use an old, old corkscrew my mom got from a neighbor who was moving (mom has had since the late 70s) ... the thing must be from the 30 or 40s and its sturdy but the leverage still stucks.
for speed and ease (important for me at work) I LOVE the double hinge. I have about 7 of them in various locations, including the car (you never know). but truly, for occasional wine drinkers, the 2 handled guy that looks like wings is great. I have one and have never had the problem AB mentioned. I have used the one he recommends and find that sometimes the bottom of the cork is pierced before it comes out, not good if you spent serious money on the bottle. either way it sounds like you need an upgrade :)
I know an upgrade it much needed. I've started cooking a lot with wine and need better tools. :)
I'll look it getting a better one.
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