The Great American Recipe Episode 1 Recap
The Great American Recipe premiered June 24 and we can't stop talking about it. From the delicious food to each and every one of the contestants, this show is one you won't forget! Trust us when we say it's perfect for when you're feeling competitive, are looking for something comforting or want some recipe inspiration. If you haven't checked out the show already but want to, episodes one and two are available for streaming on pbs.org or tune in to your local PBS stations Fridays at 9/8c.
Now, if you're looking for some highlights of episode one, you've come to the right place. In the words of contestant Bambi Daniels, "My goodness, this is gonna be fun!"
Round One
The Great American Recipe has rules just like any cooking show, and after being told the name of the game the chefs were given their first challenge. The cooks had 60 minutes to prepare a dish that "defines who they are."
The competition was fierce in this first round, and the chefs didn't come to play.
For this round, each of the chefs whipped up a recipe that described them. From Robin's Baklava to Dan's calamari and Irma's mofongo, the food in round one (and honestly the whole episode) made us want to pause for a snack break.
Robins Baklava was nutty, creamy, wrapped in a delicious dough and truly representative of her heritage. The judges enjoyed this traditional dish that Robin executed wonderfully.
Speaking of Irma's mofongo con camarones, the judges thoroughly enjoyed this dish and described it as packed-full of shrimp. Mofongo is a Puerto Rican dish with Angolan roots. And as Irma says, like any true Dominican she can never get enough plantains, plus she loves shrimp. Check out that mofongo recipe here.
Bambi graced the judges with her Southern smoked macaroni and cheese, which they might have deemed too cheesy, but we want to try it before we take sides 🧀 Bambi said this dish is a staple of Southern/soul comfort food. Her recipe has been passed down for generations, each generation adding their own twist. Bambi’s personal twist is smoked gouda and smoked paprika. The dish highlights her southern roots and shows gratitude to her elders for what they taught her. You can find the recipe for that dish here.
And we can't forget about Dan's calamari, which received many complements from the judges, including that it's "poppin." Dan has lived in or around Providence, Rhode Island, his whole life, surrounded by its fresh seafood. He said battered squid tossed with hot cherry peppers is a great representation of where he lives and his Italian roots. You can find Dan's calamari recipe here.
Competition's Heating Up
During round one, some contestants felt the heat rising, both literally and figuratively. Mostly literally. From the stress of finishing a dish on time to the overall heat of the competition, plus the fact that it was just hot, the competitors definitely felt it. Isn't that right, Tony and Nikki? 😉
Round Two
The second round of the episode was the first elimination round of the season. The cooks had 90 minutes to make a dish that represents the region where they live. Following the judges tasting, one of the chefs would have to go home.
Throughout round two, the chefs got a taste of an elimination round. The judges circulated and taste-tested dishes, gave advice and feedback while cheering each of the contestants on.
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
Chef Brian Leigh took round two in stride and came out on top with his biscuit trio. Brian said there's nothing more iconic in his neck of the woods than biscuits. Add some fried chicken and a cheese sauce and you’ve got heaven. He said this trio of biscuit sandwiches takes you on a road trip down I-65 from Louisville to Nashville — from hot brown to pimento cheese to Nashville hot chicken, this is the South on a plate.
Round One Elimination
Unfortunately Christina's traditional Filipino dishes such as her chicken Adobo bowl didn't wow the judges enough to send her through to episode two. Christina was eliminated at the end of the night, but not without cooking her heart out and putting her all on the plate. Check out her chicken adobo bowl recipe here.
