Arkansas PBS > Engage > Pressroom > 'Cooking on the Wild Side: A Phyllis & John Reunion' to premiere on AETN Dec. 7
Posted 25 Nov 2013
John Philpot, co-host of "Arkansas Outdoors" and "Cooking on the Wild Side," will make a special in-studio appearance at the Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) for the premiere of "Cooking on the Wild Side: A Phyllis & John Reunion" Saturday, Dec. 7, at 9 a.m. The special will repeat Saturday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 1:30 p.m.
"Cooking on the Wild Side: A Phyllis & John Reunion" marks the return of co-hosts and viewer favorites Phyllis Speer and John Philpot for their first new program in more than four years. During her more than 20 years with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission - and even into her retirement - Speer has travelled across Arkansas and the nation to cook tried and true game dishes for outdoor enthusiasts. Philpot, a longtime regular on Arkansas radio and television programs, continues his service as "official taste-tester" and offers colorful commentary. The special reunion program is dedicated to the memory of "Arkansas Outdoors" producer Jim Holmes.
Loyal viewers of "Arkansas Outdoors" and "Cooking on the Wild Side" will be treated to the dynamic duo making mouthwatering recipes from their new cookbook "Cooking on the Wild Side: A Phyllis & John Reunion," which also contains more than 50 viewer-submitted recipes. Recipes featured in the program include Arkansas Wild Cakes, Remoulade Sauce, Succotash Salad, Apple Pizza, Butternut Guacamole, Dutch Oven Spicy Chicken Casserole, Dutch Oven Pear Custard Pie, Bar-B-Que Potatoes, Pitchfork Fondue With Dipping Sauces and Fried Biscuits. The companion cookbook and DVD copies of the special will be made available during the program's premiere.
"It really was a hoot to get to do this again," Philpot said. "I didn't think we'd get the chance; it's been a long time.
"I want to tell all our friends who have been watching two things: thanks for contributing, and thanks for caring."
In addition to highlighting traditional game favorites and dishes with a twist, the 90-minute special provides a dose of the pair's unique brand of humor as they discuss life after "Arkansas Outdoors," Philpot's unique perspective on Speer's cooking and how Speer created some of her new recipes.
The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) is Arkansas's statewide public television network that enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. AETN delivers local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers. AETN depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. For more information, visit aetn.org, or follow the AETN blog at aetn.org/engage. AETN is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), and KETZ (El Dorado).