Cooking on the Wild Side
| Cooking on the Wild Side | |
|---|---|
| Starring | John Philpot Phyllis Speer |
| No. of seasons | 7 |
Cooking on the Wild Side is a cooking show hosted by Phyllis Speer and John Philpot on the Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) and produced by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.[1] The show was originally part of Arkansas Outdoors, and featured many cooking segments from that series alongside new content.
Phyllis Speer and John Philpot have co-hosted together for over 18 years,[2] first on Arkansas Outdoors and then on Cooking on the Wild Side. Speer is known for her work in education, and a member of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Hall of Fame.[3][4] John Philpot is a "longtime regular on Arkansas radio and television programs," known for his work in education and agriculture. He is also a member of the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame.[5][6][7]
There was a reunion episode of its hosts (with all new content) in 2013.[8]
Series evolution
[edit]Arkansas Outdoors
[edit]Cooking on the Wild Side was originally part of Arkansas Outdoors, in which hosts Phyllis Speer and John Philpot played similar roles. Arkansas Outdoors began in 1991, and gained national exposure beyond AETN to include Versus Cable Television (previously known as Outdoor Life Network).[9] Arkansas Outdoors was "produced by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission with the intention of showcasing the natural beauty of Arkansas and the many sporting and nature activities available in the wild, each segment concludes with Speer sharing a recipe or two, using her cast iron cookery."[10]
Arkansas Outdoors production stopped in early 2011, although Cooking on the Wild Side continued.[11]
Series breakoff
[edit]Cooking on the Wild Side became its own series in 2006 as Cooking on the Wild Side: A Farmer's Market Tour with Phyllis in part "as an answer to the requests the station received for Phyllis Speer's recipes," according to AETN.[12]
It evolved into its modern format in 2012 and was distributed nationally in 2014.[13][14][15]
Episodes
[edit]Episodes showcase Arkansas wild game, how to use a Dutch oven, and the interplay between the two hosts. According to Speer, the Dutch oven is underused because:
So many people are afraid they’re going to do something to harm their pot, but the wonderful thing about cast iron is that they are very durable and nearly indestructible.
— Phyllis Speer
Previous recipes have included [16]
- Squirrel Tamales
- Curried Goose
- Venison Jerky
- Dutch Oven Enchiladas
- Venison Smoked Sausage
- Venison Grillades and Grits
- Squirrel and Dumplings
- Dove Stroganoff
Episode List and Contents
[edit]Cooking on the Wild Side featured recipes sourced from the local area, and often featured local game. Showcasing these recipes allowed Cooking on the Wild Side, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, to showcase local culture and history, as well as teaching Arkansans how to cook game hunted in their state.[17] [18] [19] [10]
| Season | Contents | Aired |
|---|---|---|
| S01E01 | Hearty Venison Lasagna with Balsamic Tomatoes & Basil and Chocolate Turtle Cupcakes | August 1, 2012 |
| S01E02 | Venison Meatballs with Yin & Yang Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Green Beans, and Apple-Pie Cake | September 1, 2012 |
| S01E03 | Pecan Crusted Tilapia with Campfire Roasted Potatoes and Freezer Slaw | October 1, 2012 |
| S01E04 | Crawfish Stuffed Mushrooms with Grilled Peaches and Twice-Grilled Potatoes | November 1, 2012 |
| Season | Contents | Aired |
|---|---|---|
| S02E01 | Venison Taco Soup, Wild Turkey and Pepper Casserole, Ozark Fricassee | January 1, 2013 |
| S02E02 | Elk Swiss Steak, Dutch Oven Garlic Rolls, Omelet in a Bag | February 1, 2013 |
| S02E03 | Venison Pizza Casserole, Triple D Appetizer (Deer, Duck, & Dove), Absolut-ly Wild Turkey | March 1, 2013 |
| S02E04 | Mary's Very Berry Blueberry Pie, Venison Goulash, Venison Pasta Sauce | April 1, 2013 |
| S02E05 | Wild Spring Pizza, Corn Loaf, Grilled Turkey Kabobs | May 1, 2013 |
| S02E06 | Camp Howdy Salsa, Wild Turkey Fajitas, Buffalo River Wings | June 1, 2013 |
| S02E07 | Grilled Catfish Pate, Crayfish Quiche, Tin-Can Ice-Cream | July 1, 2013 |
| S02E08 | Dove Breast Italiano, Rabbit with Mushroom and Sour Cream Sauce, Light and Cheesy Grilled Trout | August 1, 2013 |
| S02E09 | Cajun Black-Eyed Peas, Grilled Turkey Salad, Grilled Wild Turkey Appetizers | September 1, 2013 |
| S02E10 | Squirrel Chili Stew, Donna's Inside-Out Cake, Mazelle's Stuff | October 1, 2013 |
| S02E11 | Barbequed Canned Venison, Settler's Beans, Dove/Quail Enchilada Casserole | November 1, 2013 |
| S02E12 | Stuffed Elk Meatballs, Dutch Oven Cornish Hens, Sausage Biscuit Surprise | December 1, 2013 |
| Season | Contents | Aired |
|---|---|---|
| S03E01 | Homemade Onion-Bacon Dip, Elk Stroganoff Marinade, Doughnut Pudding with Rum Sauce | January 1, 2014 |
| S03E02 | Southern Fried Quail and Gravy, Roast Goose in a Bag, Ginger Grilled Chukar | February 1, 2014 |
| S03E03 | Striper Boil, Jim and Patty's Pig Newton's, Topsy-Turvy Pizza | March 1, 2014 |
| S03E04 | Sweet Potato Hash, Wild Turkey Enchiladas, Coot-A-Licious Stew | April 1, 2014 |
| S03E05 | Cheesy Turkey Bake, Venison Grillades & Grits, Dutch Oven Black Forest Cake | May 1, 2014 |
| S03E06 | Black Walnut Pie, Wild Turkey Piccata, Chicken and Olive Stuffed French Bread | June 1, 2014 |
| S03E07 | Steamboats, Ribbit’ing Frog Legs, Venison Burrito | July 1, 2014 |
| S03E08 | Ozark Fish Chowder, Arkansas Catfish Sliders, Chipotle Mayonnais, Loaded Baked Potatoes Salad | August 1, 2014 |
| S03E09 | Cheryl's Chocolate Cobbler, Venison Slow Cooker Fajitas, Doc McCoroy's Fames Peach Cobbler, Panhandler Spaghetti | September 1, 2014 |
| S03E10 | Catfish Hoagies, Honey-Pecan Crusted Walleye, Venison Sausage Balls | October 1, 2014 |
| S03E11 | Squirrel Enchiladas, Mexican Venison and Rice Supper, Donna's Inside-Out Cake, Pepper Cheese Biscuits | November 1, 2014 |
| S03E12 | Sausage Biscuit Surprise, Stuffed Elk Meatballs, Dutch Oven Cornish Hens, Ice Cream Sandwiches | December 1, 2014 |
| Season | Contents | Aired |
|---|---|---|
| S04E01 | Camp Howdy Salsa, Mexican Breakfast Eggs, Jana's Fresh Apple Cake, Apple Cream Cheese Frosting | January 1, 2015 |
| S04E02 | Venison Burgundy, Scotch Eggs, Black Bean Soup | February 1, 2015 |
| S04E03 | Mountain Man Breakfast, Stuffed Fish Supreme, Pan-Fried Trout | March 1, 2015 |
| S04E04 | Venison Steak in Scotch Sauce, Polk Salad, Honey Glazed Fish Fillets | April 1, 2015 |
| S04E05 | Smoked Dove Kabobs, Venison Parmesan, Blackened Trout, Apple Pie Cake | May 1, 2015 |
| S04E06 | All Purpose Marinade, Phyl's Biscuits, and Strawbanut Ice Cream | June 1, 2015 |
| S04E07 | Duck Jambalaya, Papaw Nut Bread, Crispy Fried Fish, Dutch Oven Blackberry Cobbler | July 1, 2015 |
| S04E08 | Farmer's Market Gazpacho, Creole Catfish, Ooey Gooey Bread | August 1, 2015 |
| S04E09 | Fish Tacos, Elam Boys Fresh Homemade Salsa, Chipotle Tartar Sauce, Venison Mexican Skillet, Blackberry Trifle | September 1, 2015 |
| S04E10 | Double Dipped Battered Onion Rings, Braised Venison in Red Wine, Lucky Hunter Venison Stew | October 1, 2015 |
| S04E11 | Grilled Bear Steak, Turkey Thigh Stew, Catfish Patties | November 1, 2015 |
| S04E12 | Fried Turkey Strips and Gravy, Grilled Veggie Kabobs, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Buttermilk Ice Cream, Black-Eyed Pea Dip | December 1, 2015 |
| Season | Contents | Aired |
|---|---|---|
| S05E01 | Jettie Mae's Panhandler Spaghetti, Baked Quail in Wild Rice, Wild Turkey Satay | January 1, 2016 |
| S05E02 | Roasted Garlic Cheese Grits, Crockpot Beans with Chukkar, Mazzie’s Fried Apple Pies, Smothered Doves | April 1, 2016 |
| S05E03 | Fresh Fruit Salsa, Goobered Hash Browns, Venison Sausage, Venison Sausage Gravy, Eggs Ozarkia, Roasted Chicken Salad | May 1, 2016 |
| S05E04 | Stuffed Catfish, Mandarin Salad, Zach's Fried Crappie | June 1, 2016 |
| S05E05 | Venison "Sloppy John's", Steamboats, Smoked Summer Sausage, Mule Skinner Chili | July 1, 2016 |
| S05E06 | Sam's Larrupin BBQ Ribs, Smoked Corn Pudding, Three Bean Salad, Donna's Inside-Out Cake | August 1, 2016 |
| S05E07 | Venison Skillet Supper, Ozark Caviar, Scented Geranium Angel Food Cake | September 1, 2016 |
| S05E08 | Cheesy Venison Cornbread, Harvest Stew, Chili Cheese Corn, Peach of a Shortcake | October 1, 2016 |
| S05E09 | Doves with Rice in Madeira, Venison Stir Fry, Squirrel Mulligan, Italian Cornbread Fritter | November 1, 2016 |
| S05E10 | Breakfast Burritos, Joe's Breakfast Surprise, Potato and Egg Taco, Camp Howdy Salsa, Mexican Breakfast Eggs | December 1, 2016 |
| Season | Contents | Aired |
|---|---|---|
| S06E01 | Cupboard Stew, Harvest Stew with Pepper Biscuits, Campfire Stew, Duck and Mushroom Soup | January 1, 2017 |
| S06E02 | Venison Taco Pie, Squirrel and Dumplings, Doc McCoy's Famous Peach Cobbler | February 1, 2017 |
| S06E03 | Venison Jerky, Ground Venison Jerky, Elk Stromboli, Venison Parmesan | March 1, 2017 |
| S06E04 | Venison Burritos, Venison Steak and Mushroom Sandwiches, Phyl's BBQ Beans, Dutch Oven Blackberry Cobbler | April 1, 2017 |
| S06E05 | Venison Shish Kabobs, Stuffed Venison Burgers, Venison Roast, Mexican Crockpot Venison | May 1, 2017 |
| S06E06 | Phyl's Hush Puppies, Hillbilly Fish and Chips, Dishwasher Trout, Dishwasher Trout, Blackened Trout | June 1, 2017 |
| S06E07 | Persimmon Bread, Smoked Catfish Chef Salad, Honey French Salad Dressing, Buck and Bourbon Stew, Impossibly Possible Dutch Oven Ice Cream | July 1, 2017 |
| S06E08 | Cornbread Salad, Creek Bank Taters, Catfish Patties, Venison BBQ Sandwiches | August 1, 2017 |
| S06E09 | Basque Bread,Grilled Dover Kabobs, Dove Stroganoff and Smiley Bars | September 1, 2017 |
| S06E10 | Redneck Gourmet Kielbasa Stew, Brunswick Stew, Spanish Stew with Olives, Potjiekos-African Pot Stew | October 1, 2017 |
| S06E11 | Wild Turkey Jambalaya, Trash Can Turkey, Wild Turkey Hash, Deep Fried Wild Turkey | November 1, 2017 |
| S06E12 | Venison Chili Cheese Dip, Franks in a Loaf, Smokey Venison Meatballs, Venison Sausage Balls | December 1, 2017 |
| Season | Contents | Aired |
|---|---|---|
| S07E01 | Company’s Coming Venison Pie, Fish with Spicy Cajun Sauce, Wild Turkey Gumbo, Smoked Trout Spread | January 1, 2018 |
| S07E02 | Baked Quail, Goose Jerky, Oven Fried Quail, Red Rice, Duck Parmesan | February 1, 2018 |
| S07E03 | Stuffed Quail with Honey Orange Glaze, Yum-O-Duck, Fried Quail with Mushrooms | March 1, 2018 |
| S07E04 | Squirrel Tamales, Curried Goose, Venison Jerky, Dutch Oven Enchiladas | April 1, 2018 |
| S07E05 | Venison Smoked Sausage, Venison Grillades and Grits, Sunrise Skillet Scramble, Mexican Breakfast Eggs | May 1, 2018 |
| S07E06 | Loaded Baked Potatoes Salad, Streamside Fried Perch, Fish Gumbo, and Baked Bass Parmesan | July 1, 2018 |
| S07E07 | Venison Smoked Sausage, Venison Grillades and Grits, Sunrise Skillet Scramble, and Mexican Breakfast Eggs | June 1, 2018 |
| S07E08 | Elk Henley in Puffed Pastry, Barbecued Squirrel, Grilled Marinated Quail, Quick Pasta Salad, Lucky Hunter Venison Stew | August 1, 2018 |
| S07E09 | County Fried Venison, Venison Chili, Chicken Chili Pie | September 1, 2018 |
| S07E10 | Venison Ragout, Bean Hole Baked Beans, Jo's Duck Casserole, Marinated Bear Roast, Orange Rind Carrots, Black-Eyed Peas Creole | October 1, 2018 |
| S07E11 | Venison Pinwheels, Arkansas Duck Dressing w/Cranberry Salsa, Cranberry Salsa, Southwest Sheppard’s Pie | November 1, 2018 |
| S07E12 | Cornbread Salad,Brunswick Stew, Smiley Bars | December 1, 2018 |
| Season | Contents | Aired |
|---|---|---|
| SPECIAL 0x1, "Phyllis and John Reunion Part 1" | Arkansas Wild Cakes with Remoulade Sauce, Succotash Salad, Apple Pizza | October 31, 2014 |
| SPECIAL 0x2, "Phyllis and John Reunion Part 2" | Butternut Guacamole, Dutch Oven Spicy Chicken Casserole, Dutch Oven Pear Custard Pie | November 2, 2014 |
2013 Reunion
[edit]Phyllis Speer and John Philpot reunited in 2013 for a two-part special titled "Cooking on the Wild Side: A Phyllis & John Reunion." The special first aired 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013 on AETN, then repeated 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15.[20] [21]
The reunion special was dedicated to the memory of Arkansas Outdoors producer, Jim Holmes.[8]
Feature on Smithsonian Wildlife Festival
[edit]On Friday, June 30, 2023, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival hosted Phyllis Speer on the Ralph Rinzler Main Stage. The presentation was titled, "Cooking on the Wild Side," and Speer discussed the show as well as her co-host as she cooked smoked trout cakes. Speer also discussed why and how trout is found in Arkansas due to unusual circumstances relating to the flow of the river and a series of dams. Videos of the presentation may be found on the Smithsonian Folklife site, as well as on YouTube. [22] [23]
Cookbooks and DVDs
[edit]To celebrate the reunion of its hosts during the 2013 special Cooking on the Wild Side: A Phyllis & John Reunion, AETN published both a companion cookbook and DVDs of the reunion.[8]
The cookbook was also titled Cooking on the Wild Side: A Phyllis & John Reunion and contained "more than 50 viewer-submitted recipes." Recipes in the cookbook included:[8]
- 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
- Fried Biscuits
References
[edit]- ^ "Cooking on the Wild Side - PBS". PBS.
- ^ "Flavor: The glory of the Dutch oven". Arkansasonline.com. July 1, 2010. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ "Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation". Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation.
- ^ "Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation". Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ "John L. Philpot - Radio and television specialist". Wcspeakers.com. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ "John Philpot - Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame". Arkansasaghalloffame.org. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ "Inside the Voice Actor's Studio with John Philpot - Lucky Dog Audio". Luckydogaudio.com. February 29, 2012. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ a b c d "'Cooking on the Wild Side: Phyllis & John Reunion' premieres on AETN Dec. 7". Thecabin.net. Archived from the original on June 21, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ "AETN - Arkansas Educational Television Network / Arkansas Outdoors Home". May 5, 2009. Archived from the original on May 5, 2009. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ a b "Flavor: The glory of the Dutch oven". July 1, 2010.
- ^ "AETN - Arkansas Educational Television Network » Arkansas Outdoors". March 20, 2011. Archived from the original on March 20, 2011. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ "AETN - Cooking on the Wild Side: A Farmer's Market Tour with Phyllis". November 4, 2012. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ "AETN - Arkansas Educational Television Network / AETN Programs A-Z". Archived from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ Spear, John Philpot, Phyllis. "Cooking on the Wild Side January 2014". Aetn.org. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "'Cooking on the Wild Side: Phyllis & John Reunion' premieres on AETN Dec. 7". AETN. Archived from the original on June 21, 2018. Retrieved May 14, 2018.
- ^ "Cooking on the Wild Side". Aetn.org.
- ^ "Cooking on the Wild Side". Aetn.org. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ "Cooking on the Wild Side with Phyllis Speer". Arkansas PBS. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
- ^ "All Seasons for Cooking on the Wild Side". thetvdb.com. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
- ^ "Cooking on the Wild Side: Phyllis & John Reunion Premiers on AETN Dec. 7". Retrieved May 20, 2025.
- ^ "Cooking on the Wild Side: Phyllis and John Reunion Part 1". Retrieved May 20, 2025.
- ^ "Cooking on the Wild Side with Phyllis Speer". Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
- ^ "Cooking on the Wild Side with Phyllis Speer". YouTube. Retrieved May 20, 2025.