Review: Martha Stewart's Cooking School

When I first started watching Martha on the [old] Martha Stewart Living television show, one of the first things I enjoyed was the clear, concise, instruction Martha provided for each project or task.  Long time viewers who enjoyed the “Living” format will rejoice with Martha Stewart’s Cooking School. 

 The new PBS series, which debuted October 6, is a throwback to what Martha does best on camera – teach.  Each weekly episode is focused on a particular cooking skill.  This show is a wonderful visual how-to follow up to the best-selling book, “Martha Stewart’s Cooking School”, published several years ago. 

 Season one of the show was filmed on the former “Martha Stewart Show” set, with new backdrops of the countryside in the kitchen window.  The way the show is filmed, again, reminds me of the former “Living” production.
 

 Martha’s instruction is clear.  There is nothing standing in the way (such as idle chatter with celebrities) of Martha’s teaching.  It’s refreshing, it’s well done, and it’s informative for even the advanced home cook. 

 When I first learned of the show last summer, I was less than enthusiastic.  I wasn’t sure there was a need for yet another “cooking show.”  While I enjoy watching such shows, there seemed to be such saturation in the market, and I feared that Cooking School would get lost in the sauce (every pun intended).  After watching the first three episodes, I take back my early reservation!  This show is a standout!

 You can watch Martha Stewart’s Cooking School on most local PBS stations.  Check your local listings for weekend time/dates.