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
Arkansas Outdoors
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
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
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.
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 1
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 2
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
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
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
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]
