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. 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, 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. 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.
There was a reunion episode of its hosts (with all new content) in 2013.
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). 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."
Arkansas Outdoors production stopped in early 2011, although Cooking on the Wild Side continued.
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.
It evolved into its modern format in 2012 and was distributed nationally in 2014.
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:
Previous recipes have included
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 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.
+Season 1SeasonContentsAiredS01E01 Hearty Venison Lasagna with Balsamic Tomatoes & Basil and Chocolate Turtle CupcakesAugust 1, 2012 S01E02 Venison Meatballs with Yin & Yang Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Green Beans, and Apple-Pie CakeSeptember 1, 2012 S01E03 Pecan Crusted Tilapia with Campfire Roasted Potatoes and Freezer SlawOctober 1, 2012 S01E04 Crawfish Stuffed Mushrooms with Grilled Peaches and Twice-Grilled PotatoesNovember 1, 2012
+Season 2SeasonContentsAiredS02E01 Venison Taco Soup, Wild Turkey and Pepper Casserole, Ozark FricasseeJanuary 1, 2013 S02E02 Elk Swiss Steak, Dutch Oven Garlic Rolls, Omelet in a BagFebruary 1, 2013 S02E03 Venison Pizza Casserole, Triple D Appetizer (Deer, Duck, & Dove), Absolut-ly Wild TurkeyMarch 1, 2013 S02E04 Mary's Very Berry Blueberry Pie, Venison Goulash, Venison Pasta SauceApril 1, 2013 S02E05 Wild Spring Pizza, Corn Loaf, Grilled Turkey KabobsMay 1, 2013 S02E06 Camp Howdy Salsa, Wild Turkey Fajitas, Buffalo River WingsJune 1, 2013 S02E07 Grilled Catfish Pate, Crayfish Quiche, Tin-Can Ice-CreamJuly 1, 2013 S02E08 Dove Breast Italiano, Rabbit with Mushroom and Sour Cream Sauce, Light and Cheesy Grilled TroutAugust 1, 2013 S02E09 Cajun Black-Eyed Peas, Grilled Turkey Salad, Grilled Wild Turkey AppetizersSeptember 1, 2013 S02E10 Squirrel Chili Stew, Donna's Inside-Out Cake, Mazelle's StuffOctober 1, 2013 S02E11 Barbequed Canned Venison, Settler's Beans, Dove/Quail Enchilada CasseroleNovember 1, 2013 S02E12 Stuffed Elk Meatballs, Dutch Oven Cornish Hens, Sausage Biscuit SurpriseDecember 1, 2013
+Season 3SeasonContentsAiredS03E01 Homemade Onion-Bacon Dip, Elk Stroganoff Marinade, Doughnut Pudding with Rum SauceJanuary 1, 2014 S03E02 Southern Fried Quail and Gravy, Roast Goose in a Bag, Ginger Grilled ChukarFebruary 1, 2014 S03E03 Striper Boil, Jim and Patty's Pig Newton's, Topsy-Turvy PizzaMarch 1, 2014 S03E04 Sweet Potato Hash, Wild Turkey Enchiladas, Coot-A-Licious StewApril 1, 2014 S03E05 Cheesy Turkey Bake, Venison Grillades & Grits, Dutch Oven Black Forest CakeMay 1, 2014 S03E06 Black Walnut Pie, Wild Turkey Piccata, Chicken and Olive Stuffed French BreadJune 1, 2014 S03E07 Steamboats, Ribbit’ing Frog Legs, Venison BurritoJuly 1, 2014 S03E08 Ozark Fish Chowder, Arkansas Catfish Sliders, Chipotle Mayonnais, Loaded Baked Potatoes SaladAugust 1, 2014 S03E09 Cheryl's Chocolate Cobbler, Venison Slow Cooker Fajitas, Doc McCoroy's Fames Peach Cobbler, Panhandler SpaghettiSeptember 1, 2014 S03E10 Catfish Hoagies, Honey-Pecan Crusted Walleye, Venison Sausage BallsOctober 1, 2014 S03E11 Squirrel Enchiladas, Mexican Venison and Rice Supper, Donna's Inside-Out Cake, Pepper Cheese BiscuitsNovember 1, 2014 S03E12 Sausage Biscuit Surprise, Stuffed Elk Meatballs, Dutch Oven Cornish Hens, Ice Cream SandwichesDecember 1, 2014
+Season 4SeasonContentsAiredS04E01 Camp Howdy Salsa, Mexican Breakfast Eggs, Jana's Fresh Apple Cake, Apple Cream Cheese FrostingJanuary 1, 2015 S04E02 Venison Burgundy, Scotch Eggs, Black Bean SoupFebruary 1, 2015 S04E03 Mountain Man Breakfast, Stuffed Fish Supreme, Pan-Fried TroutMarch 1, 2015 S04E04 Venison Steak in Scotch Sauce, Polk Salad, Honey Glazed Fish FilletsApril 1, 2015 S04E05 Smoked Dove Kabobs, Venison Parmesan, Blackened Trout, Apple Pie CakeMay 1, 2015 S04E06 All Purpose Marinade, Phyl's Biscuits, and Strawbanut Ice CreamJune 1, 2015 S04E07 Duck Jambalaya, Papaw Nut Bread, Crispy Fried Fish, Dutch Oven Blackberry CobblerJuly 1, 2015 S04E08 Farmer's Market Gazpacho, Creole Catfish, Ooey Gooey BreadAugust 1, 2015 S04E09 Fish Tacos, Elam Boys Fresh Homemade Salsa, Chipotle Tartar Sauce, Venison Mexican Skillet, Blackberry TrifleSeptember 1, 2015 S04E10 Double Dipped Battered Onion Rings, Braised Venison in Red Wine, Lucky Hunter Venison StewOctober 1, 2015 S04E11 Grilled Bear Steak, Turkey Thigh Stew, Catfish PattiesNovember 1, 2015 S04E12 Fried Turkey Strips and Gravy, Grilled Veggie Kabobs, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Buttermilk Ice Cream, Black-Eyed Pea DipDecember 1, 2015
+Season 5SeasonContentsAiredS05E01 Jettie Mae's Panhandler Spaghetti, Baked Quail in Wild Rice, Wild Turkey SatayJanuary 1, 2016 S05E02 Roasted Garlic Cheese Grits, Crockpot Beans with Chukkar, Mazzie's Fried Apple Pies, Smothered DovesApril 1, 2016 S05E03 Fresh Fruit Salsa, Goobered Hash Browns, Venison Sausage, Venison Sausage Gravy, Eggs Ozarkia, Roasted Chicken SaladMay 1, 2016 S05E04 Stuffed Catfish, Mandarin Salad, Zach's Fried CrappieJune 1, 2016 S05E05 Venison "Sloppy John's", Steamboats, Smoked Summer Sausage, Mule Skinner ChiliJuly 1, 2016 S05E06 Sam's Larrupin BBQ Ribs, Smoked Corn Pudding, Three Bean Salad, Donna's Inside-Out CakeAugust 1, 2016 S05E07 Venison Skillet Supper, Ozark Caviar, Scented Geranium Angel Food CakeSeptember 1, 2016 S05E08 Cheesy Venison Cornbread, Harvest Stew, Chili Cheese Corn, Peach of a ShortcakeOctober 1, 2016 S05E09 Doves with Rice in Madeira, Venison Stir Fry, Squirrel Mulligan, Italian Cornbread FritterNovember 1, 2016 S05E10 Breakfast Burritos, Joe's Breakfast Surprise, Potato and Egg Taco, Camp Howdy Salsa, Mexican Breakfast EggsDecember 1, 2016
+Season 6SeasonContentsAiredS06E01 Cupboard Stew, Harvest Stew with Pepper Biscuits, Campfire Stew, Duck and Mushroom SoupJanuary 1, 2017 S06E02 Venison Taco Pie, Squirrel and Dumplings, Doc McCoy's Famous Peach CobblerFebruary 1, 2017 S06E03 Venison Jerky, Ground Venison Jerky, Elk Stromboli, Venison ParmesanMarch 1, 2017 S06E04 Venison Burritos, Venison Steak and Mushroom Sandwiches, Phyl's BBQ Beans, Dutch Oven Blackberry CobblerApril 1, 2017 S06E05 Venison Shish Kabobs, Stuffed Venison Burgers, Venison Roast, Mexican Crockpot VenisonMay 1, 2017 S06E06 Phyl's Hush Puppies, Hillbilly Fish and Chips, Dishwasher Trout, Dishwasher Trout, Blackened TroutJune 1, 2017 S06E07 Persimmon Bread, Smoked Catfish Chef Salad, Honey French Salad Dressing, Buck and Bourbon Stew, Impossibly Possible Dutch Oven Ice CreamJuly 1, 2017 S06E08 Cornbread Salad, Creek Bank Taters, Catfish Patties, Venison BBQ SandwichesAugust 1, 2017 S06E09 Basque Bread, Grilled Dover Kabobs, Dove Stroganoff and Smiley BarsSeptember 1, 2017 S06E10 Redneck Gourmet Kielbasa Stew, Brunswick Stew, Spanish Stew with Olives, Potjiekos-African Pot StewOctober 1, 2017 S06E11 Wild Turkey Jambalaya, Trash Can Turkey, Wild Turkey Hash, Deep Fried Wild TurkeyNovember 1, 2017 S06E12 Venison Chili Cheese Dip, Franks in a Loaf, Smokey Venison Meatballs, Venison Sausage BallsDecember 1, 2017
+Season 7SeasonContentsAiredS07E01 Company's Coming Venison Pie, Fish with Spicy Cajun Sauce, Wild Turkey Gumbo, Smoked Trout SpreadJanuary 1, 2018 S07E02 Baked Quail, Goose Jerky, Oven Fried Quail, Red Rice, Duck ParmesanFebruary 1, 2018 S07E03 Stuffed Quail with Honey Orange Glaze, Yum-O-Duck, Fried Quail with MushroomsMarch 1, 2018 S07E04 Squirrel Tamales, Curried Goose, Venison Jerky, Dutch Oven EnchiladasApril 1, 2018 S07E05 Venison Smoked Sausage, Venison Grillades and Grits, Sunrise Skillet Scramble, Mexican Breakfast EggsMay 1, 2018 S07E06 Loaded Baked Potatoes Salad, Streamside Fried Perch, Fish Gumbo, and Baked Bass ParmesanJuly 1, 2018 S07E07 Venison Smoked Sausage, Venison Grillades and Grits, Sunrise Skillet Scramble, and Mexican Breakfast EggsJune 1, 2018 S07E08 Elk Henley in Puffed Pastry, Barbecued Squirrel, Grilled Marinated Quail, Quick Pasta Salad, Lucky Hunter Venison StewAugust 1, 2018 S07E09 County Fried Venison, Venison Chili, Chicken Chili PieSeptember 1, 2018 S07E10 Venison Ragout, Bean Hole Baked Beans, Jo's Duck Casserole, Marinated Bear Roast, Orange Rind Carrots, Black-Eyed Peas CreoleOctober 1, 2018 S07E11 Venison Pinwheels, Arkansas Duck Dressing w/Cranberry Salsa, Cranberry Salsa, Southwest Sheppard's PieNovember 1, 2018 S07E12 Cornbread Salad, Brunswick Stew, Smiley BarsDecember 1, 2018
+Additional SpecialsSeasonContentsAiredSPECIAL 0x1, "Phyllis and John Reunion Part 1" Arkansas Wild Cakes with Remoulade Sauce, Succotash Salad, Apple PizzaOctober 31, 2014 SPECIAL 0x2, "Phyllis and John Reunion Part 2"Butternut Guacamole, Dutch Oven Spicy Chicken Casserole, Dutch Oven Pear Custard PieNovember 2, 2014
2013 Reunion 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.
The reunion special was dedicated to the memory of Arkansas Outdoors producer, Jim Holmes.
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.
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.