The #1 Thing Emeril Lagasse Looks for in a Cookbook

Bam! The Piglet is back! And who better to kick off our 10-year anniversary tournament than the chef who brought us into his (studio) kitchen, week after week; who taught us to season with gusto; who showed us how to have a lot of fun while we cook: the one and only Emeril Lagasse.

Emeril makes his way through Bottom of the Pot and The Flavor Matrix, books that are as alike as, in his words, "chardonnay and pinot noir." He learns a lot from each, and in turn dispenses his own wisdom for newbie cooks.

Red/white wine preferences aside, which book will Emeril advance?

Read the full judgment here.

Got questions? We have answers.

What is the Piglet?

Which books are in the running?

How do I catch up on judgments?

Is there a handy bracket for me to follow along with?