America's Test Kitchen From Cook's Illustrated Season 14, Episode 23: Summertime Desserts

1

Meat and Potatoes with Panache

Host Christopher Kimball goes into the test kitchen to learn how to create an updated French classic, Modern Beef Burgundy, with test cook Becky Hays. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews potato ricers in the Equipment Corner. Then, test cook Bridget Lancaster shows Chris how to make Braised Red Potatoes with Lemon and Chives. And finally, Chris reveals the science behind potato starch.

25 min

2

A Fancy Finale

Test cook Julia Collin Davison shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the ultimate dessert, Chocolate-Espresso Dacquoise. Chris then reveals the science behind egg whites. and finally, Chris answers viewer questions in Letters to the Editor.

25 min

3

Three Ways with Eggs

Test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to the best Soft-Cooked Eggs. Then, test cook Bryan Roof shows host Christopher Kimball how to make a Classic Fluffy Omelet. Next, gadget expert Lisa McManus reveals her favorite egg gadgets, and finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster demonstrates how to make Perfect Fried Eggs.

25 min

4

A Modern Take on Pizza and Grilled Cheese

Test cook Dan Souza shows host Christopher Kimball how to make a great Thin-Crust Whole-Wheat Pizza with Garlic Oil, Three cheeses, and Basil at home, and gadget expert Lisa McManus reveals her favorite pizza gadgets. Next, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of goat cheese. And finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster uncovers the secrets to the Ultimate Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Cheddar and Shallot.

25 min

5

French-Style Dutch Oven Dinners

Test cook Bridget Lancaster uncovers the secrets to French-Style Chicken and Stuffing in a Pot. Then, host Christopher Kimball answers cooking questions in Letters to the Editor. And finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison shows Chris how to make a French-Style Pork Stew at home.

25 min

6

From an Italian Bakery

Man on the street Doc Willoughby visits Lakota Bakery just outside of Boston, to learn all about Florentine lace cookies from a pro. Then, in the test kitchen, test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make Florentine Lace Cookies at home. Next, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of coffee. And finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to the ultimate Almond Biscotti.

25 min

7

Salmon and Latkes

Host Christopher Kimball goes into the kitchen with test cook Julia Collin Davison to learn how to make perfect Herb-Crusted Salmon. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews stovetop smokers in the Equipment Corner. And finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster shows Chris how to make the best Crispy Potato Latkes at home.

25 min

8

Classic Italian Fare

Test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to the Best Chicken Parmesan. Next, gadget expert Lisa McManus reviews her favorite kitchen gadgets. And finally, test cook Bryan Roof uncovers the secrets to foolproof Pasta alla Norcina.

25 min

9

Revisiting Julia Child’s Roast Turkey

Test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to Julia Child’s Thanksgiving Turkey and serves it with a perfect recipe for Roasted Root Vegetables. Then, gadget expert Lisa McManus reviews her favorite tools for making turkey.

25 min

10

Decadent Desserts

Test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to making the Best Chocolate Tart. Next, gadget expert Lisa McManus reviews a few of her favorite kitchen gadgets. Then, test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the Best Butterscotch Pudding at home.

25 min

11

Special-Occasion Roasts

Test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to making the best Pepper-Crusted Beef Tenderloin Roast. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reveals his top pick for pepper grinders in the Equipment Corner. And finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make perfect Roast Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Coriander, Cumin, and Mustard Seeds at home.

25 min

12

Let’s Start with Soup

Test cook Becky Hays uncovers the secrets to making Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup. Next, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges host Christopher Kimball to a tasting of wild rice. And finally, Chris goes into the kitchen with test cook Bryan Roof to learn how to make Creamy Cauliflower Soup at home.

25 min

13

It’s Pasta Night!

Test cook Becky Hayes reveals the secrets to Foolproof Spaghetti Carbonara. Then, host Christopher Kimball answers cooking questions in Letters to the Editor. Next, host Christopher Kimball explains the science behind proteins in eggs. Then, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of Jarred Green Olives. And finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison shows Chris how to make the best Summer Pasta Puttanesca.

25 min

14

Oatmeal Muffins and Granola

Test cook Dan Souza teaches host Christopher Kimball how to bake the best Oatmeal Muffins. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reveals his top pick for drip coffee makers in the Equipment Corner. And finally, test cook Becky Hays uncovers the secrets to Almond Granola with Dried Fruit.

25 min

15

Hearty Spanish and Italian Soups, Revamped

Test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make homemade Italian Wedding Soup. Next, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of chicken broth. And, finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison reveals the secrets to the ultimate Hearty Spanish-Style Lentil and Chorizo Soup.

25 min

16

Great American Sandwiches

Test cook Bridget Lancaster reveals the secrets to making the best Philly Cheesesteaks right at home! Next, gadget expert Lisa McManus shares the test kitchen’s tips for perfect knife sharpening, and equipment expert Adam Ried reveals his top pick for scrub brushes in the Equipment Corner. Then, host Christopher Kimball goes to Red’s Eats in Maine for one of their famous lobster rolls. And finally, in the test kitchen, test cook Julia Collin Davison shows Chris how to make the perfect New England Lobster Roll.

25 min

17

At the Seafood Counter

Test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make Garlicky Roasted Shrimp with Parsley and Anise at home. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reveals his top picks for cast-iron skillets and Dutch ovens in the Equipment Corner. And finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison reveals the secrets to making the best Oven-Steamed Mussels.

25 min

18

Elegant Brunch Favorites

Man on the street Doc Willoughby visits Hi-Rise Bakery across the river in Cambridge, MA, to learn all about brioche from a pro. Then, in the test kitchen, test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make No-Knead Brioche at home. Next, gadget expert Lisa McManus reviews brioche pans and tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of bacon. And finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison shows Chris how to make the ultimate Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.

25 min

19

Cuban Cuisine

Man on the street Doc Willoughby learns about Cuban cuisine from chef Maricel Presilla of Zafra Kitchens in New York. Then, test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make Cuban-style picadillo. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews tortilla presses in the Equipment Corner. And finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison prepares Cuban-style shredded beef.

25 min

20

Best Barbecued Chicken and Cornbread

Test cook Julia Collin Davison shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the ultimate Sweet and Tangy Barbecued Chicken. Next, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of BBQ sauce. And finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster uncovers the secrets to making Fresh Corn Cornbread.

25 min

21

Easy Summer Supper

Test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the best Grilled Lemon Chicken with Rosemary. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews skillets and saucepans in the Equipment Corner. And finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to the ultimate Beets with Lemon and Almonds.

25 min

22

Quick and Easy Rib Dinner

Test cook Bridget Lancaster uncovers the secrets to Grilled Glazed Baby Back Ribs. Then, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews charcoal grills in the Equipment Corner. Next, test cook Julia Collin Davison reveals the test kitchen’s tips to perfect Grilled Corn with Basil and Lemon Butter.

25 min

23

Summertime Desserts

Test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to making the best Summer Berry Trifle at home. Then, test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the ultimate Fresh Peach Pie.

25 min

24

Grilled and Glazed

Test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the best Grilled Glazed Pork Tenderloin Roast. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews inexpensive chef’s knives in the Equipment Corner. And finally, test cook Dan Souza uncovers the secrets to perfect Grilled Glazed Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts.

25 min

25

Grilled Kofte and Vegetables

Test cook Julia Collin Davison shows host Christopher Kimball how to make Turkish-style grilled lamb kofte, and gadget expert Lisa McManus reveals her favorite skewers. Then, tasting expert Jack Bishop conducts a tasting of hummus. And finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster prepares Tunisian-style grilled vegetables.

25 min

26

Sweet American Classics

Test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to making the ultimate Lemon Chiffon Pie at home. Then, gadget expert Lisa McManus reviews her favorite new coffee gadgets. Finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make perfect marbled Blueberry Bundt Cake.

25 min