In Season 18 of AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN FROM COOK'S ILLUSTRATED, hosts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison head into the test kitchen to bring viewers equipment reviews, taste tests, and recipes for the home cook.
The skilled duo lead a team of test cooks that viewers have come to love and trust – including Dan Souza, Becky Hays, Erin McMurrer, Elle Simone, Keith Dresser, and Tim Chin – as they deconstruct recipes and reveal the test kitchen’s secrets to foolproof cooking at home.
This season, the ATK cast grills chicken drumsticks and swordfish skewers, harnesses the power of science to make stovetop macaroni and cheese and roasted beef tenderloin, and shares the secrets behind several dishes, including authentic pad thai, the easiest ever broiled chicken, and perfect chocolate sheet cake.
They also demonstrate how to perfect classic dishes of the Mediterranean diet and master vegan food that even non-vegans will love.
EPISODE GUIDE:
Episode 1: “Grown Up Comfort Classics” airs Saturday, April 14 at 2 p.m. - Hosts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison unlock the secrets to simple stovetop macaroni and cheese. In the Equipment Corner, expert Adam Ried reveals his top pick for large saucepans, and gadget critic Lisa McManus reviews lid holders. Science expert Dan Souza explains the proper way to use a whisk, and test cook Becky Hays makes host Julia Collin Davison the perfect turkey meatloaf with ketchup-brown sugar glaze.
Episode 2: “Flavors Of Thailand” airs Saturday, April 21 at 2 p.m. - Bridget and Julia unlock the secrets to everyday pad thai, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Bridget to a tasting of coconut milk, gadget critic Lisa McManus reviews electric kettles, and test cook Elle Simone makes Julia the ultimate panang beef curry.
Episode 3: “How To Roast Everything” airs Saturday, April 28 at 2 p.m. - Bridget and Julia teach viewers how to make the ultimate beef tenderloin with smoky potatoes and persillade relish. Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Bridget to a turkey tasting. Gadget critic Lisa McManus reviews fat separators, and then test cook Dan Souza makes turkey breast en cocotte with pan gravy.
Episode 4: “All Chocolate, All the Time” airs Saturday, May 5 at 2 p.m. - In this episode, Bridget and Julia uncover the secrets to making the perfect Boston cream pie. In the Equipment Corner, expert Adam Ried reviews silicone spatulas, and then test cook Erin McMurrer makes the ultimate chocolate sheet cake with milk chocolate frosting.
Episode 5: “Ultimate Italian” airs Saturday, May 12 at 2 p.m. - Test cook Dan Souza makes host Bridget Lancaster an Italian classic — porchetta. Next, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges host Julia Collin Davison to a tasting of ricotta. Gadget critic Lisa McManus reviews wine coolers, and test cook Erin McMurrer uncovers the secrets to parmesan farrotto.
Episode 6: “Modern Weeknight Meals” airs Saturday, May 19 at 2 p.m. - Test cook Becky Hays makes Bridget Lancaster the perfect one-hour broiled chicken and pan sauce. In the Equipment Corner, expert Adam Ried reviews blenders, and then test cook Tim Chin wraps up the episode by making Julia the ultimate modern cauliflower gratin.
Episode 7: “Vegan For Everyone” airs Saturday, May 26 at 2 p.m. - Test cook Becky Hays makes Julia the ultimate vegan pinto bean-beet burger, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Bridget to a tasting of vegan mayo, and gadget critic Lisa McManus reviews spiralizers. Finally, test cook Elle Simone makes perfect Buffalo cauliflower bites.
Episode 8: “Just Add Apples” airs Saturday, June 23 at 2 p.m. - Test cook Erin McMurrer and host Bridget Lancaster make the ultimate apple strudel. In the Equipment Corner, expert Adam Ried reveals his top pick for bundt pans, and then Julia and Bridget uncover the secrets to the perfect cider-glazed apple bundt cake.
Episode 9: “Soup For Dinner” airs Saturday, June 30 at 2 p.m. - Test cook Dan Souza makes Julia the ultimate chicken bouillabaisse. Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges host Bridget Lancaster to a tasting of cinnamon, and then Julia and Bridget uncover the secret to the perfect Greek chicken and rice soup with egg and lemon (avgolemomo).
Episode 10: “Pressure Cooker Perfection” airs Saturday, July 7 at 2 p.m. - Test cook Becky Hays makes Julia the fastest-ever farmhouse chicken noodle soup in the pressure cooker. Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Bridget to a tasting of gruyere, and science expert Dan Souza reveals the science behind pressure cookers. Finally, test cook Elle Simone makes the perfect pressure-cooker pot roast.
Episode 11: “Diner-Style Favorites With A Twist” airs Saturday, July 14 at 2 p.m. - Julia and Bridget uncover the secrets to making the ultimate Italian-style turkey meatballs. In the Equipment Corner, expert Adam Ried reviews dry storage containers, science expert Dan Souza reveals the science behind kale’s unique flavor, and test cook Becky Hays makes Julia the perfect kale Caesar salad.
Episode 12: “Italian Seafood Suppers” airs Saturday, July 21 at 2 p.m. - Bridget and Julia uncover the secrets to making perfect linguine allo scoglio. Equipment expert Adam Ried reveals his top pick for manual pasta machines, and then gadget critic Lisa McManus reviews restaurant tools that every home cook should use. Finally, test cook Becky Hays makes Bridget an Italian classic: Tuscan shrimp and beans.
Episode 13: “Mexican Dinner Party” airs Saturday, July 28 at 2 p.m. - In this episode, Bridget and Julia uncover the secrets to the ultimate tamales with red chicken chili, and then, test cook Dan Souza makes Julia perfect chorizo and potato tacos.
Episode 14: “Mediterranean Sweets” airs Saturday, Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. - Test cook Dan Souza makes Bridget the ultimate olive oil cake. Then, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Julia to a tasting of premium extra virgin olive oil. Gadget critic Lisa McManus reveals her favorite (and least favorite) gadgets, and Julia and Bridget uncover the secrets to making foolproof baklava at home.
Episode 15: “Weeknight Japanese Suppers” airs Saturday, Aug. 11 at 2 p.m. - Hosts Julia Collin Davison and Bridget Lancaster uncover the secrets to a Japanese favorite: crispy pan-fried chicken cutlets. In the Equipment Corner, expert Adam Ried reveals his top for santoku knives, science expert Dan Souza demystifies the science of radiant heat, and then test cook Keith Dresser makes Bridget perfect miso-marinated salmon.
Episode 16: “Brunch At Home” airs Saturday, Sept. 1 at 2 p.m. - Bridget and Julia uncover the secrets to making foolproof eggs Benedict at home. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reveals his top pick for espresso machines, and gadget critic Lisa McManus reviews stovetop kettles. Finally, test cook Dan Souza makes a show-stopping German pancake.
Episode 17: “Simple Chinese Staples” airs Saturday, Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. - In this episode, Julia and Bridget uncover the secrets to a Chinese staple: three cup chicken. Then, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Julia to a tasting of firm tofu, and test cook Keith Dresser makes a refreshing recipe for smashed cucumbers.
Episode 18: “Vibrant Mediterranean Cooking” airs Saturday, Sept. 15 at 2 p.m. - Test cook Dan Souza makes Bridget foolproof swordfish skewers with tomato-scallion caponata on the grill. Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Julia to a tasting of feta, and then test cook Becky Hays makes Julia a vibrant Mediterranean favorite: Egyptian barley salad.
Episode 19: “Grilled Steak and Fruit Tart” airs Saturday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. - Test cook Dan Souza makes Julia perfect grill-smoked and herb-rubbed flat iron steaks, and then tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Bridget to a tasting of mascarpone. In the Equipment Corner, expert Adam Ried reveals his top pick for tart pans, science expert Dan Souza explains the science of salting, and then test cook Elle Simone makes Bridget the ultimate fresh fruit tart.
Episode 20: “Spicing Up The Grill” airs Saturday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. - Hosts Julia Collin Davison and Bridget Lancaster uncover the secrets to perfecting a Thai delicacy at home: Thai grilled Cornish hens with chili dipping sauce. Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Julia to a tasting of tahini, gadget critic Lisa McManus reviews grill tongs, and test cook Dan Souza makes the ultimate grilled pita stuffed with lamb.
Episode 21: “Pork Chops And Corn Fritters, Perfected” airs Saturday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. - Julia and Bridget uncover the secrets to making perfect pan-seared thick-cut boneless pork chops. Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Julia to a tasting of white wine vinegar, and then test cook Keith Dresser makes Bridget foolproof corn fritters.
Episode 22: “Chinese Classics” airs Saturday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. - Bridget and Julia reveal the secrets to making the ultimate Chinese barbecued pork at home. In the Equipment Corner, expert Adam Ried reveals his top picks for wire racks and rimmed baking sheets, and then test cook Dan Souza makes a perfect recipe for Sichuan braised tofu with beef (mapo tofu).
Episode 23: “Summer Cookout” airs Saturday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. - Test cook Dan Souza makes Julia perfect spice-rubbed chicken drumsticks on the grill. Equipment expert Adam Ried reveals his top pick for baking peels, and test cook Erin McMurrer makes the ultimate New England baked beans.
Episode 24: “To Meat Or Not to Meat (Sauce)” airs Saturday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. - Hosts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison uncover the secrets to making a weeknight-friendly recipe for tagliatelle with bolognese sauce. Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Bridget to a tasting of crushed tomatoes, science expert Dan Souza explains the surprising science behind why you cannot overcook mushrooms, and then test cook Becky Hays makes the ultimate meatless “meat” sauce.
Episode 25: “Elegant Desserts” airs Saturday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. - In this episode, Julia and Bridget uncover the secrets to the most decadent bar cookie recipe: millionaire’s shortbread. Equipment expert Adam Ried reveals his top pick for serrated knives, and test cook Elle Simone makes Bridget the ultimate gateau Breton with apricot filling.
Episode 26: “Pub-Style Favorites, Revisited” airs Saturday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. - Bridget and Julia uncover the secrets to making the ultimate pub-style steak and ale pie at home, test cook Keith Dresser makes perfect Boston brown bread, and in the Equipment Corner, Adam Ried reveals his top pick for knife blocks.
Distributed by American Public Television.
