About this season
A team of cooks travel the country and scour the history books to find the very best traditional and contemporary American dishes, then bring them back to the test kitchen and develop practical, approachable recipes.
Episodes (13)
1. Two Perfect Pies
Aired 4 September 2010 • 25 min
Bridget Lancaster updates a classic recipe for Shaker Lemon Pie. Then, Julia Collin-Davison shows host Christopher Kimball how to make Icebox Strawberry Pie with real strawberries. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews pie plates, and finally, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of strawberry yogurt.
2. Family Supper
Aired 11 September 2010 • 25 min
Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball the secrets to the perfectly Glazed Meatloaf and Crunchy Potato Wedges. Then, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews dish towels, and finally, Chris shares the test kitchen’s top tips for avoiding common cooking mistakes.
3. Old Fashioned Pork
Aired 18 September 2010 • 25 min
Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimballhow to make crispy Pan-Fried Pork chops. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried is reviewing vacuum sealers. And finally, Julia Collin-Davison uncovers the secrets to perfect Pork Pot Roast using a slow cooker.
4. Southern Comfort Food
Aired 25 September 2010 • 25 min
Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make a southern original, Batter-Fried chicken. Next, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of bottled iced tea. And finally, Julia Collin-Davison uncovers the secrets to perfectly baked sweet corn spoonbread.
5. Beef Meets Grill
Aired 2 October 2010 • 25 min
Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make real Texas Barbecued Beef Ribs at home. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews paper plates, and finally, Julia Collin-Davison uncovers the secrets to preparing perfectly Char-Grilled Steaks at home. Also in the episode, homemade Classic Steak Sauce.
6. Everybody Loves Chocolate
Aired 9 October 2010 • 25 min
We show you how to make two sweet-tooth-satisfying desserts: Chocolate Cream Cupcakes and Texas Sheet Cake. Then tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges host Chris Kimball to a tasting of hot cocoa.
7. Hearty Italian Meals
Aired 16 October 2010 • 25 min
We take on two Italian classics and uncover the secrets to preparing the perfect Italian Pot Roast and foolproof Baked Manicotti at home.
8. Northern Cookout
Aired 23 October 2010 • 25 min
Bridget Lancaster demonstrates how to make a state fair classic, Cornell Barbecued Chicken, and serves it with a side of Syracuse Salt Potatoes. Then, to round out the cookout, Julia Collin Davison brings a Midwest favorite home and prepares perfect Jucy Lucy Burgers.
9. The Chemistry of Cakes
Aired 30 October 2010 • 25 min
Join us as we make a perfect Lemon Pudding Cake and foolproof Angel Food Cake. Then watch Adam Ried review two vital pieces of kitchen equipment: hand mixers and tube pans.
10. Southwestern Suppers
Aired 6 November 2010 • 25 min
We reveal the test kitchen’s secrets to two Southwestern staples: Authentic Beef Enchiladas and Easy Chicken Tacos. Then, Jack Bishop challenges host Chris Kimball to a tasting of Baked Beans, and Chris shares the test kitchen’s top freezer tricks.
11. Breakfast Show Stoppers
Aired 13 November 2010 • 25 min
We update two lost recipes: Monkey Bread and Dutch Baby. Then, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews toasters, and tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges host Chris Kimball to a tasting of decaf coffee.
12. Chicken Two Ways
Aired 20 November 2010 • 25 min
Our Roast Lemon Chicken features real lemon flavor, and our Chicken Parmesan cooks entirely on the stovetop. We’ll demonstrate these two recipes, as well as conduct a tasting of store-bought Chicken Noodle Soup.
13. Ultimate Ham Dinner
Aired 27 November 2010 • 25 min
Join us as we make the best Cider-Baked Ham, then prepare two tasty side dishes: quick and easy Cornmeal Biscuits and classic Delmonico Potatoes. And in the equipment corner, Adam Ried reviews electric knives.