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. Roast Beef Dinner
Aired 10 September 2011 • 25 min
Chris visits the local butcher to learn about top sirloin. Then, Bridget shows Chris how to make affordable Roast Beef and Whipped Potatoes. Next, Chris shares the test kitchen’s tips and techniques for cooking with salt. And finally, Adam reveals his picks for multi-timers
2. Icebox Desserts
Aired 17 September 2011 • 25 min
Bridget uncovers the secrets to perfect Lemon Icebox Cheesecake. Then, Jack challenges Chris to a tasting of chocolate ice cream. And finally, Erin updates a lost recipe and shows Chris how to make French Silk Chocolate Pie.
3. Fancy Chicken
Aired 24 September 2011 • 25 min
Bridget shows Chris how to make the best Chicken Cordon Bleu. Next, Erin demonstrates how to cut a whole chicken. Then, Jack challenges Chris to a tasting of Black Forest deli ham. And finally, Julia uncovers the secrets to perfect Cider-Braised Chicken.
4. Chicken and Spareribs
Aired 1 October 2011 • 25 min
Bridget shows you how to make huli huli chicken. Then, Jack challenges Chris to a tasting of reduced-fat potato chips. Next, Adam reveals his top picks for pastry brushes. And finally, Julia prepares sticky spareribs with hoisin and soy sauce.
5. Bayou Classics
Aired 15 October 2011 • 25 min
Bridget shows Chris how to make the ultimate Gumbo. Then, Jack challenges Chris to a tasting of long-grain white rice. And finally, Julia updates a lost recipe and shows Chris how to make Lane Cake.
6. Retro Desserts
Aired 22 October 2011 • 25 min
Bridget uncovers the secrets to perfect Banana Pudding. Then, Adam reveals his top picks for fine- mesh strainers. And finally, Erin updates a lost recipe and shows Chris how to make the ultimate Chiffon Cake.
7. Family Favorites
Aired 29 October 2011 • 25 min
Bridget reveals how to make the ultimate Swiss Steak. Then, Jack challenges Chris to a tasting of tomato paste. Next, Adam reveals his top picks for immersion blenders. And finally, Julia revives a classic recipe for Baked Potato Fans.
8. Not Just for Kids
Aired 5 November 2011 • 25 min
Bridget shows Chris how to make the ultimate Chicken Nuggets at home. Then, Jack challenges Chris to a tasting of yellow mustard. Next, Adam reveals his top picks for broiler-safe cooking dishes. And finally, Julia uncovers the secrets to perfect Tomato Mac and Cheese.
9. Fried Chicken and Biscuits
Aired 12 November 2011 • 25 min
Chris and Bridget visit Princes in Nashville to try their famous Nashville Hot Chicken. They return to the kitchen determined to replicate the top-secret recipe. Then, Jack challenges Chris to a tasting of whole kosher dill pickles. Next, Adam reveals his top picks for skimmers. And finally, Erin revives a classic recipe for Cat Head Biscuits.
10. Road Food at Home
Aired 21 January 2012 • 25 min
Bridget uncovers the secrets to perfect Slow-Cooker BBQ Brisket. Then, Adam reveals his top picks for slow cookers. Next, Chris visits Harpoon Brewery to discover the best beers for cooking. And finally, Julia shows Chris how to make the ultimate Beer-Battered Onion Rings.
11. Autumn Desserts
Aired 19 November 2011 • 25 min
Bridget reveals the secrets to the ultimate Apple Dumplings. Then, Adam reveals his top picks for cake carriers. Next, Chris learns about the best apple varieties for baking at Saratoga Orchards. And finally, Julia shows Chris how to make Old- Fashioned Pecan Pie.
12. Road Food at Home
Aired 7 January 2012 • 25 min
Bridget uncovers the secrets to perfect Slow-Cooker BBQ Brisket. Then, Adam reveals his top picks for slow cookers. Next, Chris visits Harpoon Brewery to discover the best beers for cooking. And finally, Julia shows Chris how to make the ultimate Beer-Battered Onion Rings.
13. St. Louis Cooking
Aired 14 January 2012 • 25 min
Bridget uncovers the secrets to the ultimate St. Louis Pizza. Then, Jack challenges Chris to a tasting of sliced pepperoni. Next, Chris shares the test kitchen’s top pizza gadgets. And finally, Julia shows Chris how to make St. Louis BBQ Pork Steak.