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. American Classics with a Twist
Aired 29 August 2015 • 25 min
Test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make Frosted Meatloaf at home. Next, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of frozen pizzas. And finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to Apple Pie with Cheddar Cheese Crust.
2. Muffins and Doughnuts Get a Makeover
Aired 5 September 2015 • 25 min
Host Christopher Kimball visits the Dorset Union Store in Dorset, Vermont, where doughnuts are baked fresh daily. Then, test cook Bridget Lancaster uncovers the secrets to making easier Muffin Tin Doughnuts. Then, equipment expert Adam Ried reveals his top picks for pod coffee makers. And finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison shows Chris how to make Whole-Wheat Blueberry Muffins.
3. A Hearty Fall Dinner
Aired 15 September 2015 • 25 min
Test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make Skillet Roast Chicken and Potatoes at home. Then, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges host Christopher Kimball to a tasting of brown mustard. Then, Chris shares a test kitchen tip for aerating wine. Next, test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to perfect Brussels Sprout Salad. And finally, Chris teaches a cooking class all about Secret Ingredient Biscuits.
4. Grilled and Smoked
Aired 19 September 2015 • 25 min
Test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make Barbecued Burnt Ends. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reveals his top picks for grill spatulas. Then, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of lemonade. Finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to making Smoky Potato Salad.
5. Pasta for Every Palate
Aired 26 September 2015 • 25 min
Test cook Erin McMurrer shows host Christopher Kimball how to make Pork Ragu at home. Then, equipment expert Adam Ried reveals his top picks for dish towels. Finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster uncovers the secrets to making perfect Pasta with Roasted Garlic Sauce, Arugula, and Walnuts.
6. Fried Chicken and Grilled Peppers
Aired 3 October 2015 • 25 min
Test cook Julia Collin Davison shows host Christopher Kimball how to make Latin Fried Chicken at home. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reveals his top picks for deep-fry/candy thermometers. Then, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of green salsa. And finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster uncovers the secrets to perfect Grill-Roasted Peppers.
7. All-American Sweet Dough Desserts
Aired 10 October 2015 • 25 min
Test cook Julia Collin Davison revives a classic recipe for Dakota Peach Kuchen. Then, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges host Christopher Kimball to a tasting of peach jam. Finally, test cook Erin McMurrer shows Chris how to make the perfect Kolaches.
8. Break Out the Bourbon
Aired 17 October 2015 • 25 min
Test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers secrets to perfect Smoked Bourbon Chicken. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reveals his top picks for liquid dish soap. Finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the ultimate Sweet Potato Pie at home.
9. Southern Comfort
Aired 24 October 2015 • 25 min
Test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make a regional recipe, Delta Hot Tamales, at home. Then, Chris shares a test kitchen tip for taking the bite out of garlic. Finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison reveals the secrets to another regional specialty, Charleston Shrimp Perloo.
10. Simplified Showstoppers
Aired 31 October 2015 • 25 min
Test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the ultimate One-Pan Prime Rib and Roasted Vegetables. Next, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of frozen dinner rolls. Finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison revives a classic recipe for Blitz Torte.
11. Grilled Salmon and Stuffed Tomatoes
Aired 7 November 2015 • 25 min
Test cook Bridget Lancaster uncovers the secrets to making the best Grilled Salmon Steaks with Lemon-Caper Sauce. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reveals his top picks for tomato coring tools. Then, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges host Christopher Kimball to a tasting of bread crumbs. And finally, test cook Erin McMurrer shows Chris how to make Stuffed Tomatoes at home.
12. Bringing Home Tex-Mex Favorites
Aired 14 November 2015 • 25 min
Test cook Julia Collin Davison shows host Christopher Kimball how to make Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas at home. Next, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of corn tortillas. Then, equipment expert Adam Ried reveals his top picks for tortilla keepers. And finally, test cook Erin McMurrer uncovers the secrets to making perfect Huevos Rancheros.
13. Chinese Comes Home
Aired 21 November 2015 • 25 min
Test cook Bridget Lancaster revives a classic recipe for Chicken Chow Mein. Then, equipment expert Adam Ried reveals his top picks for slow cookers. Finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the ultimate Slow-Cooker Chinese Barbecued Pork.