I finally ordered The Complete America's Test Kitchen cookbook. I am glad I waited because I ended up being able to order the most recent edition. This HUGE cookbook is full of amazing recipes, all of the extra tips and information they include in the show, and many photos of the finished dishes. I highly recommend this 1,200+ page cookbook.
The Complete America's Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook 2001 - 2024: Every Recipe and Product Rating From the Most Watched Cooking Show on Public TV
America's Test Kitchen has been a popular food show on the PBS channel for many years. They've been described as using "culinary science" and familiar cooking techniques to create delicious recipes. While I don't understand culinary science, I can agree that this is what they do. I just watched an episode this morning where they discussed the benefits of overcooking certain vegetables (eggplant, beans, and broccoli) to release certain properties and to bring out certain flavors. Each of those vegetables were releasing different ingredients. I don't understand that. But I love that they explain it briefly, while giving a delicious recipe that even I could make.
The Complete America's Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook 2001 - 2024: Every Recipe and Product Rating From the Most Watched Cooking Show on Public TV is a HUGE cookbook. It is advertised as:
- nearly 2,000 recipes from 24 seasons
- updated shopping guide for equipment and ingrediants
- notes and tips from the Test Kitchen Chefs
- 1280 pages
- Weighs 8 lbs and measures 8.63 x 2.38 x 11.25
- approximately 4.6/4.7 out of 5 stars review on Amazon/Goodreads (at the time I am writing this). It seems that deductions were related to damage during shipping and those who do not like the size of the book.
Did I mention that this book is HUGE? Some of the reviews on Amazon state that they don't like the size and weight of the book. I don't mind that. I love that all of the recipes from 24 TV seasons are included. I like the print size (not too small), the paper quality (glossy and thick), and that there are photos on almost every page (either of the recipe or the instructional, how-to photos).
Personal Thoughts:
I love watching America's Test Kitchen. I am not good in the kitchen so I appreciate how they explain what they are doing and why. I appreciate that many of their recipes are made with ingredients that I can find versus more exotic or hard to find ingredients.
America's Test Kitchen does use many gadgets at times: food processors, certain pots or pans, etc. And I don't have those things. But, there are many, many recipes that utilize the things that I already have in my kitchen.
I finally ordered this book, the newest edition, after watching a show with the Vegetable Bibimbap recipe. This is an "iconic Korean dish". Or, in my thoughts, a rice dish with good flavor and lots of vegetable options; vegetables I hope to grow in my garden this year. In the cookbook (page 572), the paragraph "why this recipe works" talks about the origin of the recipe and substituting a cast-iron dutch oven for the traditional stone bowl. I can hardly wait to try this recipe! I enjoy rice and vegetables, one-pot meals, and I like to try easy - but different - flavors.
I am so thrilled that I finally purchased this cookbook. And that by the time I purchased it, the newest edition was available. I am not bothered by the weight and size of the book. I am very happy that the tips, notes, and substitutions discussed on the show episodes are included in the book.
I hope to use this book to do more garden-to-table cooking and become more successful in the kitchen. I highly recommend this cookbook.
Related Links:
The official America's Test Kitchen website which includes information about joining and what their membership includes.
I love cookbooks, especially those that offer recipes with common ingredients. Would you believe I have never watched America's Test Kitchen? Not only have you given me a new cookbook recommendation, but a new cooking show recommendation. I'm pretty excited about that and look forward to watching the show. I'm sure I will feel encouraged to try something new!
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness, Mouse, you would LOVE “America’s Test Kitchen!” They are c plain not just the “what” but also the “whys” behind each recipe.
DeleteMs. Mouse, I think you'd love the show, as much as you like to cook and host guests. I totally think of you when I'm watching some of the episodes that they are cooking/baking things suitable for guests. I hope you find the show. I currently watch on my smart tv, on a Vizio free tv streaming app. So I'm not sure how to tell you to find it. Through the website for sure, PBS in your area, (I watched on Maryland Public TV when I lived in the apartment). I sure hope you can find an episode or two.
DeleteI also have never seen this show and will certainly look for it now since your review. What a fantastic cookbook. Imagine having every recipe in this TV show's long history. I bet you will be finding many recipes in the book which you have seen the 'cooks' on the show prepare while you watched. Enjoy your cookbook, as well as the delicious dishes you prepare.
ReplyDeletePS: I will have to ask my daughter-in-law if she has ever made Vegetable Bibimbap. I'm sure she has. She is from South Korea and cooks many Korean dishes for my son and their family. (I've tasted many as well...LOL, but don't remember this one).
Ms. Elf, I hope you find the show and see an episode or two at least. I think you'll love it! As I told Ms. Mouse, "I currently watch on my smart tv, on a Vizio free tv streaming app. So I'm not sure how to tell you to find it. Through the website for sure, PBS in your area, (I watched on Maryland Public TV when I lived in the apartment)." How fun that you will be asking your DIL if she makes Bibimbap! I can't wait to try it! But I'm not a good cook, so I hope it turns out okay.
DeleteI’m a longtime fan (for many decades) of ATK and have purchased their season compilations before. A fabulous investment for cooking aficionados.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, I'm so glad someone is validating how good ATK is. I am not a cooking aficionado for sure. In fact, I'm not good in the kitchen. But their style of cooking and explaining, and many east-to-find ingredients will help me improve. I hope! haha. If they can't help me, no one can!
DeleteI've never seen this show, but wow, what a wonderful collection of recipes. This is a fabulous gift idea as well. For the avid cook, this one would be a hit I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an amazing and informative cookbook with a great collection of recipes. I agree a wonderful gift idea too !
ReplyDeleteFor those who love cookbooks this one sounds like a real winner. I know a few people that would love to add this one to their "collection". Thanks Dawn for sharing this with us!
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