America’s PBS TV channel has offered America’s Test Kitchen to its US viewers for decades. Now we can find PBS in the UK and it’s well worth investigating its programme schedule, to discover America’s Test Kitchen for yourself. The Best of America’s Test Kitchen 2013 is a paper version of he series.
This book is your very practical companion in the kitchen. It presents the year’s best recipes, equipment reviews and much more. There honestly is a test kitchen, and those recipes have truly been put through their paces, so the reader can be confident that they will work.
This is a book for those who not only want to cook better but also want to know why recipes work. The dishes listed are simple to prepare but you will learn why ingredients make good partners, as well as tips on cooking methods. There are lots of step-by-step pictures to aid the novice.
I am particularly impressed by the traditional American recipes. Country-fried Pork with Gravy is found on many a diner menu and is simple comfort food. The crust is the star here and it’s rather different from the usual breading that one finds on regular pork chops.
For those with a sweet tooth there are plenty of recipes to tempt one away from that New Year’s Resolution diet. Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies have the eponymous ingredient in both cookie and filling. The biscuits (cookies) are good enough to eat un-garnished but that filling is a delight and far too good for the kids.
The kitchen gadget review section is particularly interesting. There are products here that you might not find in the UK but those items recommended have a description of their important features and you can use these specs to find similar European pots, knives, cutting boards, oven mitts, etc. This is a handy book as reference when selecting kitchen-related wedding gifts.
The Best of America’s Test Kitchen 2013 is an encyclopaedia of food advice and all things appertaining to the kitchen. It’s a noble addition to any cookbook collection but it’s a book truly to use and from which to cook.
The Best of America’s Test Kitchen 2013
Published by: Boston Common Press
ISBN-10: 1936493306
ISBN-13: 978-1936493302
Cookbook review by Chrissie Walker © 2018