America's Test Kitchen From Cook's Illustrated: Season 12
Season 12 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of America's Test Kitchen From Cook's Illustrated Season 11.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 12 Progress Shield
Simply Chicken
Jan 7, 2012 · 25 min
Chicken fricassee is a classic French dish that could benefit from a modern makeover. We turn it into a weeknight meal with a bright, complex sauce and still have time to share the
Fall Classics
Jan 14, 2012 · 25 min
This episode features two fall favorites. First, we eke out juicy, tender, savory results from a bland roast in our Pot-Roasted Pork Loin recipe. Then we prepare our moist Classic
Rise and Shine Breakfast
Jan 21, 2012 · 25 min
Scrambled eggs are easy to cook but hard to cook well. We nail down an approach that guarantees fluffy, tender scrambled eggs every time. Then we serve them alongside our foolproof
Chocolate Torte
Jan 28, 2012 · 25 min
To learn more about the rich, multilayered cakes known as tortes, we went straight to the source: the Hotel Sacher Vienna, home of the world-famous Sachertorte. Then we brought wha
Pasta, Please
Feb 4, 2012 · 25 min
Join us as we make over two Italian classics. First, we minimize the fuss and the mess of cooking spaghetti and meatballs for a crowd. Then we use a few thoughtfully chosen vegetab
A Slow and Easy Thanksgiving
Feb 11, 2012 · 25 min
We take unconventional approaches to two traditional Thanksgiving staples: super-moist and tender Braised Turkey with Gravy and our crowd-pleasing Bread Stuffing with Sausage, Drie
A Latin Celebration
Feb 18, 2012 · 25 min
Peruvian chicken joints are becoming popular in the United States, thanks in part to their roast chicken with garlic and lime. We use supermarket staples and a vertical roaster to
New York-Style Pizza at Home
Feb 25, 2012 · 25 min
After venturing to Brooklyn for the real deal, we return to the test kitchen to develop our own Thin-Crust Pizza recipe. We’d gladly pit it against that of any New York pizza joint
Shake and Bake Reinvented
Mar 3, 2012 · 25 min
First, we reveal how using fewer nuts actually brought out the almonds’ flavor in our Nut-Crusted Chicken Cutlets. Then we demonstrate our foolproof method for the ultimate Crisp P
Here's the Beef
Mar 10, 2012 · 25 min
We researched the fanatical world of chili devotees and used the best of what we learned to develop a recipe for Our Favorite Chili. Then we demonstrate another beefy favorite: Jui
Crepes and Croissants
Mar 17, 2012 · 25 min
To learn how the French make their croissants so delicate and rich, we traveled to Paris. Then we came back to the test kitchen and used what we learned to develop our own foolproo
Salmon and Sole
Mar 24, 2012 · 25 min
Fish dishes make the perfect weeknight meal—if you can avoid cooking them improperly and losing their crust in the process. We manage to dodge both problems in our recipes for Glaz
Soup and Bread From Scratch
Mar 31, 2012 · 25 min
Most of the time, whole-wheat sandwich bread and broccoli-cheese soup recipes don’t taste enough like the ingredients they advertise. Our versions really taste like wheat and brocc
A Moroccan Feast
Apr 7, 2012 · 25 min
Fussy techniques and esoteric ingredients make cooking authentic Moroccan chicken a daunting proposition. Our simple Chicken Tagine and foolproof couscous take the anxiety out of p
Vegetarian Pasta Night
Apr 14, 2012 · 25 min
Even the most fervent meat eaters will love our versions of these two vegetarian favorites: full-flavored Vegetable Lasagna and bright, citrusy Spaghetti al Limone.
Cool and Creamy Desserts
Apr 21, 2012 · 25 min
Grab your spoons and join us as we demonstrate fail-safe methods for making our perfect Chocolate Pudding and our Homemade Ice Cream, which could rival even the best in your superm
Backyard Chicken Dinner
Apr 28, 2012 · 25 min
First, we move the test kitchen outdoors to reveal the secrets to our Grill-Smoked Chicken, which has tender, juicy meat and clean, full-bodied smoke flavor. Then we go back inside
Slow-Cooker Revolution
May 5, 2012 · 25 min
We demonstrate the slow cooker’s versatility by using it to prepare three of our favorites: Old-Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup, Pork Loin with Cranberries and Orange, and Chocolate-
Mediterranean Specials
May 12, 2012 · 25 min
Our Beef Kebabs and Greek Spinach and Feta Pie recipes take two often lackluster Mediterranean staples and elevate them to the mealtime favorites they once were.
Cold-Weather Comfort
May 19, 2012 · 25 min
Join us as we share two recipes that will heat up any cold day: our Split Pea and Ham Soup, which features a rich broth studded with sweet-smoky meat, and our Easy Caramel Cake, wh
Gnocchi and Panzanella
May 26, 2012 · 25 min
Think that all potato and bread recipes have to be heavy? We prove otherwise with our light-as-air Potato Gnocchi and our bread and tomato Panzanella salad.
Time to Grill
Jun 2, 2012 · 25 min
In the summer, it’s easy to get into a grilled-burgers-and-chicken rut. Our flavor-packed Grilled Bone-In Pork Roast and tender Grilled Scallops provide the perfect change of pace.
Sweet Summer Endings
Jun 9, 2012 · 25 min
When they’re good, summer pies and cakes are a great way to highlight fresh produce. But when they’re bad, they’re a great way to waste it. Our Strawberry Pie and Summer Peach Cake
Southeast Asian Favorites
Jun 16, 2012 · 25 min
Join us as we travel to New York City to learn the secrets of Thai cooking. We return to the test kitchen to use our newfound knowledge in two Southeast Asian classics: Thai Grille
Summertime Supper
Jun 23, 2012 · 25 min
A foolproof cooking method ensures that our Grilled Stuffed Pork Tenderloin stays tender and moist, while a rich-tasting filling gives the mild cut big flavor. Our Lighter Corn Cho
Bistro-Style Steak and Potatoes
Jun 30, 2012 · 25 min
We give you the know-how to prepare this five-star meal at home. Our Pan-Seared Steaks with Herb Sauce achieves the richness and consistency of a classic French demi-glace in a fra