America's Test Kitchen Season 14 Episode 2 A Fancy Finale

In season 14 episode 2 of America's Test Kitchen, titled "A Fancy Finale," the hosts are joined by pastry chef Anna Olson to create the perfect dessert for a fancy dinner party.

The episode starts with a discussion on how to make the perfect vanilla cream puff, with a creamy filling that doesn't become too heavy. The chefs showcase their experiments with different ratios of egg yolks and cream, and demonstrate the importance of chilling the filling before piping it into the cream puff shells.

Next up, chef Julia Collin Davison takes on the challenge of making a French classic- Tarte Tatin. The dish is essentially an upside-down apple tart, with the caramelized apples on top and the flaky crust on the bottom. However, getting the crust to cook evenly and the caramel sauce to set perfectly can be tricky. Davison shares some tips on how to create a crust using butter and lard, and how to make sure the caramel doesn't burn by reducing the heat at the right time.

After a brief break, pastry chef Anna Olson joins the show to share her recipe for Strawberry Bavarian. This light and fresh dessert consists of a strawberry puree folded into whipped cream and gelatin, then set in a mold. The result is a creamy and airy dessert that is perfect for a fancy dinner party. Olson shares some tips on how to unmold the dessert without breaking it and how to decorate it with fresh berries.

Finally, the show ends with a classic British dessert - Eton Mess. This dessert is a combination of crushed meringues, whipped cream, and fresh berries. However, getting the meringues to cook perfectly and not collapse can be tricky. The chefs demonstrate how to make the perfect meringue using cream of tartar and vinegar, and how to crush them into small pieces without losing their crispiness. They also showcase some creative variations of the classic recipe, including using lemon curd and passionfruit puree.

Overall, season 14 episode 2 of America's Test Kitchen is a must-watch for anyone who loves desserts. The episode is packed with valuable tips and tricks on how to create the perfect cream puff, Tarte Tatin, Strawberry Bavarian, and Eton Mess. The show is both informative and entertaining, with the hosts showcasing their expertise with humor and flair.