America's Test Kitchen Season 14 Episode 9 Revisiting Julia Child's Roast Turkey

In this episode of America's Test Kitchen, they revisit a classic dish - Julia Child's roast turkey. The hosts of the show take viewers through the step-by-step process of preparing and cooking the turkey, using Julia's original recipe as a starting point but also sharing their own tips and tricks for achieving the perfect bird.

The episode begins with a discussion of what makes a good turkey and how to select the right one - they recommend a fresh, never-frozen bird that is around 14-16 pounds in weight. They then move on to the brining process, which they say is a crucial step for achieving juicy, flavorful meat. They walk viewers through the ingredients and process for making a basic brine, which includes water, kosher salt, sugar, and various herbs and spices.

Once the turkey is in the brine, the hosts move on to preparing the stuffing. They use a classic bread stuffing recipe that includes onions, celery, sage, and thyme, and offer tips for making sure the stuffing is moist but not soggy. They also discuss how to properly stuff the turkey to ensure even cooking and avoid any food safety issues.

Once the turkey is stuffed and ready to go, they move on to the cooking process. They recommend roasting the turkey at a high temperature (450 degrees) for the first 30 minutes to crisp up the skin, then lowering the temperature to 325 degrees for the remainder of the cooking time. They also discuss the importance of basting the turkey every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide helpful tips and tricks for home cooks who may be intimidated by the idea of cooking a big bird. They offer advice on everything from how to carve the turkey to how to store and reheat leftovers. They also provide alternative cooking methods for those who don't have a traditional oven - for example, they show how to cook a turkey on a gas grill.

Overall, this episode of America's Test Kitchen is a great resource for anyone looking to cook a roast turkey, whether for Thanksgiving or just for a special occasion. The hosts offer a mix of classic and modern techniques, and their enthusiasm for the dish is infectious. By the end of the episode, viewers will be ready to tackle the challenge of cooking a perfect Julia Child-style turkey.