America's Test Kitchen Season 15 Episode 26 Baguettes at Home

In episode 26 of America's Test Kitchen season 15, titled "Baguettes at Home," the culinary experts go on a quest to create the perfect baguette recipe that anyone can make at home. The show starts with Bridget and Julia explaining the science behind a perfect baguette, including the importance of dough hydration, resting times, and baking techniques.

The recipe testing process begins with the classic French method of mixing water and flour to create the dough, but the team soon discovers that this method may not work for everyone due to variations in flour and humidity. To overcome this, they test other techniques like autolyzing (letting the dough rest), using a stand mixer, and incorporating a small percentage of whole wheat flour.

Next, the bakers experiment with different methods of shaping the dough, including hand shaping, using a baguette pan, and using a couche (a cloth used for proofing dough). They also try different scoring techniques (cuts made on the top of the dough) to allow for proper expansion during baking.

Finally, the team tests different baking methods, including adding steam to the oven during the first few minutes of baking to create a crisp crust. They also experiment with various baking times and temperatures to find the perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior.

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide helpful tips and tricks for home bakers at every step of the baguette-making process. For example, they suggest keeping a spray bottle of water handy to add steam to the oven while baking, or using a damp towel to keep the dough moist during the resting period.

The episode ends with a taste test of the various baguettes, with the hosts providing their feedback on the texture, flavor, and overall quality of each recipe. Viewers will be inspired to try their hand at making homemade baguettes after watching this informative and entertaining episode of America's Test Kitchen.