America's Test Kitchen Season 17 Episode 16 Autumn Desserts

In season 17, episode 16 of America's Test Kitchen, viewers are invited to indulge in a decadent array of fall desserts in the episode titled "Autumn Desserts". This episode features some of the most beloved and traditional fall flavors such as pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, and pecan, as the show's team of chefs put their skills to the test to create the perfect autumn dessert recipes.

The episode begins with a recipe for a classic apple crisp, and as always, the chefs at America's Test Kitchen have taken a few tips and tricks to make it better than ever. First, they start with the best kind of apple for baking, and show viewers how to create a perfectly textured, not-too-sweet topping for the crisp. The recipe is then taken up a notch with the addition of maple syrup and a hint of cinnamon, giving it the perfect fall flavor.

Next, the chefs tackle one of the most popular fall desserts - pumpkin pie. They go through the process of making a homemade pumpkin puree, which is key to achieving the best flavor and texture for the pie. Using a combination of cream and whole milk, they create a perfectly rich custard filling, and offer tips on how to avoid some of the common problems people often experience when making pumpkin pie.

Moving on to a classic fall treat, the chefs then tackle caramel apples. They show viewers how to make their own caramel sauce from scratch, and offer tips on how to prevent the caramel from slipping off the apples. They also experiment with different toppings and dipping sauces to give the caramel apples a unique twist.

As the episode continues, the chefs explore some less traditional fall flavors, such as pear and fig. First, they create a delicate and impressive rustic tart with poached pears that are lightly sweetened with honey and a hint of thyme. They then move on to a fig tart, which is elevated with the addition of orange zest and a touch of brandy to give it a beautiful depth of flavor.

The episode concludes with a recipe for a show-stopping pecan praline cake. The cake is made with pecans that are roasted to bring out their flavor, and then chopped finely to create a moist, nutty cake. The frosting is made with a creamy blend of cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar, and is topped with a layer of crunchy pecan praline.

Throughout the episode, the chefs offer helpful tips and tricks for working with seasonal ingredients, and explain why certain methods and ingredients work better than others. As always, the show's mission is to help viewers become better home cooks by giving them the knowledge and skills they need to create delicious dishes in their own kitchens.

Overall, America's Test Kitchen season 17 episode 16 offers an informative and inspiring collection of fall desserts that are sure to impress any crowd. From classic apple crisp to innovative fig tarts, there's something for everyone in this episode.