America's Test Kitchen Season 18 Episode 12 Italian Seafood Suppers

In season 18 episode 12 of America's Test Kitchen, titled Italian Seafood Suppers, the focus is on creating delicious and authentic Italian seafood dishes. The hosts start by demonstrating how to make Spaghetti with Clams and White Wine. They explain how to properly clean the clams and prepare the sauce with garlic, red pepper flakes, and white wine.

Next, the show explores the world of anchovies. Many people are turned off by anchovies but they are actually a key ingredient in many Italian dishes. The hosts prepare a Caesar Salad with homemade dressing that includes anchovy fillets. They also demonstrate how to make Fisherman's Style Spaghetti, which features anchovy paste in the sauce.

The episode then moves on to a classic Sicilian dish called Pasta con le Sarde. This pasta dish is made with fresh sardines and fennel, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. The hosts show how to properly clean and fillet the sardines before cooking them with onions, raisins, and pine nuts.

The hosts also prepare two dishes using squid. First, they make Calamari Ripieni (Stuffed Squid) which is a traditional Italian dish. The squid is stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese before being cooked in a tomato sauce. They also prepare Squid and Tomato Stew, which is a simple one-pot meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.

Finally, the episode ends with a refreshing seafood salad called Insalata di Mare. This salad features a variety of seafood including shrimp, squid, and octopus. The hosts explain how to cook the seafood properly so that it is tender and not rubbery. They also show how to prepare a simple dressing with lemon juice and olive oil.

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of using fresh, high-quality seafood. They provide tips on how to choose the best seafood at the market and how to properly store it once you bring it home. They also stress the importance of seasoning properly and using fresh herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the dishes.

Overall, this episode of America's Test Kitchen is a must-watch for anyone who loves Italian cuisine and seafood. The dishes showcased are authentic and delicious, and the hosts provide helpful tips and tricks that can be applied to any seafood dish.