Ep 18. Thanksgiving for a Crowd

America's Test Kitchen is back with yet another exciting episode named Thanksgiving for a Crowd. With the pandemic making it difficult for people to gather, the show takes up the challenge to create a feast for a smaller crowd without compromising on the flavor.

This episode focuses on making a delicious Thanksgiving dinner for a group of eight people. The show gives tips on how to make the most out of a small turkey, what sides to prepare, and how to avoid overcooking or undercooking the bird.

The chefs at America's Test Kitchen start by preparing the turkey in a unique way, by spatchcocking it. Spatchcocking involves removing the backbone of the bird and then laying it flat on the roasting pan. This technique makes the turkey cook evenly and allows for a crispy skin.

The show also showcases a variety of sides to accompany the turkey. They prepare a roasted sweet potato dish with garlic and honey glaze, green beans with shallots and almonds, and roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and pecans. The chefs also whip up a delicious cranberry sauce that perfectly balances the sweetness and tartness of the fruit.

One of the standout dishes of the episode is the cornbread stuffing made with sausage, sage, and dried cranberries. The chefs go over the importance of using stale bread so that the dish doesn't become too soggy. They also suggest using a combination of chicken stock and apple cider to bring out the flavors in the stuffing.

For dessert, the show creates a pumpkin pie with a twist. The crust is made with gingersnap cookies instead of traditional pie crust, and the filling is infused with espresso to give it a bold flavor.

Throughout the episode, the chefs offer helpful tips on how to make the most out of your Thanksgiving meal. They suggest serving the sides family-style so that guests can pick and choose what they want. They also remind viewers not to overcrowd their oven and to plan ahead to avoid any last-minute stress.

Overall, America's Test Kitchen's Thanksgiving for a Crowd episode is a must-watch for anyone planning a smaller Thanksgiving celebration. The show gives great tips for preparing a delicious meal and offers unique twists on traditional dishes. The episode leaves viewers feeling inspired to try new recipes and techniques for their next holiday gathering.