Ep 6. French-Inspired Comfort Food

In season 21 episode 6 of America's Test Kitchen, titled "French-Inspired Comfort Food," the show explores the recipes and techniques of French cuisine that have been adapted to suit American home cooks. Hosts Julia Collin Davison and Bridget Lancaster guide viewers through a series of classic French-inspired dishes that are both delicious and achievable, without requiring extensive culinary training or expensive ingredients.

The episode begins with Julia and Bridget preparing Coq au Vin, a hearty chicken stew that is simmered with red wine and bacon until tender and flavorful. They demonstrate the best method for browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics before transitioning into the slow cooking phase, where they share tips for creating a perfectly rich and flavorful sauce.

Next up, the hosts tackle another French classic: Beef Bourguignon. This dish is similar to Coq au Vin in many ways, but uses beef instead of chicken and is often served over mashed potatoes. Julia and Bridget show viewers how to properly brown the beef and create a savory base before adding in the wine, stock, and other ingredients. They also share some tips for making the dish in a slow cooker, which can be a great option for busy weeknights.

Moving on to dessert, the hosts prepare a French Apple Cake that is simple, yet elegant and perfect for entertaining. Made with plenty of fresh apples and a simple batter, this cake is a great way to showcase the best of fall flavors. Julia and Bridget also demonstrate a simple technique for creating a caramel topping that adds an extra layer of sweetness and crunch.

For the final dish of the episode, the hosts create a Chicken Pot Pie that is a bit of a departure from the French-inspired theme, but still fits in with the overall theme of comfort food classics. They show viewers how to make a flaky pie crust from scratch and then teach them how to create a creamy filling using a mix of chicken, vegetables, and spices.

Throughout the episode, Julia and Bridget are joined by various experts and cooks who offer their advice and insights on various aspects of French cuisine. From the art of making a good baguette to the importance of choosing the right wine for your dish, viewers will learn a wealth of information that will help them become more confident in the kitchen.

Overall, this episode of America's Test Kitchen is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys French cuisine or is simply looking for some great ideas for comforting fall dishes. With easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of helpful tips and tricks, viewers will have all the tools they need to recreate these delicious recipes in their own kitchens, making it a great source of inspiration for cooks of all levels.