Mastering Simple Techniques for Perfect Results

5 Tips for Tastier Slow Cooker Meals Our 25th Anniversary Special Premieres in Most Markets This Monday! [Check your local listings today →]( [Find Recipes]( [Join Now]( [Login]( [America's Test Kitchen: Notes from the Test Kitchen]( [America's Test Kitchen: Notes from the Test Kitchen]( [For layout only]( [A collection of recipes from this newsletter and images of the America's Test Kitchen cast]( Good Technique Can Be So Simple [Jack Bishop's Headshot]( [Jack Bishop]( Senior Content Advisor For 25 years, the America’s Test Kitchen television show has been demonstrating the importance of technique. Understanding core cooking principles is what separates the “sometimes good” cook from the “always great” cook. As the ingredient guy, I’m the one on our show who tells you which salt to buy. But how and when to use salt are some of the most important techniques in my culinary arsenal. When cooking onions in a skillet or Dutch oven, our recipes typically call for a little salt, which draws out moisture, jumpstarts the softening process, and reduces the risk of scorching. I definitely use this technique when cooking 4 pounds of onions for our oh-so-satisfying [French onion soup](. Soaking dried beans in a salt solution, rather than the classic plain water, helps them cook up with their skins intact. Intact skins ensure that the cannellini beans are creamy, not starchy, in our [Hearty Tuscan Bean Stew](. Want to make [restaurant-quality prime rib]( at home? Salt the roast overnight, which enhances the beefy flavor and dissolves some of the proteins. The result is a buttery-tender roast—just like you get at the best steakhouse. For [fluffy dinner rolls]( delay adding the salt to the dough so that the gluten network has time to form. Stronger gluten translates into more rise and an especially pillowy interior. Often home cooks hear the word “technique,” and they think “chef.” But these salt-based techniques are so simple to execute. No special skills required—just the ability to follow a well-tested recipe. Members get every recipe, review, and video. Get instant access to everything from the most trusted cooking experts. [Join now and get a free limited edition 25th Anniversary apron](. The Art of Using Salt [Perfect Flavor Harmony: Best Vegetarian Chili →]( [Bring Out Aromatic Spices: Moroccan Fish Tagine →]( [Highlight Fresh Vegetable Flavors: Chilled Soba Noodles with Cucumber, Snow Peas, and Radishes →]( Unexpected Heroes: Elevating Dishes with Simple Ingredients [Use Granny Smith Apples for a Thicker, Brighter Filling: Cast Iron Blueberry Pie →]( [A Shrimp Mousse Holds It Together, Sweetly: Crab Cakes →]( [Brighten Up the Broccoli with a Touch of Spinach: Broccoli-Cheese Soup. →]( Baking Technique Essentials [Chill Dough for Perfect Shape: Chewy Sugar Cookies →]( [Turn Off the Oven Early for Crisp Results: Buttery Shortbread →]( [Use High-Fat Cocoa for Moistness: Triple-Chocolate Cookies →]( [Join now as a digital member, get our 25th Anniversary apron. 14,000+ Best-Ever Recipes, Tips and Tricks, Mobile App, 8,000+ Product Reviews, Full TV Show Episodes. Revolutionary recipes make you a better cook. GET ACCESS + FREE GIFT.]( What We’re Talking About It’s our 25th anniversary! [Catch our latest episodes and learn how we’re celebrating. →]( 5 Tips for Making More Delicious Food in Your Slow Cooker Here’s how to maximize flavor in the slow cooker. [Read more →]( [Cooking chicken in a slow cooker.]( You Cooked Bacon. Now What About the Fat? Don’t just throw away the liquid gold that is bacon fat. [Here’s how to make the most of it. →]( Try Another Newsletter [Dinner Tonight Newsletter Preview]( [Sign up for Dinner Tonight →]( We share quicker, easier, fresher weeknight recipes, all with 10 or fewer ingredients and 30 to 45 minutes of prep time. [America's Test Kitchen Watch and Cook Newsletter Preview]( [Sign up for America’s Test Kitchen Watch and Cook →]( Watch and cook along with us through the current season of America’s Test Kitchen and explore related recipes from past seasons. A Word From the Sponsors of Our 25th Anniversary Special [Smithey Logo]( Inspired by the best of vintage American design, [Smithey]( crafts premium polished cast iron and hand-forged carbon steel in the USA. The smooth interior surfaces of our cookware are naturally non-stick and easy to clean. Whether you are cast-iron curious or a seasoned professional, Smithey is focused on elevating your cooking experience with cookware that is designed to last a lifetime. [Acorn TV]( Acorn TV is the premier streaming service importing a feast of mouth-watering mysteries, delectable dramas, and tantalizing thrillers from Britain, Australia, Ireland, and beyond, all in one place and ad-free. From charmingly cozy to daringly dark, escape to whatever destination you like, no matter your cup of tea. Use code KITCHEN for an extended free trial at [acorn.tv](. [Ghiradelli]( [Ghirardelli]( is your premium baking partner for elevating your favorite recipes to something extraordinary. From chocolate chips to melting wafers and more, Ghirardelli makes baking A BITE BETTER™ when added to perfectly gooey chocolate chip cookies or decadent brownies or stirred into your favorite breakfast batter for a morning treat. [View the web version]( of this email. This offer expires September 15, 2024. All prior sales excluded. No substitutions. [Forward this email]( to a friend. [Unsubscribe]( or manage your [email preferences.]( We sent you this email because our records indicate that you requested to receive email from America's Test Kitchen. Our family of brands [America's Test Kitchen, Cook's Illustrated, Cook's Country, and Cooking School]( Follow Us [Facebook]( [TikTok]( [Instagram]( [YouTube]( [Pinterest]( [View our privacy policy.]( DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL. Unfortunately, replies to this email will not be answered. If you have questions, please [visit our Customer Service page.]( America's Test Kitchen, 21 Drydock Avenue, Suite 210E, Boston, MA 02210