Cook's Illustrated

At Cook's Illustrated, our test cooks are dedicated to testing and retesting recipes 20, 30, sometimes 50 times until we come up with a recipe that will come out right the first time -- and every time -- you make it. And each issue of Cook's Illustrated is 100% ADVERTISING FREE, so you get unbiased and objective information on every page. As we like to say at Cook's Illustrated, "We make the mistakes so you don't have to."

Cook’s Illustrated

GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING

QUICK TIPS

Roast Your Turkey Upside Down • Turning the usual method on its head leads to exceptionally juicy white meat and the crispiest skin imaginable. It also happens to be the easiest way to roast a bird.

Sumptuous Shrimp with Lobster Sauce • This American Cantonese classic features a lightly thickened, delicately savory sauce that lets the shrimp shine. Spoiler alert—it doesn’t have lobster.

Shepherd’s Pie with a Louisiana Twist • A sweet potato topping gives this classic British dish a dose of Southern comfort.

The Essential Venetian Party Dip • Nothing shows off the lush, briny potential of salt cod like baccalà mantecato.

DINNER TONIGHT

More Pierogi, Please • A plateful of pillowy Polish dumplings—plump with beef, potatoes, or mushrooms—is pure satisfaction.

Fondue for the Holidays • What’s old is new again: Pots of molten cheese and chocolate—with an array of delicious dippers—make for fun and festive party food.

A Rainbow Tian • Beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips star in our cozy take on a Provençal classic.

Bright, Bold Fennel Salad • Sliced thin and paired with citrus, arugula, and a creamy avocado-buttermilk dressing, fennel finally gets its moment.

Gorgeous, Gift-Worthy Biscotti • These hardy Italian cookies can be baked, decorated, and prettily packaged before the holiday rush has even begun.

The Grandest Finale • A spiced pumpkin cake with billows of toasted marshmallow buttercream is the dessert of the season.

The Best Chef’s Knives • You can spend a lot on a good knife. Do you need to?

The Best Mail-Order Boxed Chocolates • Boxed chocolates are a popular gift at the holidays. Which ones are actually worth the money?

KITCHEN NOTES

EQUIPMENT CORNER