I have something really special for you guys today.

Have you seen the America’s Test Kitchen Cooking School Cookbook?

Americas Test Kitchen cookbook

This cookbook is the best cookbook I’ve ever seen. It has over 600 recipes, 18 chapters, and 2,500 beautiful color photos—yup, 2,500 pictures. It’s like having all of your Pinterest food boards wrapped up in a book cover!

Americas Test Kitchen cookbook

I mean….look at just that one page of pictures for sticky buns! I always want more pictures in cookbooks, and this one delivers.

The book brings together all the techniques, tips, and the best recipes ATK has developed in the kitchen. It’s actually a direct outgrowth of the interactive, video-based online cooking school launched by the test kitchen team two years ago. Thousands of students have taken online courses taught by test kitchen experts. In the process, the instructors have learned at what point home cooks are likely to get tripped up when making a recipe. The America’s Test Kitchen Cooking School Cookbook is designed to anticipate common cooking problems—and prevent them.

Americas Test Kitchen cookbook

Even though I’ve been cooking now for almost 10 years, I picked up a bunch of new tips and techniques after reading through the book. And if they had this book years ago, I probably would be much better than I am now! I can’t even imagine how helpful this book will be to someone who is new to cooking.

My biggest issue when I first started cooking was knowing what certain stages looked like in a recipe – whipped egg whites, for example, or knowing when meat has been appropriately browned (I always turn it too fast).

But all these pictures? They make sure you know exactly what to look for.

Don’t believe me? Check out the Test Kitchen blog for more reviews. But I think everyone should have this book.

perfect fried eggs

My first thing to make using this book? Perfect fried eggs. Their recipe/pictures in the book really do make for perfect eggs.

The best part of all this is that I have one copy of the America’s Test Kitchen Cooking School Cookbook to give away!

If you want to win this book for yourself, tell me what dish you’ve always wanted to make.

Want some extra entries?

  • Like America’s Test Kitchen on Facebook
  • Tweet about the giveaway (mentioning @branappetit and @TestKitchen)
  • Tell me one thing you always mess up in the kitchen – we can be honest here. Me? I always have problems with mashed potatoes. I don’t know what it is! It should be super easy, right? I’ve got issues.

Good luck!!

149 comments

  1. I’ve always wanted to make croissants! Laminated doughs are my next challenge. :-)

  2. I’ve always wanted to make a souffle! Savory or sweet, it doesn’t matter. I’ve always wanted to try one but have never done it

  3. I “like” America’s Test Kitchen!

  4. I’ve always wanted to make chicken with 40 (or more!) cloves! Yummy…can I just omit the chicken?

  5. And I actually retweeted your tweet about the @TestKitchen giveaway so I think that counts? :)

  6. I’ve always wanted to make a really good, bakery-like bread. Something with a thick, rustic rust, tender crumb and the opposite of the hard, dense pucks I fear making without ATK guidance!

  7. I’ve always wanted to make a genuine, totally French seafood terrine. Crab, lobster, halibut, in a sole & scallop mousseline. The real thing!

  8. The perfect moist Meatloaf! With Red gravy, like my grandmothers. And her perfect dumplings she made for her stews! And…. I could go on but, I will stop. Thanks for a chance at winning this fantastic book! And your wonderful post.

  9. I’ve always wanted to make the perfect omelette. I end up with scrambled every time! ;/

  10. I can never get lemon meringue pie filling right. It’s always just a bit soupy.

  11. I’ve always wanted to make eclairs.

  12. And I liked ATK on FB. Tried to RT your tweet but Twitter hates me today. :(

  13. I like America’s Test Kitchen on Facebook.

  14. Pancakes. To save my life, I can’t make pancakes.

  15. I have always wanted to make Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

  16. I’ve always wanted to make a tourtiere just like my grandmother. When I think of Christmas I always remember that meat pie.

  17. I’ve always wanted to make cinnamon rolls completely from scratch!

  18. I always mess up omelettes. I can never get them to fold over right!

  19. I’ve always wanted to make creme brulee. :)

  20. Okay the thing I always mess up in the kitchen has got to be the easiest recipe for most.. except me! No bake cookies.. they never get hard :(

  21. I’ve always wanted to make braised short ribs with a wine reduction…. :D

  22. I’ve always wanted to make beef wellington. I can’t figure out gravy….its mistifying

  23. I always mess up pancakes! For some reason, I can never make them properly.

  24. I’ve always wanted to make Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon.

  25. I’ve always wanted to make an excellent rib!

  26. I’ve always wanted to make paella.

  27. I’ve always wanted to learn how to make strudel like my grandmother did, homemade dough and all!

  28. I like ATK on facebook!

  29. The one thing I consistently always screw up is boiling potatoes. I am generally a pretty good cook, but for some reason I cannot boil potatoes properly to save my life. They are always either still crunchy or cooked to mush.

  30. A homemade apple pie, cinnamon buns, and numerous others!!! That book looks amazing!

  31. I always mess up rice, I mean how can you mess that up. It’s either too soft, or too chewy. I’ve got problems!

  32. I love ATK! I always try to catch their TV show when it’s on my local PBS station. I would really like to make the perfect flourless chocolate cake. It’s one of my favorite desserts.

  33. I’ve always wanted to make manti, which are tiny handmade Turkish ravioli filled with spiced lamb, served in a plain yogurt sauce with mild red pepper oil. They are so good and I only get them once a year at a restaurant five hours from my town…

  34. I’ve always wanted to make homemade ravioli!

    The one thing I cannot grasp is the fried egg — this cookbook is my calling!

  35. I have many issues in the kitchen: 1. The one that makes the biggest impact is that I always bite off more than I can chew (plan/make more food than I can comfortably prepare) and make myself crazy over “celebration” and company meals. 2. Until I recently, I always made soggy rice. I always tried to follow the directions on the specific packages for the type of rice I was cooking but it always made the rice come out soggy. Now I just use 1-1/2 parts water to 1 part rice and it works great! 3. I’m always trying new things so I’m always running into new bugaboos. I love ATK/Cooks Illustrated/Cooks Country. Great giveaway! Thank you.

  36. I’ve always wanted to make homemade bread!

  37. I’ve always wanted to make French fries, really good French fries.

  38. I have the biggest problem with pie crust! It’s actually embarrassing, because I’m a good baker. Croissants? No problem. Pie crust? No way.

  39. Always wanted to make Tiramisu. It’s my husbands favorite. I’m very intimidated with the liquor.

  40. I’ve always wanted to make croissants that friends would assume came from a French bakery because they taste so real and deliciously buttery!

  41. I have always wanted to make croissants!

  42. For some reason I can never seem to hard boil eggs…either they crack while boiling and stink up my kitchen or they’re way over done.

  43. I always want to make the perfect sugar cookies to use with cookie cutters. Mine end up unrollable & crumbly

  44. I’ve always wanted to make beef bourguignon for big family feast!

  45. I’ve always wanted to make the perfect Eggs Benedict. It seems so simple, but complicated!

  46. And I liked America’s Test Kitchen on FB :)

  47. I have always wanted to make really good apple dumplings.

  48. Brownies-they are either burnt or raw. It’s not the stove loo

  49. I liked ATK on facebook. Always wanted to learn to make my own pasta.

  50. I liked this on FB. I always mess up fresh popcorn. I think it is because I don’t use enough oil. Maybe next time…

  51. I can not make potato pancakes. I always end up throwing them away-too wet, too dry.
    I liked ATK on FB

  52. oops , I guess I should double check my email address for accuracy.

  53. I think one thing I would like to make is bread. The bread I make always seems to fall short when I try to make it.

  54. I’ve always wanted to make Beef Wellington, with a cripsy (NOT soggy) crust. What do I always mess up? Divinity. The consistency is never right.

  55. I always mess up brown rice. Its always either under done or cooked to smoosh.

  56. coq au van! So so badly

  57. I’ve always wanted to make really good custard from scratch. I always end up taking the easy way out and make the Jello version.

  58. I’ve always wanted to make cinnamon rolls, but I am super intimidated by yeast breads :/

  59. Borscht, Borscht like my mother made years ago. Because of the politics of the area and many border changes, finding a recipe similar to hers has been impossible.

  60. I want to be a better baker!

  61. I have always wanted to learn how to make the Scandinavian treat called Rosettes. My grandmother made outstanding ones which were light and crispy and melted in your mouth. Sadly, she became ill and passed away before I could learn her recipe.

  62. Pasta……I’ve always wanted to make pasta, but I have my fears.

  63. Croissants. Beautiful Croissants.

  64. I would like to make a perfect PIE CRUST! (And then, of course, a perfect pie!)

  65. Creme Brulee! I know it isn’t all that difficult, but I just never make time to DO it!
    Happy Thanksgiving, everyone :)

  66. Pie crust is the culinary skill I’m still trying to grasp.

    Liked ATK on facebook.

  67. I’ve always wanted to make short ribs but never attempted it. The thing that I cannot seem to get right is the perfect omelette.

  68. I have always wanted to make Beef Wellington (a.k.a. Gordon Ramsey’s signature dish), especially after the Jr Master Chef’s prepared and were judged on it this season, I feel like I should be able to accomplish this!

  69. Eggs Benedict! I’m unsure regarding the sauce.

  70. Always wanted to make Eggs Benedict, but have never tackled that.

  71. Karen Goodwin Delaney likes America’s Test Kitchen on FB

  72. I cannot make decent (or even remotely acceptable) cornbread!

  73. I can’t seem to cook a steak…I think I am getting the wrong kinds of steak to be honest…but I haven’t a clue…lol

  74. i’ve always wanted to make pie crust

  75. I liked America’s Test Kitchen on Facebook

  76. WoWzers!! Great giveaway, THANK YOU Brandi! :-)
    I really enjoy cooking and baking, I’m not perfect at it but I’m always willing to try anything. My food does come out edible….sometimes…..LOL!
    I’ve tried making bolognaise sauce (sp?) just NOT very successfully. :-(
    This is the one recipe I would LOVE to master.
    Have a great day and Happy Thanksgiving!

  77. I would want to make a fancy chicken recipe. I make a lot of chicken recipes, but they are the same ones that I’ve always made. I’d like to change things up a bit.

  78. Chicken fried steak- absolutely love it but have never made it

  79. Like America’s Test Kitchen on Facebook

  80. I always have problems thickening things with a roux- especially things like gravy, so I always cop out and quickly put in a cornstarch slurry

  81. I would love to work on my knife skills. Having the picture in front of me would be wonderful

  82. I’ve never ever made anything with yeast. Not bread. Not cinnamon rolls. Nothing with yeast. Ever. It’s something I need to work on and get over.

  83. steak, what am I doing wrong?

  84. I always overcook my chicken and would also like to try homemade cinnamon rolls.

  85. I have always wanted to learn how to make the perfect Lasagna, like my mother did. This time of year always brings back memories.

  86. I have never made poached eggs and I have been wanting to try them! I have my grandmothers old poaching pan so I always cheat and use that.

  87. Wow! My cousin is going to cooking school and I have always wanted to go to learn more, but never knew there was a book available with pictures. I have to admit, I learn by seeing/watching.

  88. I’ve never made a pie from scratch. I know it’s simple and I should really do it, but I need a reason.

  89. I always, always undercook broccoli. I guess it’s a good thing I like it that way? :)

  90. Great giveaway, thanks Brandi! I have always wanted to make ice cream. I have the attachment for my stand mixer, but haven’t ventured to use it yet!

  91. I always mess up cakes. I’ve made one or two decent ones in the past, but usually they fall apart, lean, or look awful. It’s a running joke now in my office because I have messed up so many coworkers’ birthday cakes! :(

  92. Just a decent meal. I tend to mess up on even Chicken Lemon with angle hair pasta.

  93. Learn how to bake bread
    thanks

  94. like on fb Julie A Scott laws

  95. I can’t make decent gravy :)

  96. I have always wanted to make donuts at home but have never tried.

  97. I’ve always wanted to make cinnamon rolls! They look and sound incredible, but I haven’t been brave enough to attempt them yet!

  98. I have always wanted to make cinnamon rolls

  99. like ATK on facebook-lmurley2000

  100. I always mess up brownies

  101. I’ve always wanted to try and make my own puff pastry or chocolate.

  102. I liked America’s Test Kitchen.

  103. I’ve tried popovers but they never turn out right for me.

  104. I also like ATK on FB

  105. What have I always wanted to try? Off the top of my head I’ll say, Chicken Cacciatore.

  106. Most of my kitchen mess ups revolve around my distracted mind. It’s not a regular occurrence but on occasion I accidentally leave key ingredients out of recipes (eggs in cookies, butter in brownies…).

  107. I’ve always wanted to make sourdough bread from scratch, but I’ve been too nervous about messing up the starter.

  108. I liked America’s Test Kitchen on Facebook.

  109. I always mess up when I try to make caramel sauce. I seem to always take it too far and it hardens up on me or becomes insanely sticky.

  110. I’ve always wanted to make pecan rolls.

    But they’re like croissants, but worse, in terms of work.

  111. I have always wanted to make a really good German Christmas stollen that isn’t dry.

  112. I liked America’s Test Kitchen on Facebook.

  113. I have problems making the perfect chocolate chip cookie. It doesn’t matter which recipe I follow, they never quite turn out as chewy and delicious as ones you get at a cafe. Maybe it’s the ingredients I am using or our oven temp settings.

  114. I always wanted to make Roumanian Strudel

  115. I liked you on Facebook and tweeted!! But I would love to make the perfect chocolate layered cake for a dessert. Then try to make stuffed chicken breast. I tend to always mess up cookies – they always get burnt on the bottom.

  116. I have always wanted to make a perfect fried yeast donut. The thought scares me silly!

  117. …and I cannot make a perfect layered cake to save my life.

  118. I’ve always wanted to make ribs, but I’m intimidated by the length of time involved (and my lack of a grill, though I know it can be done in the oven from ATK!)

  119. And my less-than-successful dish is lasagna–I make it too watery or the lasagna noodles stick together and rip when I take them out of the boiling water. Someday I’ll have to figure it out–it’s too good of a dish to not try again!

  120. I have never been able to properly temper chocolate–I don’t know if I have the patience!

  121. I would love to make a really good beef stew

  122. I love to bake bread and cook but cannot bake a decent banana bread. thanks!

  123. Oh, gosh, where do I begin? I’ve always wanted to make bread. Like, real, honest-to-goodness, with-yeast-and-everything bread. It scares me. Who cowers from yeast? This girl.

    I hear ya on the mashed potatoes. In fact, I just posted about that yesterday! I think I’ll start throwing the darn things at the wall to mash them.

    Thanks for the giveaway, and have a fabulous day!

  124. I’d love to learn how to cook a nice fish dish, or any fish dish.

  125. So many dishes I’d love to try. Off the top of my head, macarons. Coincidentally, I very often mess up fried eggs, especially when trying to make them over-easy – Bust City, as in busted eggs yolks. I’ll have to try the ATK method. I’ve already “Liked” ATK on Facebook. This is a great giveaway; love anything “America’s Test Kitchen”. Thanks.

  126. Omelettes, easy right? Unless you’re me. I’m terrible at omelettes as they just turn into scrambled eggs with veggies.

  127. I have always wanted to make cinnamon buns. Those sticky buns look pretty awesome too though!

  128. I’ve always wanted to make a great tasting AND beautiful cake from scratch. I haven’t tried because I’m a little intimidated.

  129. I like America’s Test Kitchen on FB
    (Sabrina A)

  130. I mess up frosting all the time. I think I’m too impatient.

  131. I have always wanted to make the perfect French omelette. There is something about eggs as the main ingredient that is so everyday, yet exotic; so routine, yet frightening that I don’t believe there’s a single cook who hasn’t at some point felt overwhelmed by them. Perfection, then, with this that appears mundane but is delicate in its chemistry, is a quest all the more desirable.

  132. I have always wanted to make a ever can chicken! But I’m afraid it will explode or something.

  133. Oops, that was supposed to be beer can chicken.
    Also, something I struggle with in the kitchen is poached eggs. They don’t set up right, or they are too hard….. Haven’t gotten it perfect yet.

  134. I liked America’s Test Kitchen on facebook

  135. Always wanted to make my own croissant dough

  136. I want to make Hungarian Goulash. I had some when I was traveling, and it was delicious! I would love to make it at home.

    I can never get bread to rise the way I want it to.

    I’ve liked America’s Test Kitchen on Facebook

  137. Did I miss it?? Am I too late?? I would absolutely love to have this book. I adore America’s Test Kitchen! They could even turn me, a terrible cook, into a decent one. I have always wanted to learn to roast chicken.

  138. I am already a fan of America’s Test Kitchen on Facebook.

  139. I always mess up anything that isn’t a baked dessert. Baking I can do. Dinner I can not.

  140. Beef Wellington or Baked Alaska

  141. I’ve always wanted to try making a savory cheesecake–maybe with caramelized onions. . .

  142. If it were not for the high price, I would love to learn to make a standing rib roast. I love beef on Christmas and would love to learn how to make this without messing up such an expensive piece of meat!

  143. I’ve always wanted to try osso bucco. The recipes I’ve found have been too intimidating!

  144. Tried and true is what I need in a recipe book!

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