What ‘Test Kitchen Approved’ Really Means for Our Recipes
Updated: Jul. 13, 2022
Our Test Kitchen puts everybeplay体育网址recipe through a rigorous approval process. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how recipes go from submission to publication.
Atbeplay体育网址, almost all of ourbepaly中心钱包 come from home cooks—we get around 10,000 submissions every year.
But before we publish a recipe on our website or in one of our magazines or books, our expertTest Kitchen teammust approve it. We put every recipe through a rigorous selection, testing and evaluation process to ensure we’re sharing the best recipes that work every time.
Like everyone, we’ve had to adapt amid the coronavirus pandemic—but we never eased up on the seriousness with which we test every recipe. Here’s how the process typically works in our offices and Test Kitchen in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
1. Home Cooks Share Their Recipes
We believe the best recipes come from real home cooks like you because your favorite dishes have already passed two important tests: You can make them successfully at home, and family and friends request them over and over again.
Every year, home cooks—including our trusty squad ofCommunity Cooks—share thousands of recipes with us. We’d love for yours to be next! Here’s how tosubmit a recipe.
beplay体育网址Executive Culinary DirectorSarah Farmerleads the teams responsible for recipe selection, prepping, testing and food styling for print, digital, video and social media production.
2. Food Editors Sort Out the Best
Ourteam of knowledgeable food editorsreviews each recipe we receive. They look for fresh ideas, new spins on old favorites and dishes that just sound plain irresistible. They also consider practical factors, like whether a recipe uses readily available ingredients and is simple enough to make at home.
beplay体育网址Deputy Culinary EditorJames Schendheads our team of food editors and works with our editorial teams to choose recipes for print and digital publication. He reviews 50 to 100 recipes on a normal day, but up to 400 recipes per day if he’s reviewingrecipe contestentries.
Recipes that make the cut move along to thebeplay体育网址Test Kitchen, which typically tests about 25 to 30 recipes each week. Every member of the Test Kitchen team has a professional food background, with specialties ranging from pastry to food science.
3. Prep Cooks Assemble Ingredients
Our Prep Kitchen team, led by Prep Kitchen ManagerCatherine Ward,getsall ofthe food ready for our recipe testers andassociateculinary producers. Later, the team also prepares recipes for our food stylists to shoot in our photo and video studios.
The prep team uses a technique calledmise en place, which means they gather, chop and measure all of the ingredients ahead of time. This helps the cooking process go smoothly—and it’s something you can doin your own kitchen!
说到原料,准备团队也有帮助with groceries. Our recipe management system creates grocery lists based on our recipe schedule, and our prep kitchen team places orders for delivery or picks up groceries locally. (They drive our shopping van, which has thebeplay体育网址logo on it!) In a given year, we go through mass quantities of cheese, flour, butter, milk, eggs and olive oil, plus thousands of other ingredients.
4. Expert Cooks Test Each Recipe
Next, test cooks meticulously prepare each recipe. They ensure that the amounts, equipment, temperature and method are accurate. If something doesn’t work or could work better, they make adjustments until the recipe is right.
We have three on-site kitchens: the prep kitchen, the test kitchen and the stylist kitchen.We also have a media kitchen, which is a set that we use to shoot videos for our website and social media.These facilities are a big upgrade compared to the early days ofTaste of Home: In the 1970s, our first test cook, Annette Gohlke, had to drive 30 miles from her home kitchen with completed dishes to reach her tasting panel.
Our Test Kitchen tests more than just recipes—they test pantry items and cooking gear, too. Learn more aboutTaste of Home’sproduct-testing process.
5. Taste Testers Weigh In
On a typical day in the office, the Test Kitchen hosts a tasting panel to sample around five prepared recipes. A group of taste testers evaluates them according to flavor, texture, appearance and more. Putting themselves in readers’ shoes, they think about the difficulty of the cooking method and whether it’s a dish that readers are likely to make again and again.
The tasters also discuss practical considerations like how well a recipe will freeze and how to reheat it; whether it can be pared down for small families or scaled up for entertaining; how it could be modified for healthier versions; and how it could be prepared in popular appliances, like Instant Pots or air fryers.
Food editors and test cooks take careful notes and adjust the recipe as needed. In some cases, the test cooks make the recipe again until they’re confident that it’s ready for readers.
6. Recipes Are Edited for Precision and Ease
Once a recipe has impressed our food editors, worked well in the Test Kitchen and won the approval of our taste testers, our recipe editor,Alicia Rooker, carefully reviews and revises the recipe’s directions to make sure they’re clear and concise.
After all, we understand how important it is for recipes to be easy to follow. When hungry kids are calling for dinner and to-do lists override free time, nobody needs the hassle of a confusing recipe!
7. The Photo and Video Teams Take Over
After a recipe is finalized, it’s ready for thebepaly下载ios . In the age of social media, this is a very important step. Perhaps now more than ever, people eat with their eyes first.
Thebeplay体育网址photography teams include a photographer, an art director, a set and prop stylist and a food stylist. Together, they select color palettes, lighting, backdrops, dishes, linens and more. The goal is to make each recipe look as delicious as it tastes.
We also shoot about 12 recipebepaly下载网址 per week. Each video takes roughly one to three hours to shoot, depending on the recipe’s complexity. OurGiant Cinnamon Rollsvideo took longer than ourFlavorful Chicken Fajitasvideo, for instance, because we needed time to let the dough proof, bake and cool—we go through all of the steps in the recipe! Then, our video editor spends about two hours editing each video before we review it for accuracy.
8. Recipes Are Approved and Published
Once a recipe has cleared all of these steps, it’s ready to be printed, posted and shared across all of our platforms. You can find recipes on ourbepaly中心钱包 ,InstagramandFacebook, and inbeplay体育网址books and magazines.
Back at thebeplay体育网址headquarters, a recipe’s completion means it’s time to eat! After the Test Kitchen and visual production teams are finished, the dishes go to an area of our office called the food bar. It’s a magical place where staffers can nosh on the leftover food. At any one time, you might see eight different kinds of cookies, somegrilled pork chopsand a pan ofPizza Monkey Bread. It’s no wonder this hallway is the most-traveled space in our office!
Try Our Highest-Rated Recipes
Best Ever Banana BreadWhenever I pass a display of bananas in the grocery store, I can almost smell the wonderful aroma of my best banana bread recipe. It really is amazingly good! —Gert Kaiser, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Favorite Chicken PotpieThis is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
Flavorful Chicken FajitasThis chicken fajitas recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The marinated chicken in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. The fajitas go together in a snap and always get raves! —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky
Cauliflower SoupThis cheesy recipe is way tastier than any other cauliflower soup I've tried! We like it with hot pepper sauce for a little extra kick. —Debbie Ohlhausen, Chilliwack, British Columbia
Stuffed Pepper SoupI was talking about stuffed peppers with the other cooks at the restaurant where I work. We decided to mix similar ingredients for a soup. Customer response was overwhelming! —Krista Muddiman, Meadville, Pennsylvania
Buttery CornbreadA friend gave me this homemade cornbread recipe several years ago, and it's my favorite of all I've tried. I love to serve the melt-in-your-mouth side hot from the oven with butter and syrup. It gets rave reviews on holidays and at potluck dinners. —Nicole Callen, Auburn, California
Baked Mushroom ChickenThis mushroom chicken bake recipe is the perfect way to dress up a standard weeknight dinner. It's a recipe I can count on to yield tender and flavorful results every time. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania
Winning Apple CrispI live in apple country, and making a delicious apple crisp is one way to use the fruit. This treat doesn’t take a lot of time to assemble. —Gertrude Bartnick, Portage, Wisconsin
Basic Banana MuffinsThis banana muffin recipe goes over so well with kids. Not only are these banana bread muffins like cupcakes, but they’re ready, start to finish, in just half an hour! —Lorna Greene, Harrington, Maine
Flavorful Pot RoastOn hectic days, this is so quick and easy to prep! Convenient packages of dressing and gravy combine to create a sauce worthy of a fall-apart roast. For a filling meal-in-one, serve with mashed potatoes and ladle the juices over top. —Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah
Frosted Banana BarsThese bars are always a hit at potlucks in the small rural farming community where my husband and I live. I also like to provide them for coffee hour after church. They're so moist and delicious that wherever I take them, they don't last long. —Karen Dryak, Niobrara, Nebraska
Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin ChiliMy family is crazy about this slow cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don't usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan
Bruschetta ChickenWe enjoy serving this tasty chicken bruschetta to both family and to company. It just might become your new favorite way to use up summer tomatoes and basil. —Carolin Cattoi-Demkiw, Lethbridge, Alberta
Best Ever Potato SoupYou'll be surprised at the taste of this rich and cheesy easy potato soup. It really is the best potato soup recipe, ever. I came up with it after enjoying baked potato soup at one of our favorite restaurants. I added bacon, and we think that makes it even better. —Coleen Morrissey, Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania
Gluten-Free Banana BreadThis gluten-free banana bread recipe isn't dry and crumbly—it tastes like the real thing. I hope you try it! —Gladys Arnold, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Grilled Huli Huli ChickenI got this grilled chicken recipe from a friend while living in Hawaii. It sizzles with the flavors of brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce.Hulimeans "turn" in Hawaiian. This sweet and savory glaze is fantastic on pork chops, too. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California
Pumpkin Bars南瓜酒吧与奶油干酪糖霜ultimate fall treat. But my family likes them so much, they ask me to make them all year long! —Brenda Keller, Andalusia, Alabama
Peanut Butter Cup CheesecakeI said I’d take dessert to a holiday party so I tried this recipe. I’m sure you’ll agree it tastes as luscious as it looks! —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Slow-Cooker LasagnaConvenient no-cook lasagna noodles take the work out of this traditional favorite adapted for the slow cooker. It's so easy to assemble for workdays or weekends. We like it accompanied by Parmesan bread or garlic cheese toast. —Lisa Micheletti, Collierville, Tennessee
Vegetarian LinguineLooking for a tasty alternative to the usual meat-and-potatoes meals? Try this colorful pasta dish. My oldest son came up with the scrumptious supper that takes advantage of fresh mushrooms, zucchini and other vegetables as well as basil and provolone. —Jane Bone, Cape Coral, Florida
Pork Chops with Scalloped PotatoesMom always managed to put a delicious hearty meal on the table for us and for our farmhands. This all-in-one comforting pork chops recipe reminds me of home. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Chocolate Caramel CandyThis dazzling treat tastes like a homemade Snickers bar and has flavor beyond compare. When I entered it in a recipe contest at our harvest festival, it won five ribbons, including grand prize and the judges' special award. —Jane Meek, Pahrump, Nevada
Easy Chicken EnchiladasThis chicken enchiladas recipe is so quick and easy, and I always receive a ton of compliments. It quickly becomes a favorite of friends whenever I share the recipe. Modify the spiciness with the intensity of the salsa and the green chiles to suit your taste. —Kristi Black, Harrison Township, Michigan
Blueberry French ToastA local blueberry grower shared this recipe with me, and it's the best breakfast dish I've ever tasted. With the cream cheese and berry combination, this French toast casserole reminds me of dessert. —Patricia Axelsen, Aurora, Minnesota
Pineapple Pudding CakeMy mother used to love making this easy pineapple sunshine cake in the summertime. It's so cool and refreshing that it never lasts very long! —Kathleen Worden, North Andover, Massachusetts
Cherry BarsWhip up a pan of these festive bars in just 20 minutes with staple ingredients and cherry pie filling. Between the easy preparation and the pretty colors, they're destined to become a holiday classic. —Jane Kamp, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies疯狂的巧克力呢?这种耐嚼,燕麦片chocolate chip cookie has plenty, not to mention lots of heart-healthy oatmeal. The gang’ll come back for seconds so this big batch recipe is perfect. This is the best 'oat choc chip cookies recipe' you'll ever taste! —Diane Neth, Menno, South Dakota
Homemade Peanut Butter CupsI like using pretty mini muffin liners and topping these homemade peanut butter cups with colored sprinkles to coordinate with the holiday we're celebrating. People can't believe how simple it is to make this irresistible candy with gooey peanut butter centers. This is how to make homemade peanut butter cups. —LaVonne Hegland, St. Michael, Minnesota
Comforting Chicken Noodle SoupA good friend made us this rich, comforting, creamy chicken noodle soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah
Easy Peanut Butter FudgeMy sister shared the recipe for this unbelievably easy peanut butter fudge with marshmallow cream. I prefer using creamy peanut butter for this mouthwatering dessert, but the chunky style works just as well. —Mary Jane Rummel, Linglestown, Pennsylvania
Bacon Macaroni Salad这取悦通心粉沙拉喜欢吃一个三明治a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Egg Roll Noodle BowlWe love Asian egg rolls, but they can be challenging to make. Simplify everything with this deconstructed egg roll made on the stovetop and served in a bowl. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Originally Published: December 12, 2018
