Cook's Illustrated

Cook's Illustrated is an American cooking magazine founded in 1980 by Christopher Kimball. It is renowned for its meticulous approach to recipe development, extensive kitchen equipment testing, and detailed food product evaluations. The magazine is published by America's Test Kitchen, a company that also produces television shows, books, and websites related to cooking.

Overview

Cook's Illustrated is characterized by its distinctive format, which eschews advertisements to focus solely on cooking content. Each issue features a variety of recipes, ranging from traditional American dishes to international cuisine, all tested multiple times to ensure reliability and flavor. The magazine's philosophy emphasizes understanding the science behind cooking techniques and the reasons for choosing specific ingredients.

Content and Features

Recipe Development

Recipes in Cook's Illustrated undergo a rigorous testing process. Chefs at America's Test Kitchen test each recipe 20 to 30 times, adjusting ingredients, techniques, and cooking times to develop the most effective and reliable method. The goal is to create recipes that can be successfully replicated by home cooks.

Equipment Reviews

The magazine includes detailed reviews of kitchen tools and appliances, from knives and skillets to blenders and food processors. These reviews are based on thorough testing and comparison, providing readers with recommendations for the best equipment at various price points.

Food Product Reviews

Cook's Illustrated also evaluates food products such as olive oils, canned tomatoes, and chocolate. The testing process involves blind taste tests and comparisons to determine the best-tasting products in each category.

Illustrations

True to its name, Cook's Illustrated features hand-drawn illustrations instead of photographs. These illustrations include step-by-step guides for techniques, cross-sectional views of equipment, and drawings of ingredients, providing a unique visual guide to cooking.

Publication and Reach

The magazine is published bimonthly and has a dedicated readership. Subscribers have access to the magazine's extensive online archive, which includes all past issues of Cook's Illustrated, as well as content from related publications.

Reception and Influence

Cook's Illustrated has been praised for its thorough approach to cooking and its commitment to providing readers with reliable, well-tested recipes. The magazine's emphasis on technique and science has influenced home cooks and professional chefs alike, promoting a deeper understanding of the culinary arts.

Related Media

Cook's Illustrated is part of America's Test Kitchen, which includes a wide range of cooking-related media:

• America's Test Kitchen - A popular cooking show that shares the same philosophy and many of the same chefs as Cook's Illustrated.
• Cook's Country - A sister publication that focuses on home-style American cooking and cultural stories.
• The Complete Cook's Country TV Show Cookbook - A comprehensive cookbook featuring recipes from the Cook's Country television show.

See Also

• List of food and drink magazines
• Culinary arts
• Food science