Ep 1. Badger State Favorites

In the first episode of season 9 of Cook's Country from America's Test Kitchen, the focus is on Wisconsin, the Badger State. The episode presents some of Wisconsin's classic dishes that have been beloved by its residents for generations.

The first recipe showcased in this episode is Kringle, a Danish pastry that originated in Racine, Wisconsin. Hosts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison visit the O&H Danish Bakery in Racine to learn about the history of Kringle and to see how it is made. Back in the Cook's Country kitchen, Julia and Bridget attempt to recreate the flaky pastry with a creamy almond filling. They share their tips on how to make the perfect Kringle, including the importance of using cold butter when making the pastry dough.

Next up is the ultimate comfort food, Wisconsin Cheese Soup. With its rich, velvety texture and sharp cheddar flavor, this soup is a staple in many Wisconsin households. Bridget and Julia try their hand at making the soup, and come up with their own twist by adding beer to the recipe. As they cook, they experiment with different types of cheese to find the best flavor and texture for the soup.

The third recipe on the menu is Bratwurst, a classic Wisconsin sausage that is popular at tailgates, picnics, and family gatherings. Bridget and Julia visit the Usinger's Sausage Factory in Milwaukee to learn about the art of sausage making from Master Sausage Maker Fritz Usinger. Back in the kitchen, Bridget and Julia try their hand at making their own brats, and share tips for grilling them to perfection.

No Wisconsin food episode would be complete without Cheese Curds, the squeaky, salty snack that is a favorite among Wisconsinites. Bridget and Julia travel to Clock Shadow Creamery in Milwaukee to learn about the cheese curd-making process. They then take on the challenge of making their own curds in the Cook's Country kitchen, and explain why it's important to eat them fresh.

Finally, the hosts tackle a Wisconsin classic dessert, German Apple Cake. After sampling a few different versions of the cake in local bakeries, Bridget and Julia create their own recipe that incorporates cinnamon and pecans. They share their tips on how to get the perfect texture and flavor, from using a mixture of tart and sweet apples to making a streusel topping that's not too crumbly.

Throughout the episode, Bridget and Julia provide valuable cooking tips and tricks, such as using a food processor to make pastry dough, incorporating beer into soups for added depth of flavor, and using a variety of apples in baked goods for a more complex flavor profile.

Overall, the Badger State Favorites episode of Cook's Country from America's Test Kitchen provides a delicious tour of some of Wisconsin's most beloved dishes, and shows viewers how to make them at home.