America’s Test Kitchen

One of the most widely used platforms to learn about cooking and culinary pursuits-  is PBS’ wildly popular America’s Test Kitchen. As co-hosts of America’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Country, Julia Collin Davison and Bridget Lancaster have cultivated a fan following who eat up their recipe development and food expertise, and they’re bringing their big personalities and big knowledge to guests at the Downtown Raleigh Home Show running January 23-25 at the Raleigh Convention Center.

 But before the enthusiastic pair of executive food editors and cookbook authors arrives in the Triangle, we got a little pre-show advice and inside info:

What are some tips for becoming a better cook at home? 

Julia: Get a good instant-read thermometer and learn the basic temperatures of cooked foods (chicken breast = 160*, medium-rare steak is 120-125*, salmon is around 130*). Guessing when your food is done is for amateurs. 

Bridget: Practice, practice, practice. Make a weekly plan of what you're going to cook and prep as many ingredients as you can ahead of time.  

What kitchen gadget or tool should every kitchen have?

Bridget: An electric knife sharpener. Keep it handy and you'll never have to use a dull knife again. 

Do you have any kitchen design advice? 

Julia: Incorporate some counter space without overhanging cabinets (or lots of clutter) so that you have a nice workspace for prepping.  

Bridget: The best thing that my husband and I did when designing our kitchen more than 20 years ago was to create a sizable (could be bigger) pantry and no upper cabinets. Our base cabinets are extra-deep, so even when there are appliances or utensil crocks on the counter, there's still plenty of room to work.  

What is one food you will never cook at home?

Bridget: Beets. Nor will I eat them. 

What’s in your bag or purse?

Julia:  I basically have a mini CVS in my purse. Do you need pain meds, band aids, eye drops, tums, nail file, fashion tape, lysol wipes, cuticle oil, or breath freshener? I've got you. 

Bridget: Besides my wallet - Kiehl's hand cream, an Ohio State bottle opener, post-it notes, and about 30 pens that I've swiped from hotel rooms.  

What’s one tip for outdoor grilling, to improve any grill master’s game?

Bridget: Get yourself a set of wireless thermometer probes that includes one for checking the grill temperature. It's the best invention since sliced brisket.

What do you enjoy about being at a home show? 

Julia: I love seeing all the possibilities and learning about new ideas for making the house more efficient and prettier. 

Bridget: Many things! Among them, seeing new products and gadgets that I've never encountered before.  

Photo taken at the Fall 2025 Southern AZ Home Show (sister show to the Downtown Raleigh Home Show)

Bridget and Julia will be on stage Friday, January 23 at 3 p.m. and Saturday, January 24 at 1 p.m. For more information on their appearance or the show, please visit raleighspringshow.com.