Valentine’s Day Twitter Chat

What was America’s Test Kitchen up to this Valentine’s Day? Well, after sampling some delicious cookies in the Test Kitchen, we had the opportunity to sit down with Julia Collin Davison, the executive food editor of the cookbook division at America’s Test Kitchen and on-air test cook for America’s Test Kitchen TV and Cook’s Country TV. Julia took over the @TestKitchen account and joined us for a special live Twitter Chat sponsored by Valley Fig Growers. Our followers tuned in online and fired away their questions about everything from figs, baking techniques, dinner ideas, and Valentine’s Day desserts. And if you didn’t know, figs are an aphrodisiac! So if you were busy planning a dinner for your Valentine all afternoon, don’t worry! We’ve compiled a recap of our favorite moments during our #ATKchat.

VALENTINE’S DAY

@baerwitness: What’s a good simple way to prepare oysters?
@TestKitchen: Raw, of course, but also try oyster ‘nachos.’ Had them in Florida once- broil with cheese and pickled jalapeno on top -Julia

@ohionewbie: Any suggestions for romantic, non-chocolate V-day desserts?
@TestKitchen: How about a fig and walnut tart? -Julia

ALL ABOUT BAKING

@radthomas: Does it matter much if you choose to stagger or line-up cookies on a sheet?
@TestKitchen: Yes. it can effect baking times and how they bake. Also, if you can bake 1 tray at a time it helps a ton. -Julia

@rubberduckgrrl: How do I sub vanilla beans for vanilla extract? Is there some sort of easy conversion?
@TestKitchen: Scrape the seeds and add to liquid in recipes. Would imagine about 1/2 good sized bean per teaspoon. -Julia

@themagicapron: When making baked goods and recipe says “greased” sheet, etc., what’s the best method? Shortening? Spray?
@TestKitchen: We like to use baking spray- Pam with flour. But softened butter followed by a dusting of flour works well too -Julia

FUN FACTS ABOUT JULIA

@acsteger: Alright Julia, what’s your FAVORITE recipe from the last 10 years of ATK?
@TestKitchen: Good one! Love new roast chicken. Done in skillet in 425 degree oven- you turn oven off halfway through roasting -Julia

@tatertot_kitty: any suggestions for toddler friendly dinners?
@TestKitchen: I have toddler too. One night a week we have carpet picnic. Sandwiches and crudité. Silly, but fun and easy. -Julia

@robmolla: What does Julia cook for herself for a really quick Tuesday night supper?
@TestKitchen: Big fan of pesto-turkey meatballs. Takes 15 minutes- tops. See recipe in new Pasta Revolution book. -Julia

@robmolla: Why did Julia begin a career as a professional chef?
@TestKitchen: Well, pretty much because I like to eat:) -Julia

@mjpindc: Any favorite uses (besides drinking) for scotch whisky?
@TestKitchen: My mother drizzles it over Vanilla ice cream with a sprinkling of instant espresso. Is delicious. -Julia

ALL ABOUT FIGS

@cooking_show: What is the difference between green and black figs?
@TestKitchen: Its a variety difference. Most of our recipes call for Mission figs which are the black ones. -Julia

@JustTuesday: What’s your favorite flavor combination for sweets? PB/Chocolate? Maple/Brown Sugar? Vanilla?
@TestKitchen: I love cardamom and figs. -Julia

@DIpharmacist: Julia, you’re my fave TK chef! What’s an easy “starter” recipe for someone who’s never cooked with figs before?
@TestKitchen: Goat cheese and Fig Spread. Will send recipe to you. -Julia #ATKchat

FUNNIEST QUESTION

@DIpharmacist: You’re stranded on a desert island. What three pantry staples do you bring?
@TestKitchen: Wine, cookies, and cheese.

And don’t forget! You can win a chance to visit and meet the cast of America’s Test Kitchen by entering the @ValleyFig Photo Contest here.