Jan 12, 2004

Today was my first day as an intern at Cook's Illustrated (America's Test Kitchen). I arrived 10 minutes late because I was lost for an hour and a half on crazy streets that made no logical sense and most definitely did not appear on any maps I was using.

When I entered I was greeted by Erin McMurrer who offered me some water. The group of kitchen testers was tasting water and there was a station set up for me already. I blinkly tasted 12 water varieties and rated them on odor, flavor, and aftertaste.

After this I was assigned to work with Julia during my internship. She seems to have her finger in several pots. I prepared several version of Texas BBQ Sauce previously published in preparation for tasting with ribs tomorrow.

I also began research on an article I will help Julia with on chicken and noodles. The article will appear in the Sept/Oct 04 issue and will highlight five chicken and pasta recipes. Julia is also working on a casserole cookbook and I helped file and categorize some of those recipes.

Overall it was a great day. The work environment is upbeat and busy. The kitchen is beautiful and their library is very extensive. I am looking forward to the next six weeks. Tomorrow I will take the T.