October 3-5, 2025
Tucson Convention Center
Expert Tips and Insider Info from America’s Test Kitchen Executive Chefs Julia Collin Davison and Bridget Lancaster.
Don’t miss them at the Fall Southern AZ Home Show on October 3 & 4!
As executive food editors and cookbook authors for multi-platform cooking resource America’s Test Kitchen and co-hosts of its award-winning public television programs America’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Country, Julia Collin Davison and Bridget Lancaster are two of the culinary world’s most knowledgeable and respected food experts.
In anticipation of their appearances as part of the Fall Southern AZ Home Show at the Tucson Convention Center on Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4, we asked them to tell us a bit about themselves and provide some cooking tips:
What kitchen gadget or tool should every kitchen have?
Julia: A good, sharp, chef's knife that fits your hand and chopping style. There is no one knife that suits everyone, and there are lots to choose from.
Bridget: An electric knife sharpener. Keep it handy and you'll never have to use a dull knife again.
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.
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 your current favorite thing to make at home?
Julia: I'm really into smash burgers at the moment, using a cast iron grill. They are so fast and easy to make, and everyone in the family loves them (even the dog).
Bridget: I was recently gifted a discada. So all summer long it's been tacos, tacos, tacos.
What is one food you will never cook at home?
Julia: Sushi. Just, no.
Bridget: Beets. Nor will I eat them.
What is your favorite type of music to listen to when you’re working?
Julia: Reggae. Hands down. It's nearly impossible to get wound up if there's old school reggae in the background.
Bridget: I tend to match my music to the meal. So Sunday gravy means a little Sinatra or Louie Prima, Sunday lunch might mean a little Ella. For mad-dash meals I might break out Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, or Rammstein - turned up to number 11, of course.
What’s your favorite streaming series right now?
Julia: The Day of the Jackal on Peacock with Eddie Redmayne. I love how I find myself rooting for the bad guy.
Bridget: Hard to pick one favorite, but recent standouts are The Penguin, Hacks, and Landman. Will always stop what I'm doing and watch an old episode of Columbo when I come across it.
What’s your next home project?
Julia: HA! What isn't on the list? We need a new roof and our bathroom needs to be completely redone. We also need new windows upstairs and the floors need refinishing. Plus, we need to make our driveway larger. And don't get me started on the lawn and plantings...
Bridget: New wood floors are the likely next project, although I would love to add a full, second-story addition to my tiny home.
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 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.
Catch PBS’s America’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Country Julia Collin Davison, and Bridget Lancaster appearing live on the Culinary Showcase Stage presented by Workman Company at the fall Southern AZ Home Show on Friday October 3 and Saturday, October 4, at 1pm.