At The Novice Chef, we know that a recipe is only as good as its results. We’ve all experienced the frustration of gathering ingredients, spending our time following a recipe step by step, only to be disappointed when the finished dish or dessert looks nothing like the photo.
Whether it’s because of unclear instructions, missing details, or a simple miscalculation, there’s nothing worse than wasted time, effort, and ingredients. That’s why we, Jessica and Jorge, created this test kitchen program — because your success in the kitchen is our top priority!
We’ve built a network of friends, family, and home cooks across the United States who test each recipe exactly as it’s written. From ingredient measurements to cooking times, every aspect of the recipe is tested to ensure it’s clear, accurate, and produces the results we promise.
Once the recipe has been tested, our Test Kitchen members provide detailed feedback with a photo of how it turned out. If a recipe doesn’t earn a 5-star rating from our testers, we go back to work on it.
One thing that sets our Test Kitchen apart is the fact that our testers are paid each time they test a recipe. This means they’re incentivized to give honest, constructive feedback, rather than simply giving a recipe a pass.
If a recipe needs improvement, our testers will tell us, and they’ll test it again once we’ve made adjustments. In short, we won’t give a recipe their stamp of approval until we know it’s foolproof!
Our ultimate goal is to have every recipe on The Novice Chef tested, verified, and ready for you to cook with confidence.
We know that every cook is different, and while some recipes may not be your personal favorite, you can rest assured that the recipe itself is foolproof. We want to ensure that your time, energy, and ingredients are never wasted.
With our Test Kitchen’s rigorous standards, if a recipe says it is “Test Kitchen Approved”, you’ll never have to wonder if it will turn out right. The Test Kitchen is our commitment to you!