Dan Souza, Editor-in-chief of Cooks Illustrated and a chef at America’s Test Kitchen, shares his career journey from a summer at a graveyard to developing the perfect Butterscotch Pudding recipe. He discusses his culinary adventures in Japan and Hungary, transitioning from marketing to a culinary career, and the science behind the Maillard reaction in creating a delicious dessert.
Dan Souza's culinary journey was shaped by his family heritage and various life experiences.
The evolution of Dan Souza's butterscotch pudding recipe involved meticulous testing and unique cooking techniques.
Deep dives
Impact of Cultural Heritage on Career Choices
The podcast episode delves into the influence of cultural heritage on career decisions. It explores the speaker's family history, upbringing in Minnesota, and his father's challenging experiences in Alabama, showcasing how these factors shaped his perspective and career trajectory towards exploring different paths.
Exploration of Culinary Passion
The podcast features a deep dive into the speaker's culinary journey, from starting at a marketing firm to pursuing his passion for food. It highlights his transformative experience in a Hungarian village, discovering the joy of cooking for others, eventually leading him to culinary school and various culinary experiences, ultimately finding his dream job as the Editor-in-Chief of Cooks Illustrated.
Recipe Evolution: Butterscotch Pudding
The episode unveils the story behind a beloved butterscotch pudding recipe and its evolution. It narrates the pastry chef's initial struggle with the recipe, the speaker's experimental journey to perfect it, and the recipe testing process. The intricate technique of incorporating the Maillard reactions and unique recipe adjustments are revealed, culminating in a comforting and complex butterscotch pudding recipe.
Some things are worth fighting for; that includes Dan Souza’s recipe for Butterscotch Pudding. This week, Dan talks to Jesse about his career trajectory, including a summer he spent working in a graveyard, and then explains the science and story behind his hard-earned recipe for Butterscotch Pudding. Dan Souza is the editor-in-chief of Cooks Illustrated and a chef at America’s Test Kitchen. You can follow him on Instagram @testcook.
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