Tamar Haspel, a food columnist at The Washington Post, tackles ten shocking food truths that challenge common beliefs about diet soda, organic produce, and more. Amanda Herbert uncovers the extravagant dining practices of 17th-century chef Robert May, known for his eye-popping presentations. Cheryl Day, an expert in Southern baking, fields questions while sharing baking tips and debunking myths about carbohydrates. Together, they spark a lively exploration of food, history, and culinary creativity.
Tamar Haspel challenges popular food myths, revealing that organic farming alone cannot ensure global food security and that egg quality may be overrated.
Historian Dr. Amanda Herbert illustrates extravagant dining experiences of the past, spotlighting 17th-century chef Robert May's theatrical cooking methods and recipes.
Deep dives
Seedless Lemons Revolutionize Cooking
Wonderful Seedless Lemons offer a unique twist to cooking and cocktail preparation by providing a 100% naturally seedless variety that enhances flavor without the hassle of seeds. Their juicy and zesty profile not only improves the taste of traditional lemon dishes, such as lemon bars and soups, but also allows for an easy substitute for vinegar in salad dressings. Available at retailers like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, these lemons cater to culinary enthusiasts looking for convenience without sacrificing flavor. With their non-GMO certification, they extend the possibilities of using lemons across a variety of dishes, making them a desirable addition to any kitchen.
The Culinary Wizardry of Robert May
Historian Dr. Amanda Herbert highlights the eccentricities of Robert May, a 17th-century English chef known for his extravagant and theatrical cooking methods. May's specialty was creating 'extreme dining' experiences, including elaborate pies featuring live animals that would leap out upon serving, providing a shocking spectacle for guests. His infamous creations, such as a pastry deer from which wine would flow, reflected the opulence and culinary creativity of his time while simultaneously challenging the norms of dining. May's legacy continued posthumously through his cookbook 'The Accomplished Cook', influencing cooking practices and capturing the imagination of generations.
Challenging Food Myths with Tamar Haspel
Tamar Haspel's insights challenge several widely held beliefs about food and nutrition. For instance, she emphasizes that the nutritional differences between farm-fresh and store-bought eggs may be negligible, as blind taste tests reveal little variance in flavor. She also argues that organic farming has its benefits but cannot single-handedly solve global food security issues due to lower yields compared to conventional farming methods. By dissecting controversial subjects such as diet soda and the perception of carbohydrates, Haspel encourages a reevaluation of preconceived notions surrounding food choices and their health impacts.
Baking Tips for Success
The episode features practical baking advice aimed at creating delicious treats like chocolate chip cookies and mini pies. Expert bakers recommend addressing common issues, such as the puffy texture of cookies, by tweaking flour measurements and adjusting mixing methods to achieve a flatter, gooey consistency. For novelty dessert ideas, techniques for miniaturizing classic recipes, such as tartlets made with a cookie-like crust, are presented as appealing alternatives. By providing these insights, the segment empowers home bakers to experiment and refine their skills with both ease and creativity.
Tamar Haspel of the Washington Post is here to share 10 truths about food that nobody wants to believe. From diet soda to organic vegetables to one overlooked fish, nothing is sacred. Plus, Amanda Herbert brings us inside history’s wildest dinner parties; Adam Gopnik reveals what your drink of choice says about you; we make Thai Coconut and Chicken Soup; and Cheryl Day returns to take your baking calls. (Originally aired February 29, 2024.)
Get the recipe for Thai Coconut and Chicken Soup here.