This Is TASTE 707: Behind the Scenes at America’s Test Kitchen with Dan Souza
Dec 26, 2025
Dan Souza, Chief Content Officer of America's Test Kitchen and culinary expert, shares his journey from teaching English in Hungary to leading food media. He dives into the science behind cocktails in his new book, 'Cocktails Illustrated,' discussing techniques like carbonation and dilution. Souza also addresses challenges home cooks face, emphasizing ATK's practical solutions. Plus, he offers hosting tips for easy, communal drinks. From Boston's food scene to recipe development, his insights are both informative and entertaining!
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From Teaching English To Kitchens
- Dan Souza recounts teaching English in Hungary and learning to cook in a village restaurant, which sparked his interest in food.
- That experience led him to work at Restaurant Dante and later attend the Culinary Institute of America.
The Muffin That Almost Cost Him The Job
- Dan describes his ATK tryout where his submitted muffin recipe initially failed in the test kitchen.
- The team gave him another chance and he fixed a fractional leavening error to pass the audition.
Clarity And Rigor Build Trust
- America's Test Kitchen's consistent success rests on a clear mission and rigorous recipe testing across media.
- Dan emphasizes practical rigor, not flash, as the brand's durable advantage.
