Guests like Claire Saffitz and Lindy West ask host Dan questions about his cookbook and food opinions. Topics include ruining pans, pasta enchiladas, and a not-so family-friendly game. The episode covers pasta shapes, cookbook creation, culinary reflections, American food evolution, and flexible food rules.

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.