J. Kenji López Alt, a James Beard award-winning chef and culinary expert, joins the hosts for a fun exploration of cooking basics. They tackle the intimidation of the kitchen by sharing essential cooking tools and strategies for defrosting meat efficiently. Listeners learn about common kitchen mistakes and the importance of patience in the cooking journey. From must-have pantry staples to the joy of experimentation, this conversation promises to inspire anyone looking to elevate their cooking game.