Proof

The new season of Proof is filled with food origin stories that you'll want to share at your next dinner party. We ask: What can we learn from trad wives and kitchen influencers from a century before? How do mushrooms make their journey from the hands of foragers to our dinner table? What even is a Chicago Style Gyro, and where does it come from? These are just some of the questions we dig into in Season 20 of Proof from America's Test Kitchen. How did James Hemmings, born into slavery and trained in France, impact the foods we know and love today? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While developing her award-winning cookbook, 50 Pies, 50 States, Stacey Mei Yan Fong was about to become a permanent American resident. As she navigated the application process, she researched, developed, and baked pies that represented all 50 states, and delivered them to recipients in each of those states. Now, Stacey will soon be eligible to apply for American citizenship. In this episode, Stacey revisits the pie recipes and recipients to contemplate her choice. Check out America's Test Kitchen's favorite pie recipes! Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Pang, a Proof contributor and storyteller passionate about Chinese cuisine, joins his culinary companion Connie Chen, who shares her insights on food and culture. They dive into the deep connections forged through shared meals and the nostalgia that accompanies them. Their evolving friendship is peppered with humor and vulnerability as cooking becomes a backdrop for exploring personal struggles and emotional ties. Listeners will also be treated to their beloved recipe for Crispy Fish Sandwiches, adding a tasty touch to their heartfelt conversation.

Avery Thompson, a producer for Feet in Two Worlds and contributor to Proof, discusses the impactful 1938 pecan shellers strike in San Antonio. He dives into the struggles faced by Mexican American women fighting against economic exploitation in the pecan industry. Through the lens of history, Avery connects past labor movements to current economic issues, emphasizing the importance of collective action. He also highlights the legacy of leader Emma Tenayuca, showcasing how cultural identity and resistance shaped this vibrant community's fight for justice.

Avery Thompson and Julie Carli, producers at America's Test Kitchen, dive into the fascinating worlds of poitin and chicha. They explore poitin's revival in Ireland's cocktail culture and its rich history, alongside chicha's significance in Peru. The podcast also highlights Uganda's malwa, a traditional millet drink, and its role in fostering community, especially among women brewers. The discussion reflects on how these ancient beverages adapt to modern times while retaining their cultural importance.

Sarah D. Collins, a passionate reporter, dives into the rich culinary world of Georgia's famous kachapuri. She recounts her personal experiences with kachapuri, from savoring it in a lively NYC restaurant to exploring its significance during her trip to Georgia, all amidst the backdrop of cultural tensions. Collins shares stories of cooking alongside locals, highlighting how food fosters connection and resilience in a country marked by challenges. Plus, she teases delicious recipes for listeners eager to try their hand at this delightful cheese bread!

You may know our America's Test Kitchen colleague Sarah Ahn as the popular content creator behind the social media account, @AhnestKitchen. Sarah chronicles her mother Nam Soon's Korean recipes against the backdrop of her everyday, regular life at home. What you might not know is the backstory behind her social media account, and how it became the inspiration for her and Nam Soon's New York Times best-selling cook. Proof's Managing Producer Yumi Araki reports. To learn more about Sarah and Nam Soon's recipes, check out their cookbook Umma: A Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom and 100 Family Recipes. Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans love ice, and it's no surprise given the food's (yes, you read that right; ice is a food) rich history and its start as an American invention. In this episode, we look at the history, science, and culture of ice and why it's such an iconic culinary item. Claudia Rosenbaum reports. If directional freezing is too much of a hassle for you, try our Reviews Team's favorite Countertop Ice-Makers! Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription ⁠here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're excited to introduce Proof listeners to a new video podcast from America's Test Kitchen! Each episode of In the Test Kitchen is a mix of expert insights, personal anecdotes, and lively discussions with guests from the culinary world and beyond. The premiere episode features comedian Matteo Lane, who has comedy special called The Al Dente Special coming out on Hulu in May. He’s also just released a book called Your Pasta Sucks, which Dan and his cohost–ATK Food Stylist, Elle Simon Scott–really get into. Make sure to listen, watch, subscribe, and leave a comment so that other listeners can find both Proof and In the Test Kitchen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On his quest to brew the perfect cup of tea, reporter Jerome Campbell gathers insights from a tea historian and a chemist. Is loose-leaf really worth the hassle? What actually happens when you microwave tea? And can you fix a cup of tea that’s been brewed for too long? Join us in this week’s episode of Proof as we investigate tea truths and tea myths.If you are brewing your tea loose-leaf style, check out our Reviews Team's suggestions for the Best Basket-Style Tea Infusers.Get a 14-day free trial for an America’s Test Kitchen digital subscription here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices