Episode 623: Smashed, Mashed, Boiled, and Baked

There is a wonderful wide world of potatoes out there, and nearly limitless ways to cook with them. Ragavhan Iyer explores them all in his new book Smashed, Mashed, Boiled, and Baked - and Fried Too! Food writer Joe Yonan considers the hippest, new meat substitute - jackfruit - and says cooking with it doesn't come without difficulties. Although some home chefs are intimidated by sourdough starters, America's Test Kitchen's Bridget Lancaster says making one is as simple as caring for a goldfish. She invites us into her kitchen for a quick lesson. Former Culture editor Elaine Khosrova shares with us the rich history of butter. And Andrea Cherng remembers growing up in a restaurant family and talks about the importance of both Chinese and American culture to her Panda Express chain.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

• January 27, 2017