Join thousands of other listeners on our Substack, The Foodletter!   In this deliciously rich episode, Brooke reconnects with Tyler Malek, the mastermind behind Salt & Straw's imaginative and story-driven ice cream flavors. Tyler returns to discuss his new cookbook, Salt & Straw: America's Most Iconic Ice Creams, sharing the philosophy, process, and passion behind the recipes. From tales of starting with used ice cream machines to building one of the most beloved small-batch ice cream brands in the country, this episode offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Salt & Straw so unique. Whether you’re a culinary nerd, ice cream lover, or creative entrepreneur, there’s something here for you.   Key Takeaways

• (01:40) Ice Cream as Storytelling: Tyler’s passion lies in using ice cream to convey stories and create memorable experiences—not just serve dessert.
• (07:07) Company Growth Without Compromise: Salt & Straw continues expanding with care, maintaining quality and culture while scaling responsibly.
• (09:29) New Book Launch: Tyler’s new cookbook, launching April 29th, breaks down 10 iconic American ice creams, teaching foundational techniques and offering endless riffs.
• (11:21) Cookbook Design Philosophy: The book is meant to be a source of both inspiration and education—whether you're making the recipes or just absorbing the creative energy.
• (22:29) Ice Cream Base Varieties Explained: The book includes five base recipes: classic sweet cream, custard, gelato, vegan coconut, and sorbet—each suited to different flavor expressions.
• (25:41) Equipment Tips for Home Cooks: Tyler shares pros and cons of various ice cream makers, from frozen bowl models to internal compressor machines like the Breville.
• (44:24) Why Pistachio Ice Cream is So Hard to Nail: Real pistachio flavor (vs. extract) is subtle and finicky—Tyler explains how the gelato base helps it shine through.

  Notable Quotes

• (01:40) “I’m passionate about telling stories and conveying unique experiences through ice cream.”
• (03:55) “We’re not just creating a dessert—we’re creating a moment.”
• (11:21) “Cookbooks are like portals. You might not make every recipe, but they teach you how to see and taste differently.”
• (20:11) “Ice cream is more like making soup than pastry—get the base right, and the rest is play.”

  Resources

• Get Tyler’s brand new cookbook: America's Most Iconic Ice Creams
• Grab Tyler’s First Book: Salt & Straw Ice Cream Cookbook
• Find a Salt & Straw location near you
• Follow Salt & Straw on Instagram
• Follow Female Foodie on Instagram