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

What should we expect from the people who sell us food? We get an opinion from cheesemonger and food retailer Steve Jenkins. Tucker Shaw of Cook's Science reveals some new tips and tricks from America's Test Kitchen. Contributor Von Diaz talks to chef Justin Warner about his theories on flavor pairings. He is author of The Laws of Cooking, which includes the law of peanut butter and jelly and the law of gin and tonic. Walden Hill's Jennifer Milikowsky explains why she brought the European tradition of acorn-finished pork to the U.S., and Gordon Edgar, author of Cheddar, shares the cheese's history.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

• January 22, 2016 (originally aired)
• January 20, 2017 (rebroadcast)

This week we’re talking to Indian food authority Madhur Jaffrey about her latest book, Vegetarian India. We're going inside the Middle Eastern pantry with Doc Willoughby from America's Test Kitchen. Contributor David Leite interviews journalist Tim Neville about his trip to the Swiss Alps to immerse himself in the art of fondue. Noelle Carter meets up with Toni Tipton-Martin, author of The Jemima Code, and Joe Yonan speaks with chef Tal Ronnen, author of Crossroads, about vegan cooking.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

• January 8, 2016 (originally aired)
• January 6, 2017 (rebroadcast)

This week, we learn what it takes to be a cheesemonger with Steve Jones, proprietor of Cheese Bar in Portland, Ore. We're also looking at willpower with John Tierney, co-author of Willpower, Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength. And Jane and Michael Stern are breakfasting at Green Salmon in Yachats, Ore.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

• January 21, 2012 (originally aired)
• January 19, 2013 (rebroadcast)
• December 30, 2016 (rebroadcast)