Milk Street Television Season 1 Episode 9 Not Your Mother's Cake

In season 1 episode 9 of Milk Street Television, titled "Not Your Mother's Cake," host Christopher Kimball dives deep into exploring the world of baking beyond traditional cakes. The episode features a variety of international-inspired recipes that will have viewers itching to whip out their mixing bowls.

The segment kicks off with an in-depth look at a popular dessert in Japan - the Matcha Roll Cake. Kimball walks viewers through the specific techniques required to make this delicate cake, which is flavored with the green tea powder matcha. The result is a fluffy, sponge-like cake that's not too sweet and perfect for pairing with a cup of tea.

Next, Kimball heads to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to visit the bakery that's behind the town's famous Flourless Chocolate Torte. This dense, fudgy cake is gluten-free and features a rich chocolate flavor that's not too sweet. The bakery owner shares tips for how to get the perfect texture without using any flour, making it an excellent option for anyone with dietary restrictions.

The episode then takes a turn to the savory side by introducing a Tamale Pie, which is a Southwestern-inspired casserole dish made with a cornbread crust and a spicy beef filling. Kimball shares his recipe for this crowd-pleasing dish, which is easy to make and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

For those with a sweet tooth, the next recipe featured on the show is the Tres Leches Cake, a popular dessert in many Latin American countries. This sponge cake is soaked in three types of milk, making it incredibly moist and flavorful. Kimball shares tips for how to make this cake light and fluffy, without being too dense.

The final recipe of the episode is a Moroccan-inspired Orange Polenta Cake. Polenta is a versatile ingredient that adds a unique texture to cakes, and in this recipe, it's paired with orange zest and honey for a delicious flavor combination. The cake is topped with a slightly savory orange blossom and olive oil syrup that balances out the sweetness of the dessert.

Throughout the episode, Kimball shares tips and tricks for baking that will have even novice bakers feeling confident in the kitchen. From the importance of measuring ingredients accurately to how to perfectly soften butter, viewers will walk away from this episode with a plethora of new baking skills.

To wrap up the show, Kimball and his guests sit down to enjoy a slice of each dessert, and share their thoughts and feedback on each recipe. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, "Not Your Mother's Cake" offers a variety of unique and delicious recipes that are sure to impress.