Ep 1. Sweet Twists on American Classics

In season 7 episode 1 of Unique Sweets, titled "Sweet Twists on American Classics," viewers are taken on a journey to explore the most innovative, unique twists on classic American desserts. Hosted by pastry chef Zac Young, this episode features a selection of artisanal and creative chefs who have taken old-school favorites and remixed them with new flavor combinations, textures and techniques.

The episode starts off with a visit to a famous New York deli, where Zac is shown a new spin on the traditional black and white cookie. Using an innovative mix of flavors like yuzu and matcha, the pastry chef has created a cookie that is a fusion of East meets West. The cookie is very popular and features on several menus across New York.

Next, Zac takes viewers on a journey to a pastry shop in Brooklyn that has created a modern version of the classic apple pie. The chef's creative twist is to add sweet and savory flavors to the mix, with a filling that includes tangy apples and aged cheddar cheese. The crust is also treated differently with a sprinkle of sea salt and sugar. This unconventional take on apple pie has quickly become a local hit.

The next stop is a southern restaurant that is putting their own unique spin on a classic dessert, banana pudding. They have replaced the traditional flavors with a sweet potato puree mixed with roasted pecans, caramel and vanilla wafer cookie crumbs. Served in a glass jar, the dessert is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

The show then heads to San Francisco, where a bakery is creating their version of a classic childhood dessert, Hostess Cupcakes. The new twist is a spicy kick, using a creamy chocolate ganache filled with a mixture of cayenne pepper and hot chocolate powder. The result is a treat that packs a punch of heat while still coated with a nostalgic chocolate exterior.

The next stop is a bakery in Chicago where cinnamon rolls are done their way. By using caramelized miso and a smooth, buttery icing, the pastry chef has created a unique balance of salty and sweet that marries beautifully with the soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls.

Finally, the episode ends with a trip to a West Coast bakery that has created a decadent version of a beloved dessert, the s'more. The pastry chef has taken the classic elements of s'mores – graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows – and added an elevated twist by smoking the marshmallows with hickory wood chips for a smoky flavor, layering the ganache with raspberry jam and graham cracker crumbles for added texture and complexity.

Throughout the episode, Zac Young demonstrates a deep appreciation for the creativity and skill of these pastry chefs, who are using sweet ingredients and their imaginations to transform classic American desserts into something completely new and exciting. With each visit, viewers are treated to a unique look at different parts of the United States while indulging their sweet tooth with unforgettable and delicious twists on desserts that have become part of our American heritage.