Hi. Elle here with the newest news from the test kitchen.   The very first episode of our podcast The Walk-In (hosted by yours truly) just dropped and here’s why you’ll want to give it a listen.     Everyone has a story, and I’m all about making people comfortable enough to share theirs, maybe even beyond what they’ve said publicly before. I have a running list of difference makers in the culinary world—chefs and entrepreneurs—that make me think, “Wow, just wow.” I’m so fortunate that a lot of them are my friends or “friends in my head.” When ATK was looking to develop another podcast that would be our Next Big Thing (after Proof, a two-time Webby award winner, and the wildly popular Mystery Recipe from ATK Kids), this list became a series of conversations, and those conversations became The Walk-In.   Then this spring happened, and what we’re all doing to create a more inclusive world shifted into clear focus. While The Walk-In was already well into production, it now debuts into an ongoing conversation among many, many more people. I’m joined by Dr. Jessica B. Harris, and she talks about being a young socialite in the 60’s and becoming a historian of today. Chef Mashama Bailey explores how she’s embracing her newfound fame, but not before Kia Damon kicks off the season with the ultimate “wall slide” moment. I hope you’ll find some food for your brain each week (new episodes drop every Wednesday).   Subscribe Now and Listen for Free Anytime       Speaking of talent that inspires me, you’ll find a few of the chefs and cookbooks that shaped my worldview in my bio below. Here in the test kitchen, late summer means our latest cookbooks are on the way. I’m a light eater these days, so the recipe portions are perfect in Cooking for One. Full of new, versatile recipes—use any oil in this one (yes, test kitchen recipes that are less precise but still foolproof!) and improvise with the protein or spices you have on hand for that one—it’s a cookbook with positive vibes on every page. Sounds kind of new age-y, but you’ll see what I mean.   The ATK Kids team never stops coming up with great new ideas—they’re all definitely in touch with their inner child. So, about those store-bought staples kids love, such as ketchup, peanut butter, and (fish-shaped) cheese crackers—why not make homemade versions that taste even better? As a bonus . . . everyone in your house can pronounce every ingredient (banish those additives and preservatives). The Complete DIY Cookbook for Young Chefs is key this fall, whether classes happen at school or at home.   Subscribe to The Walk-In and get new episodes in your feed each week. Check out the books I mentioned above and below. Keep an eye out for Season 13 of Cook’s Country coming in September. And send the cast of America’s Test Kitchen (including me) good thoughts—we’re filming the 21st season of the show in our home kitchens this month and next! The adventure continues, and we’re glad you’re beside us for the ride.     Elle Simone Scott HOST, THE WALK-IN     Kia Damon Episode 1: “Y’all not gonna kill me” In the debut episode of The Walk-In, Elle talks with Kia Damon about being a Black woman in the culinary industry, her lifechanging move from Florida to New York City, work/life balance, and imposter syndrome.     C. Hunter Zuli Episode 2: “I was born by myself” In the second episode of The Walk-In, Elle speaks with C. Hunter Zuli about her journey to becoming the premier curator of supper clubs centered on the cultural experience of the African diaspora.   Don’t miss it  Subscribe for free ›   Rahanna Bisseret MartÍnez Episode 3: “Not about the prize until the end” Elle talks with Top Chef Junior season 1 runner up Rahanna Bisseret Martínez about staging in kitchens around the country and being a young black woman growing up in the culinary industry.   Don’t miss it  Subscribe for free ›   Have you met Elle? In addition to hosting The Walk-In and being a cast member and executive editor of America’s Test Kitchen, Elle serves as ATK’s Inclusion Leader, guiding our Diversity Council to promote inclusive recruiting, mentorship, representation, and retention. Elle is the founder of SheChef, Inc., a networking organization and social enterprise, where she provides mentoring to women chefs of color. She serves on the boards of Women Chefs & Restaurateurs, New England Culinary Arts Training, Women In Hospitality United, and the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.   The chefs and cookbooks that shaped Elle’s food worldview include B. Smith’s Rituals & Celebrations, Brown Sugar Kitchen by Tanya Holland, The Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook by Cheryl and Griffin Day, Sky Juice and Flying Fish by Dr. Jessica B. Harris, and The Jemima Code by Toni Tipton-Martin.   The Walk-In’s Sponsors