1. Crispy outside, Juicy inside

The podcast "Melting Pot" explores the science behind everyday cooking, focusing on how chemistry influences flavor and technique. Host Jay Behrouzi interviews biochemist Big Manny to discuss the Maillard reaction, explaining how amino acids and sugars create browning and flavor in foods at specific temperatures, while also cautioning against pyrolysis, or burning. The episode further explores cultural connections to food, featuring Rex de Guzman, a British-born Filipino chef, who shares his version of Chicken Inasal, highlighting the use of vinegar for preservation and its impact on the Maillard reaction. Additionally, actress Valerie Garcia Birchmore discusses how cooking helps her cope with homesickness after moving from the Philippines to the UK, as she prepares lumpiang Shanghai, illustrating the adaptation of recipes with local ingredients.