🎙️ Baking Through Time 🎧 Episode Title: “Bittersweet Alchemy: The Story of Dutch Cocoa Brownies” Episode Description: Some recipes are passed down. Others find us when we need them most. In this heartfelt episode of Baking Through Time, Dr. Susan Rashid shares the story of her most personal recipe—her Dutch cocoa brownies. More than just dessert, these brownies have been a quiet companion through every chapter of her life: from adolescence to medical school, from hospital call rooms to chemotherapy recovery, from joy-filled gatherings to nights marked by grief. Through rich storytelling and deeply felt reflection, Dr. Rashid explores the history of Dutch-process cocoa, the science behind the perfect brownie texture, and the role of food in memory, medicine, and community. Along the way, she invites listeners into the cultural rituals and psychological comfort that a single pan of brownies can hold. Whether you bake often or not at all, this episode is about something deeper: how the simple act of stirring cocoa into butter can become a way of saying—I’m still here. Featuring: –The ancient and modern history of cocoa –The science of fudgy vs. cakey brownies –The role of food in grief, healing, and human connection – Dr. Rashid’s own Dutch cocoa brownie recipe, shared for the first time Tune in, take a breath, and maybe preheat your oven. Because sometimes, the most powerful stories rise in the quiet of a kitchen.

🎧 Podcast Episode Summary Episode Title: A Sweet Surprise: The Accidental Invention of the Chocolate Chip CookiePodcast: Baking Through TimeHost: Dr. Susan Rashid What if we told you the world’s most beloved cookie—the warm, melty chocolate chip cookie—was never meant to exist? In this heartwarming and deliciously nostalgic episode, Dr. Susan Rashid takes us on a journey back to the 1930s and into the cozy kitchen of Ruth Wakefield, the brilliant mind behind the accidental invention of the chocolate chip cookie at the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. You’ll hear the rich biography of Ruth Wakefield, the original Toll House Cookie recipe read aloud with warmth and care, and stories of how this dessert became a wartime symbol of love sent across oceans. Along the way, Dr. Rashid weaves in her own personal reflections as a physician and baker who continues the tradition of baking for family, friends, colleagues, children, the underserved, and the moments that matter most. From Parisian cafés to Dr. Susan Rashid's kitchen in Hollywood, Florida, this is more than a recipe story—it’s a tale of comfort, connection, and culinary legacy. Whether you're baking to remember, to heal, or just for the joy of it, this episode reminds us that even the simplest treats can hold the deepest meaning.

In this captivating episode of Baking Through Time, we embark on an extraordinary journey through the rich and fascinating history of cocoa. From the sacred rituals of the Olmecs and the currency of the Aztecs to the refined indulgences of European aristocrats and the industrial innovations that brought chocolate to the masses, cocoa’s legacy is as deep as its flavor. Join Dr. Susan Rashid as we unravel the intricate connections between history, science, and culinary traditions that shaped cocoa into the essential ingredient we cherish today. Along the way, we’ll explore the role of ancient civilizations, European explorers, and groundbreaking chocolatiers, while also addressing the ethical challenges of modern cocoa production. And as a sweet finale, we’ll offer a sneak peek into future episodes, where we’ll master time-honored cocoa recipes—including Chocolate Chip Cookies, Black Forest Cake, Dutch Cocoa Brownies, and Red Velvet Cake—each with its own unique history and baking secrets. Pour yourself a warm cup of cocoa, settle in, and prepare to savor the past as we uncover cocoa’s timeless journey from sacred elixir to baking’s beloved treasure.

Step back into the golden sands of Ancient Egypt, where the art of breadmaking began its journey through time. In this captivating episode of Baking Through Time, Dr. Susan Rashid delves into the origins of sourdough bread, exploring its profound role in Egyptian culture, religion, and daily life. Discover how the fertile Nile Valley became the cradle of baking innovation, with emmer wheat and barley fields providing the foundation for the Egyptians' diet. From the fragrant markets filled with the tangy scent of sourdough to the sacred rituals where bread served as offerings to the gods, this episode unveils the intertwined stories of sustenance, spirituality, and survival. Dr. Rashid guides listeners through the intricate process of ancient breadmaking—from grinding grains to the natural fermentation that gave sourdough its signature flavor. Learn how Egyptian bakers combined artistry and practicality, incorporating honey, dried fruits, and spices into their loaves, and how their innovations echo in today’s artisanal baking traditions. Finally, step into the shoes of an ancient baker with a modern adaptation of an authentic sourdough recipe, and reconnect with the timeless artistry of breadmaking. As Dr. Rashid eloquently reminds us, baking is not just about food—it’s a celebration of humanity’s shared history and creativity. Join us as we uncover the legacy of the Pharaohs' ovens, where bread became more than sustenance—it became a symbol of life, community, and innovation. This episode is a flavorful journey into the past, inspiring you to bake with the wisdom of the ages.

Journey back to the cradle of civilization with Dr. Susan Rashid as we uncover the origins of humanity’s first bread in Ancient Mesopotamia. Nestled between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Mesopotamia was more than a birthplace of agriculture—it was where bread transcended sustenance to become a symbol of culture, community, and progress. In this episode, we explore how ancient bakers transformed simple grains into the cornerstone of a thriving society. From the ingenious tools and techniques used in Mesopotamian kitchens to the role of bread in religious rituals, trade, and marketplaces, discover the profound impact of this humble food on early civilization. Dr. Rashid also shares a modern adaptation of an ancient flatbread recipe, inspired by scholarly insights, and recounts her own experience baking it at home—a connection to history that is as delicious as it is enlightening. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a baking aficionado, or simply curious about the past, this episode will transport you to a time when bread truly shaped the world. Tune in and taste the story of civilization itself.