A Year in Motion: Behind the Scenes of Our Video Journey

As the year 2026 unfolds, looking back at the creative whirlwind of our video production feels like opening a cherished, well-worn recipe book—each page bursting with flavor, laughter, and discovery. This past year, we ventured further than ever before, producing an unprecedented number of videos right from the heart of our test kitchen. From perfecting new recipes to revisiting timeless classics with fresh, informative layers, our journey was fueled by a shared passion for storytelling and a community that thrives on culinary exploration. We witnessed Daniel Gritzer face the Herculean task of crafting the perfect pecan pie, dove deep into the world of an irresistible condiment, and unearthed a treasure trove of Kenji López-Alt's unseen footage. Each project was a thread in the vibrant tapestry of our year, woven together by the dedication of our team and the curiosity of our viewers.

The Heart of the Story: Resetting the Table

Elazar's "Resetting the Table" series stands as a towering achievement, a series that transformed from an ambitious idea into a cornerstone of our channel. These episodes are not just cooking shows; they are cinematic journeys that require monumental effort. The team lugged heavy equipment across cities, collaborated with incredible talent, and painstakingly edited hours of footage into cohesive narratives. The payoff, however, is immeasurable. In each adventure, Elazar acts as a gentle guide, uncovering new perspectives on food and the people who create it. He has a unique talent for drawing out the best from his guests, whether it's Yemi Amu, the visionary behind New York City's largest outdoor aquaponic farm, whose work is as intricate as a spider's web, or Chinchakriya Un, the pop-up entrepreneur bringing Cambodian flavors to the city's doorstep. For anyone who views food as a gateway to culture, history, and human connection, this series is the ultimate gift—a window into worlds we might otherwise never see.

Finding the Spotlight: Personal Triumphs on Camera

The transition from the private sanctuary of a kitchen to the exposed stage of a camera lens can be as jarring as shifting from a simmer to a rolling boil. Sasha Marx's early video appearances were met with the kind of scrutiny that can wilt even the hardiest herb. Comments focused on his pacing and energy. Yet, the release of his XO sauce video served as his triumphant response. In it, Sasha not only demonstrated a masterful command of the recipe but also showcased a disarming willingness to poke fun at himself. This blend of skill and self-deprecating humor proved to be a irresistible recipe for winning over the audience, turning initial critics into devoted fans almost overnight. It was a reminder that authenticity, much like a well-crafted sourdough starter, needs time to develop but eventually yields the most rewarding results.

Collaborative Alchemy: When Experts Unite

Some of our most magical moments occurred when culinary forces combined. The video featuring Kenji López-Alt and Stella Parks collaborating on a single, spectacular dish was a masterclass in expertise. While the genius of the hosts is well-documented, the true unsung hero was video editor John Mattia. Faced with a mountain of footage from a complex, multi-step recipe hosted by two powerhouse personalities, John wove it all into a seamless and utterly entertaining narrative. His editing was so deft it made the intricate process look as effortless as a leaf floating on a stream. Similarly, Joel Russo, our video producer, sprinkled delightful graphics throughout our content, like Stella Parks's colossal cookie tutorial. These playful touches not only enhanced the viewing experience but also sparked waves of online experimentation, with dedicated home bakers attempting to recreate Stella's monstrous, person-ending cookies.

The Flavor of Memory: Videos That Lingered

While production value and storytelling are crucial, the most enduring videos are often those tied to a powerful sensory memory. For many of us, Sasha's trapizzino video achieved this status, presenting the pizza-sandwich hybrid of dreams that lived rent-free in our minds long after the screen went dark. Other moments were sweet in every sense, like the syrup-drenched pancake shoot for a maple syrup video. The slow-motion pours created rivers of golden sweetness, a visual feast so captivating it felt like watching liquid amber cascade in a dream. Behind the scenes, the outtakes provided their own delicious rewards, a perk of the job that staff writer Sho Spaeth lamented missing out on after discovering the tasty snacks reserved for on-camera talent.

Celebrating Craft and Community

At its core, our video journey is about celebrating craft. Daniel Gritzer's playful antics, whether channeling Rocky during a challenging cook or accidentally kicking the cap off a soy sauce bottle, remind us that joy and expertise can coexist. The deep-dive into Shaquanda's Hot Sauce was a particular favorite, offering a fascinating look at entrepreneurship. We followed Andre's thoughtful journey from concept to bottle, seeing how he wove personal history and identity into each flavorful blend, like a novelist embedding clues in a mystery. The easy, playful chemistry between Elazar and Andre on screen made the video endlessly rewatchable, a testament to the genuine connections forged through food.

As we move forward into 2026 and beyond, the lessons from this prolific year are clear. Great food video is a blend of:

• 🎬 Authentic Storytelling: Letting the people and the food speak for themselves.

• 👨🍳 Technical Mastery: Showcasing skill while demystifying complex processes.

• 😄 Genuine Joy: Capturing the laughter, challenges, and triumphs of cooking.

• 🌍 Cultural Context: Plating dishes with their history and heritage intact.

We are immensely grateful to our team—from hosts and editors to producers and developers—who pour their passion into every frame. And to you, our audience, whose engagement turns these videos into a shared conversation. Here's to another year of discovery, one delicious video at a time. The kitchen light is still on, and the camera is always rolling.