Hi, and welcome to Tested Tastes.
My name is Ethan Carter, and this space is where my curiosity in the kitchen turned into a lifelong passion for experimenting, testing, and perfecting flavors.
Early Days in the Kitchen
I was raised in Madison, Wisconsin, in a household where food was both comfort and creativity. My father was a school science teacher, and my mother loved baking. Between the two of them, I grew up with a mix of experiments and traditions. Dad would challenge me to figure out “what happens if we add a little vinegar here?” while Mom taught me the patience required to knead bread or let cookie dough rest overnight.
By the time I was in high school, I was the friend who always brought “test batches” of cookies to share. Some were a hit, others… well, let’s just say they didn’t all pass the test. But even then, I loved the process of trial and error. I wasn’t afraid of mistakes—I saw them as steps toward something better.
A Journey of Flavors
In my twenties and thirties, life took me in many directions. I studied nutrition at college, then worked in a corporate wellness program for several years. The science behind food fascinated me—how small changes could affect flavor, texture, and even health benefits. But outside the office, my true classroom was always the kitchen.
Travel added another layer to my education. In Thailand, I fell in love with the complexity of street food and how balance defined every dish. In France, I learned patience from bakers who treated croissants as works of art. In Mexico, I was welcomed into homes where recipes weren’t written down, but lived in memory and tradition. Every place I visited added a new chapter to my food journey.
The Birth of Tested Tastes
As I entered my forties, I wanted to create a space that reflected my way of approaching food: curiosity, testing, and learning. That’s how Tested Tastes was born.
The name is simple but meaningful. For me, every recipe is like a little experiment. It starts with curiosity, it involves some trial and error, and eventually, it becomes something that’s tested, tasted, and worth sharing. I don’t believe in “perfect recipes” that work for everyone—I believe in tested experiences that encourage people to find what works for them.
What You’ll Find Here
At Tested Tastes, you’ll discover:
- Step-by-step recipes that I’ve tested, adjusted, and refined until they truly work.
- Flavor experiments, where I play with substitutions, twists, and improvements on classics.
- Honest stories, including my kitchen flops (because not everything works the first time—and that’s okay).
- Practical cooking tips, inspired by both science and tradition, to help you understand the “why” behind the food.
I want you to feel like you’re learning alongside me, not just following instructions. This isn’t a polished magazine kitchen—it’s a real one, filled with successes, mistakes, and everything in between.
The Road Ahead
My dream is for Tested Tastes to be a community for curious cooks. Whether you’re a beginner learning how to boil pasta without overcooking it, or a seasoned home chef fine-tuning your own recipes, there’s a place for you here.
Food is an endless journey. There’s always something new to test, taste, and share. Through this site, I hope to spark your curiosity, give you confidence to try, and maybe even inspire you to embrace the messy, delicious process of cooking.
So thank you for stopping by. I invite you to explore, experiment, and most importantly—taste along with me.
With warmth and curiosity,
Ethan Carter