Basque Cheesecake: Why It's Taking Over The World

Author: Phil & Eric
Published: Sun 13 Jul 2025
Episode Link: https://rss.com/podcasts/potluckfoodtalks/2112223

🎙️ EP142 – The Rise of the Basque Cheesecake. On the road to Etxebarri, Eric chats with José Pelares—chef, entrepreneur, and founder of LA VASCA, Colombia’s cult-favorite Basque cheesecake brand. From nostalgic late-night cheesecake sessions in San Sebastián to adapting the classic recipe for a new audience, the two dig into what makes this dessert so addictive.

🎧 Topics Covered in This Episode:

🍰 The Cheesecake Origin Story – How a late-night craving turned into a brand

🇨🇴 Exporting Flavor – Bringing Basque cheesecake to Colombia

🧂 Salt > Sugar – Why the best cheesecakes aren’t that sweet

🍪 Cookie Base Controversy – Breaking tradition or improving it?

🐐 Mamia & Sheep’s Milk – Basque desserts in all their minimal glory

🍠 Sweet Potato, Matcha & Dulce de Leche – Remixing the recipe

💡 Tips for Home Bakers – How not to mess it up

🧀 Cheesecake Cheese? – From secret cheeses to white mold crusts

🍷 Pairings We Love – From Sauternes to Pacharán

📈 Going Viral – Runny centers, arepa confusion, and social media gold

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