Justin Ellen: On Cooking Better Than Grandma, Missing Prom to Be On "Is It Cake," and Being A Young Black Baker In a World That Doesn't See You Coming

Justin Ellen is a phenom baker at just 22 years old, has almost a million Instagram followers, and his debut cookbook "Better Than Grandma's" is out this week. He appeared on Netflix's "Is It Cake?" at just 18, fooling the judges twice, while also missing his prom and graduation to film it. This episode was recorded in person at Mark's house in Glynwood, where Justin and Mark made bread pudding from Justin's book. Justin talks to Mark and Kate about starting his baking business accidentally at 15, making Mary J. Blige's birthday cake, and why being a young Black male baker in public matters to him. Mark talks about his own grandmother too.

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The Bittman Project is featuring three recipes from Justin Ellen's "Better Than Grandma's":

Bread Pudding: https://bittmanproject.com/recipe/bread-pudding/

Chocolate Cobbler: https://bittmanproject.com/recipe/chocolate-cobbler/

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: https://bittmanproject.com/recipe/carrot-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/

Here's what Mark and Kate mentioned in today's podcast: Fly by Jing Garlic Noodles, https://link.amazon/B0dL6xWe3

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