How do you conquer an obstacle you never expected? Mine involved a simple can of baking powder. When I landed my first role as a pastry chef at one of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh, I was overjoyed. It felt like a dream come true—a highly sought-after position at one of the few establishments in the city with a full pastry wing. The kitchen was prominently located at the front and featured glass walls, allowing passersby to stop and admire our work. I felt prepared for this opportunity; my technical skills were sharp. I could temper chocolate even under challenging conditions, rescue broken creams, and convert measurements in my head effortlessly. However, during what should have been a moment of confident mastery, I faced a humbling experience. In my first week, I was tasked with making goat cheese doughnuts. Everything was in place except for one unexpected hurdle—a stubborn can of baking powder with a recessed lid. For all my preparation and honed skills, this trivial cha...