the proof is in the pudding

The ultimate determiner of whether you can cook is if you can successfully make a delicious pudding. This is because the process involves a variety of cooking techniques. I.e. if you mess up one of the steps it just doesn't taste right. For instance, bits of egg shells or cooked egg white in it; a burned taste if not heated and stirred properly; and/or lumpy if the thickener is not prepared, added and stirred properly. So voila, if you can overcome these hurtles, you have the proper skills to be a good cook! This was explained to me by my great aunt, born in 1900 and from Shamokin, PA.

This definition has crossover meaning with other endeavors.

Can she cook?
Yes, she can; the proof is in the pudding.

Can he fix the plumbing?
We'll see. The proof is in the pudding.

Will the bus driver really be able to get us from Philly to Toronto in this weather?
We'll see. The proof is in the pudding.

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