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The Shameless Chef — Arts
The Shameless Chef

A podcast series that takes us back in time to home kitchens in the 1970s, but still has a lot to teach us today. The show’s original host, Michael A. Davenport shares his fearless attitude towards food and encourages home cooks to have fun and take risks in the kitchen. Get inspired by recipes, techniques, and above all The Shameless Chef’s audacious attitude that we hope you’ll take with you in your home kitchen.
Developed for public radio in 1977, the series has been off the air for more than 40 years and many episodes have never been heard before. Sadly, Michael A. Davenport passed away in 1985; but he lived a truly vibrant life. Now the show’s original producer, Mike Schreiber is making these audio treasures available for the first time on Heritage Radio Network. Each episode includes several bite-sized segments that focus on a particular food, ingredient, or home cooking tip, accompanied by Mike’s anecdotes about the effervescent legacy of Michael A. Davenport and The Shameless Chef.

Copyright: © 2020 Heritage Radio Network

Latest Episodes:

Treat Yourself: Truffles, Lobster, and Skirt Steak Feb 04, 2021

Show notes

Treat yourself with stories about the finer things in life as well as some suggestions for daily delights. This episode kicks off with truffles. Michael explains why this fungus is so expensive and shares ways to use truffles in your cooking when you’re feeling opulent. Next, get Michael’s tips on how to prepare when a special guest is coming for dinner - yourself. Dining alone doesn’t have to consist of grabbing food on the go; Michael instructs anyone eating solo to set the mood and indulge your cravings. Plus, understand why butchers are inclined to keep the skirt steak for themselves, hear The Shameless Chef’s argument for buying better coffee, and dive into the debate about the best way to cook lobster.

Episode art by Karina Andreatos.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Shameless Chef by becoming a member!

The Shameless Chef is Powered by Simplecast.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kitchen Tools, Cast Iron, and Microwave Cooking Jan 28, 2021

Show notes

Not all kitchen gadgets are useful. In fact, Michael Davenport was glad to be free of the clutter too many cooking tools can cause. In this episode, he shares what gadgets are fun to try and which are frivolous. Beginning with pots and pans, he tells us about the cast iron that’s been in his family for three generations. When it comes to wedding gifts, he has suggestions so that you don’t end up buying someone yet another toaster. While microwave ovens weren’t ubiquitous when these episodes were recorded, Michael calls them “the greatest boon to busy people.” Plus, get more tips for dishwasher cooking - just remember, no detergent!

Episode art by Karina Andreatos.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Shameless Chef by becoming a member!

The Shameless Chef is Powered by Simplecast.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Seafood: From Hangtown Fry to Dishwasher Fish Jan 21, 2021

Show notes

This episode is all about seafood. Michael shares some of his favorite dishes that he enjoyed in restaurants and replicated at home. He talks about the misunderstood origins of cioppino and lists the reasons he misses California abalone. If you have access to canned or fresh oysters, Michael suggests making hangtown fry, a dish accompanied by tall tales about who made it first that can be served for brunch or dinner. Plus, enjoy one of The Shameless Chef’s most famous programs about how to cook a fish filet in your dishwasher.

Episode art by Alicia Qian.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Shameless Chef by becoming a member!

The Shameless Chef is Powered by Simplecast.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Finding Color and Texture in Healthy Meals Jan 14, 2021

Show notes

Michael Davenport admits he is no dietician, but he believes that you can trust many of your cravings - if food smells good and looks good, your body is sending you a signal. When it’s cold, a hot hearty soup is just what you need. When it’s hot, a salad offers the cooling effect you’re looking for. In this episode, Michael provides a range of suggestions for seeking out color, texture and satisfaction in healthful food.

Balance isn’t just about finding greens on your plate, what about reds or blues? When it comes to bread, we can all do better than sliced white bread - wheat, whole grain, rye and pumpernickel are all more flavorful. And while prunes make us giggle, they’re good for you and Michael has ideas for how to eat them soaked, in stews, or as a snack.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Shameless Chef by becoming a member!

The Shameless Chef is Powered by Simplecast.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gaining Confidence and Breaking Rules in the Kitchen Jan 07, 2021

Show notes

This episode is about trying new recipes and techniques and being unafraid to make them your own. Michael Davenport notes that many confident cooks don’t use exact measurements - they use a pinch, a handful, or season to taste. As you gain confidence in the kitchen, you’re building a new muscle that helps you recognize when the pan is hot enough or the pie is cooked through. He also encourages home cooks not to be intimidated by the food they’re served in restaurants. Michael provides a recipe for carpet bag steak that he promises will dazzle friends and family. And while recreating a dish at home may raise questions about its authenticity, Michael is a proponent of changing recipes to your liking. He says: “Call it anything as long as it’s good - call it delicious.”

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Shameless Chef by becoming a member!

The Shameless Chef is Powered by Simplecast.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Three Cheers and Hangover Cures Dec 28, 2020

Show notes

This episode is all about beverages - from judging fine wine to the infamous holiday punch bowl. The Shameless Chef was no “label snob,” Michael Davenport preaches the importance of judging a wine (and any food or beverage) according to one’s palate, not prejudices. He supports breaking rules like “white with fowl and red with meat,” but gives his own suggestions for storing and sipping wine. While Michael warns against the dangers of punch bowls, there are a few he sings the praises for. And when the holidays finally end and you wake up on New Year’s Day with a hangover, he has advice for that too.

Episode Art by Karina Andreatos

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Shameless Chef by becoming a member!

The Shameless Chef is Powered by Simplecast.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Making the Most of Leftovers Dec 23, 2020

Show notes

Mike Schreiber loves leftovers because they remind him of the holidays. This episode is about just that: how to best put your leftovers to use, the joy of sharing them with others, and wishing everyone a happy and delicious holiday season. Next time you’re planning dinner but don’t feel like grocery shopping, Michael Davenport suggests testing your creativity and seeing what you can whip up with what’s already in the fridge. He encourages making more than enough food - if you’re baking cookies, double the recipe and give away half as a gift. When it comes to Christmas, if you’re anything like Michael the next day you’ll have multiple gravies and dressings, more than one pie, and several fruit cakes. He shares tips for how to use these ingredients and what to toss. In the final segment, Michael spreads the holiday spirit and wishes everyone the best on behalf of The Shameless Chef.

Episode Art by Alicia Qian.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Shameless Chef by becoming a member!

The Shameless Chef is Powered by Simplecast.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thrifty: Economy Cuts and Time Savers Dec 17, 2020

Show notes

Get strategies for being thrifty - whether you’re trying to save money grocery shopping or save time in the kitchen. Michael Davenport used to test different brands in his recipes to see how to get the best bang for his buck without sacrificing the flavor of his ingredients. In this episode, he shares his belief that cooking is about navigating different challenges - having the most expensive ingredients doesn’t make you the best chef. Get tips for buying economy cuts and making plant-based dishes and sides with mushrooms and beans. Michael shares his own struggle with going overboard at farmer’s markets (ever need one thing and leave with 15?) and gives advice for saving time in addition to resources (think salads, slow cooking, and sun tea).

Episode Art by Karina Andreatos.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Shameless Chef by becoming a member!

The Shameless Chef is Powered by Simplecast.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

All Day Cooking Projects Dec 10, 2020

Show notes

This episode features culinary inspiration for the days you have a little more time on your hands. While some nights, dinner is all about convenience; weekends, rainy days, and now quarantine present a perfect opportunity for putting on a big production in the kitchen. Michael Davenport shares the joy of tracking down speciality ingredients to make a perfect fettuccine with cream sauce. He suggests making your own sourdough starter and waxes poetic on the virtues of eating and kneading homemade bread. Plus, a weekend cooking project can serve you well all week long. Michael shares the potential to turn a stew into a beef bourguignon, a strogonoff, and even a breakfast.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Shameless Chef by becoming a member!

The Shameless Chef is Powered by Simplecast.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Breakfast Any Time of Day Dec 03, 2020

Show notes

This week’s episode is all about the first and most important meal of the day. Get Michael Davenport’s secrets for perfecting scrambled eggs and making a high quality cup of coffee. He insisted that breakfast food doesn’t have to be limited to the morning and morning meals don’t have to be limited to traditional breakfast food. Get suggestions for turning waffles into a creative dinner and be emboldened to enjoy a steak sandwich or a bowl of chili before starting your day. Plus, Mike Schreiber shares memories of late night ‘breakfasts’ shared with Michael Davenport and talks about The Shameless Chef award their friends created to celebrate memorable meals.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Shameless Chef by becoming a member!

The Shameless Chef is Powered by Simplecast.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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