The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters

796: Soup Season with Mariana Velásquez, Gregory Gourdet, and Jing Gao Nov 28, 2025

This week, we welcome the cold with delicious soup! Food Stylist Mariana Velásquez Villegas, author of Colombiana: A Rediscovery of Recipes and Rituals from the Soul of Colombia talks us through Colombia's biodiversity and regional identity and the unique foods it inspires like Sancocho. This hearty stew brings people together in a communal dining experience. Be sure to listen to her playlist while preparing it!Then, we talk about Haitian cuisine with award-winning chef Gregory Gourdet as he shares his childhood memories of growing up, commemorating Haitian Independence Day with Soup Joumou, a hearty squash-based soup typically served on New Year's Day. Gregory Gourdet is the chef-owner of Kann in Portland, Oregon, and the author of Everyone's Table. Then, chili sauce entrepreneur Jing Gao, author of The Book of Sichuan Chili Crisp, talks about Hot Pot, a zingy broth served in a large metal pot that gets tastier as you feast.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 26, 2024 (originally aired)
January 17, 2025 (rebroadcast)
November 28, 2025 (rebroadcast)

Subscribe to @TheSplendidTable on YouTube for full podcast episodes and full-length video interviews!

Our annual cookbook giveaway is live! To enter for free, visit splendidtable.org/cookbook

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Turkey Confidential 2025 Nov 27, 2025

Join us for Turkey Confidential, our must-listen-to annual Thanksgiving Day broadcast! This year’s guests are Samin Nosrat, author of bestseller Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat and Good Things; Brooklyn-based recipe developer Yossy Arefi, author of Snacking Bakes and Snacking Cakes; Vivian Howard, author, TV personality, and chef, known for This Will Make It Taste Good and Deep Run Roots; Evan Kleiman, chef, cookbook author, and host of KCRW’s Good Food. And, of course, Francis!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 27, 2025

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815: Your Thanksgiving meal with Deb Perelman and J. Kenji Lopez-Alt & Desi Bakes with Hetal Vasavada Nov 21, 2025

We are a week away from Thanksgiving, and this week, Award-winning authors J. Kenji Lopez-Alt and Deb Perelman give us the best advice on making the perfect Thanksgiving spread. From gravy hot takes to best brining practices and the ideal way to cook a perfect turkey we have you covered. J. Kenji López-Alt and Deb Perelman are co-hosts of "The Recipe with Kenji and Deb" podcast. Deb left us her recipe for delicious dinner rolls, Sour Cream & Chive Fantails. Then, we move on to delicious Indian-inspired desserts with cookbook author Hetal Vasavada. Her flavor combinations will transform your typical bars, cookies, and pies into deliciously nutty and sometimes spicy desserts. Hetal is the author of Desi Bakes, and she left us her recipe for Pistachio & Cardamom Muddy Buddies.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 22, 2024 (originally aired)
November 21, 2025 (rebroadcast)

Subscribe to @TheSplendidTable on YouTube for full podcast episodes and full-length video interviews!

Our annual cookbook giveaway is live! To enter for free, visit splendidtable.org/cookbook

Donate to The Splendid Table today and we will show our appreciation with a special thank-you gift.

838: Our All-American Thanksgiving with Padma Lakshmi and Dorie Greenspan Nov 14, 2025

This week, we’re celebrating Thanksgiving and looking at the way this American holiday and its food tell our stories. First, we talk with Padma Lakshmi about her new cookbook, Padma’s All American, a celebration of the immigrant dishes and regional traditions that make up our country’s culinary landscape. Padma talks about what she’s learned from years of traveling for Taste the Nation and leaves us with a delicious Thanksgiving alternative for mashed potatoes: Podimas (Potatoes with Turmeric and Fried Lentils). Then, we turn to baker extraordinaire Dorie Greenspan for a sweet addition to the holiday dessert table. Her new book, Dorie’s Anytime Cakes, is filled with unfussy, comforting cakes meant to live on your counter — the kind you slice into whenever the craving strikes. Dorie talks about why simple cakes feel right for the season and leaves us with her Cocoa-Swirled Pumpkin Bundt.

Head to our YouTube channel and watch our interview with Padma Lakshmi. Subscribe so you don’t miss anything!

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Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 14, 2025 (originally aired)

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814: Ottolenghi Comfort with Yotam Ottolenghi and Classic German Cooking with Luisa Weiss Nov 07, 2025

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Amazon Music | YouTube

This week, we talk about comfort food around the world. First, Yotam Ottolenghi tells us about his latest book, which is filled with recipes for his favorite comfort foods. He talks about what it is about specific dishes that evoke emotional reactions, from taste to texture to memory like his recipe for “Thousand” Hole Pancake. Yotam’s latest book is Ottolenghi Comfort written with his collaborators Helen Goh, Verena Lochmuller, and Tara Wigley. Then, Luisa Weiss joins us to talk about her deep connection to German food. Growing up between Berlin and the US, she tells us about her favorite hot school lunches, (which are famous in German culture!), “low key dinners” known as abendbrot, and the influences German dishes have gleaned from other countries. Luisa is the author of Classic German Cooking, and she leaves us with her recipe forKäsespätzle, Swabian Noodles with Mountain Cheese and Caramelized Onions.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 8, 2024 (originally aired)
November 7, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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837: The Universal Language of Bread with Tony Shalhoub and Maureen Abood Oct 31, 2025

This week, we’re breaking bread in every sense of the phrase. First, beloved actor Tony Shalhoub joins us to talk about his new CNN series, Breaking Bread, where he travels the world to explore the meaning of bread and how it connects us across cultures and tables. Growing up in a large Lebanese American family in Wisconsin, Tony shares memories of food as a bridge between worlds, from kibbeh and hummus to bratwurst and grilled cheese. Then, we meet Maureen Abood, author of Lebanese Baking, who brings us into the heart of the Lebanese kitchen with recipes and stories that honor tradition and community. She leaves us with her recipe for Za’atar Manakeesh, a beloved flatbread that captures the heart of Lebanese baking: simple, fragrant, and made to share.

Head to our YouTube channel and watch this extended cut of our interview with Tony Shalhoub. Subscribe so you don’t miss anything!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 31, 2025 (originally aired)

Our annual cookbook giveaway is live! To enter for free, visit splendidtable.org/cookbook

Generous listeners like you make The Splendid Table possible. Donate today to support the show.

Bonus Episode: How We Survive's The Uncanny Valley of Meat Oct 29, 2025

Today we have a bonus episode for you, featuring our very own Francis Lam.

How We Survive is an award-winning podcast from Marketplace about the messy business of climate solutions. From the glitz and glam of Miami, to the punishing Arizona desert, to a sinking island that our national security depends on, every season takes listeners on an adventure. We’re finding the innovative, surprising and occasionally disturbing ways that people are navigating solutions to a changing climate.

In this episode of “How We Survive,” host Amy Scott is joined by “The Splendid Table” host Francis Lam for a cultivated meat taste test. Plus, Francis shares his go-to recipes for climate-friendly proteins.

Deep in the halls of the engineering school at Columbia University, professor Hod Lipson and his former student Jonathan Blutinger are reimagining how meat is made. In 2022,they developed a device that maps the texture of meat.

“It's a machine that can poke steak at a bunch of different points and create these high-fidelity texture maps and see more clearly, you know, the toughness of different parts,” explains Blutinger. Lipson adds, “we tried to capture quantitatively, how hard is it to cut it with a knife? How hard is it to poke it with a fork? How hard is it to chew?” They sold that device to a fake meat company, ReDefine Meat, which 3D prints steak.

It was during this time that Blutinger came up with a framework for thinking about meat: The uncanny valley of meat. “The uncanny valley is, a thought that a Japanese researcher came up with years ago, where the closer we get to mimicking human likeness with robots, the more we tend to be irked by them,” explained Blutinger. He said the same phenomenon happens when we eat fake meat that’s trying to look, taste and feel like the real thing.

“People who are meat eaters are used to the texture, the feeling, the flavor, all the sensory aspects of any meat they've had from the hundreds of thousands of times they've tried it. So as soon as they try something that's trying to mimic that, they're extra cautious,” said Blutinger.

We hear all the time that one of the best things we can do for the climate as individuals is eat less meat. But 3D printed meat alternatives are not on the market in the U.S. yet. So the “How We Survive” team got our hands on another new food tech that some argue could allow people to have their steak and eat it too: Cell cultivated meat (which is real meat grown from cells instead of living, breathing animals).

Does cell cultivated meat pass the uncanny valley?

813: Fall Cookbook Favorites with authors Carolina Gelen, Sonoko Sakai, and Jody Eddy Oct 24, 2025

Cookbook season is back, and we talk to the authors of some of our favorite picks. We're joined by Carolina Gelen, who talks to us about learning how to cook, her favorite Romanian dishes, and how she comes up with her signature recipes like Butter Beans alla Vodka, a fast, one-pot dish inspired by the famous vodka pasta sauce. Carolina is the author of Pass the Plate: 100 Delicious, Highly Sharable, Everyday Recipes. Then, Sonoko Sakai tells us how to “wafu” our food! Wafu means Japanese in style, and Sonoko takes familiar dishes and adds a little Japanese flair. Check out her recipe for her Pasta with Miso Bolognese Sauce. Sonoko is the author of Wafu Cooking: Everyday Recipes with Japanese Style. Then, Jody Eddy talks to us about the incredible food she found and cooked in religious communities around the world. She walks us through some of her favorite recipes, from condiments and Chicken soup in Tibet to a recipe she learned from a Minnesotan monastery, Honey Glazed Turkey Tinga. Jody's book is Elysian Kitchens: Recipes Inspired by the Traditions and Tastes of the World's Sacred Space.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 25, 2024 (originally aired)
October 24, 2025 (rebroadcast)

Our annual cookbook giveaway is live! To enter for free, visit splendidtable.org/cookbook

Donate to The Splendid Table today and we will show our appreciation with a special thank-you gift.

836: Italian Two Ways with Chefs Joshua McFadden and Christian Petroni Oct 17, 2025

This week, we’re diving into Italian cooking, from the Pacific Northwest to the Bronx. First, chef and author Joshua McFadden joins us to talk about Six Seasons of Pasta, his love letter to everyone’s favorite food. Known for his hit cookbook Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables, Joshua brings that same seasonal sensibility to pasta, pairing local produce with traditional Italian technique, and shares his recipe for Nut Ragu. Then, Bronx-born chef Christian Petroni takes us into the heart of Italian American cooking with his debut cookbook, Parm to Table. From chicken cutlets to clams casino, he celebrates the cozy red-sauce dishes that define Sunday dinners across America and leaves us with his Chicken Scarpariello recipe.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 17, 2025 (originally aired)

Our annual cookbook giveaway is live! To enter for free, visit splendidtable.org/cookbook

Donate to The Splendid Table today and we will show our appreciation with a special thank-you gift.

812: Bread with Richard Hart and Our South, Black Food Through My Lens with Ashleigh Shanti Oct 10, 2025

This week, we sit down with two chefs at the top of their craft. First, we talk to legendary baker Richard Hart about the inspiration behind his new book, Richard Hart Bread: Intuitive Sourdough Baking. He fills us in on why he thinks that humble bakers are the best bakers, how he really is just a simple “yeast farmer” and he shares his realistic thoughts on how to keep a sourdough starter. Check out his amazing recipe for Rye Wrapped in Fig Leaves. Then, we talk with chef Ashleigh Shanti about her connection to Southern food,from its complex regional histories to the culinary traditions of her beloved Appalachia. She leaves us with her take on a classic green bean recipe, Leather Britches. Ashleigh is the author of Our South: Black Food Through My Lens and owns Asheville’s Good Hot Fish.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 11, 2024 (originally aired)
October 10, 2025 (rebroadcast)

Our annual cookbook giveaway is live! To enter for free, visit splendidtable.org/cookbook

Donate to The Splendid Table today and we will show our appreciation with a special thank-you gift.

835: Fall Cookbooks with Aleksandra Crapanzano, Anna Ansari, and Cassie Yeung Oct 03, 2025

This week, we’re celebrating new fall cookbooks that belong on your kitchen counter. First, Aleksandra Crapanzano, author of Chocolat: Parisian Desserts and Other Delights, takes us from Marie Antoinette’s early “truffle” to the French art of baking at home. She leaves us with her Chocolate Ganache Tart with Raspberries. Then, Anna Ansari explores the delicious connections across cuisines in Silk Roads: A Flavor Odyssey, tracing flavors from Baku to Beijing and shares her recipe for Shivit Oshi (Khivan green noodles with beef stew). Finally, creator and Next Level Chef alum Cassie Yeung brings big, weeknight-friendly energy from Bad B*tch in the Kitch, including her 30-minute Beef & Broccoli.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 3, 2025 (originally aired)

Our annual cookbook giveaway is live! To enter for free, visit splendidtable.org/cookbook

Celebrate kitchen companionship with a gift to The Splendid Table today.

811: Does This Taste Funny with Stephen and Evie McGee Colbert and Taste in Music with Alex Bleeker and Luke Pyenson Sep 26, 2025

This week, we sit down with Evie McGee Colbert to talk about her latest book, co-authored with her husband, Stephen Colbert. She tells us about the dynamics in her family’s kitchen, the joys and challenges of cooking together during the pandemic, Charleston food traditions, and we take a listener question from one special caller! Evie’s latest book with her husband, Stephen Colbert, is Does This Taste Funny?: Recipes our Family Loves. She leaves us with her recipe for Salt and Pepper Wings. Then, we hit the road with musicians Alex Bleeker and Luke Pyenson to talk about their latest book, a collection of essays and interviews with musicians about life and eating on the road. They talk about their most memorable meals while on tour and the deep connection between musicians and food. Alex and Luke are the authors of Taste in Music: Eating on Tour with Indie Musicians.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 27, 2024 (originally aired)
September 26, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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834: Fall Cooking and Bitter Flavors with Genevieve Ko and Alexina Anatole Sep 19, 2025

This week, we’re diving into fall cooking and the beauty of bitter flavors. First, Genevieve Ko, deputy editor at New York Times Cooking, joins Francis to take your fall cooking questions. From freezing smart to cabbage makeovers, Genevieve shares practical advice for making the most of fresh produce and tackling leftovers. She also shares the NYT Cooking piece 15 Ways to Make a Head of Cabbage Dinner and her Pumpkin Meringue Pie recipe. And check out her Cinnamon-Toast Graham Crackers from the last time she joined us to talk about Better Baking. Then, London-based cookbook author Alexina Anatole shares the inspiration behind her debut book, Bitter. She makes the case for bitterness as an essential flavor, one that brings depth, intrigue, and balance to our cooking. Alexina reminds us how bitterness touches so many of our favorite foods and she leaves us with her recipe for Stout Sticky Toffee Pudding, a perfect example of sweet meeting bitter in harmony.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 19, 2025 (originally aired)

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810: Đặc Biệt with Nini Nguyen and The Authentic Ukrainian Kitchen with Yevhen Klopotenko Sep 12, 2025

This week, we talk with two incredible chefs about their culinary connections to their homes. First, chef Nini Nguyen talks about growing up in New Orleans and her connection to her tight-knit Vietnamese community. She shares the delicious Vietnamese foods she grew up eating and talks about how that upbringing shapes her cooking today, Nini is the author of Đặc Biệt: An Extra-Special Vietnamese Cookbook, and she leaves with her recipe for Grilled Rice Paper. Then, we head to Ukraine with chef Yevhen Klopotenko to talk about his work rediscovering traditional Ukrainian dishes that were once suppressed under Soviet rule. He tells us about his work, providing recipes online that have reached thousands of schools and getting traditional recipes like Borsch, finally recognized as Ukrainian. Yevhen is the author of The Authentic Ukrainian Kitchen, and he left us with his recipe for Syrnyky, delicious Farmer cheese pancakes.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 13, 2024 (originally aired)
September 12, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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833: Salsa, Sauces & Sides with Rick Martínez and Sunny Lee Sep 05, 2025

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Amazon Music

This week, we’re turning peak-season produce into bold, flavorful dishes. First, we talk with Rick Martínez, author of Salsa Daddy: Dip Your Way into Mexican Cooking, about transforming simple ingredients – think tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chilis – into salsas that sing. Rick explains why salsa is its own food group and leaves us with his family-inspired peach-and-pecan Salsa Tejana recipe. Then, we visit New York chef Sunny Lee of Sunn’s, a restaurant devoted to banchan, Korea’s iconic side dishes. Sunny teaches Francis how to elevate fresh vegetables into inventive, season-forward sides, including her recipe for Tahini Pickled Mushroom banchan.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 5, 2025 (originally aired)

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736: Summer Cooking with Carla Lalli Music Aug 29, 2025

This week, we're talking about summer cooking and how to stay cool in the heat. Carla Lalli Music joins us to talk about her favorite indoor cooking tips for ribs and takes your cooking questions. Carla is the host of Carla's Cooking Show on Patreon, and her most recent book is Where Cooking Begins. Then, we check in with Khushbu Shah, Food & Wine's restaurant editor, about the refreshers you need this summer, cold dessert drinks from all over Asia. From basil seeds and colorful tapioca to adding a savory element to your shaved ice, there's something here for everyone.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 25, 2021 (originally aired)
June 24, 2022 (rebroadcast)
June 23, 2023 (rebroadcast)
August 29, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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832: Back-to-School Cooking with Peter J. Kim and David Nayfeld Aug 22, 2025

This week, we’re taking the stress out of back-to-school cooking with food that’s fast, fun, and full of flavor. First, we talk with Peter J. Kim, author of Instant Ramen Kitchen, about transforming those humble packets you associate with college kids into surprisingly elegant meals. Peter shares why instant ramen deserves a spot in your pantry and leaves us with his recipe for Aglio e Olio. Then, we catch up with chef David Nayfeld and his approach to quick, comforting meals. Known for his acclaimed restaurant Che Fico in San Francisco, David opens up about learning to cook for (and with) his daughter as a single dad. His new book, Dad, What’s for Dinner?, features kid-friendly recipes like the one he shared with us: Zucchini Parmigiana.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 22, 2025 (originally aired)

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809: SalviSoul with Karla T. Vasquez and The Food of Southern Thailand with Austin Bush Aug 15, 2025

This week, we talk about cuisines from opposite ends of the world. We start by diving into the first, traditionally-published cookbook about Salvadorian cuisine with Karla T. Vasquez. She collected traditional recipes and techniques while documenting stories from the hands that made the dishes. Karla is the author of The SalviSoul Cookbook: Salvadoran Recipes and the Women Who Preserve Them. She left us with her recipe for a delicious Salvadoran Quesadilla.Then, we explore Southern Thai regional cuisine with author Austin Bush. Austin researched the diverse and unique cuisine of Southern Thailand through travel and cooking alongside local cooks He’s the author of The Food of Southern Thailand and he leaves us with a recipe for Simple Thai-Style Rice Salad - Khaao Yam.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 30, 2024 (originally aired)
August 15, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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831: Summer Baking with Nicole Rucker and Eileen Gannon Aug 08, 2025

This week, we turn up the ovens and test our baking skills with two incredible bakers. First, we talk to LA-based cookbook author and star baker, Nicole Rucker, on why summer is peak pie season, the fruit and flavor combinations that elevate her pies (imagine toasted fig leaves!) and making the best out of her leftover cookies for pie crusts. Nicole's latest book is Fat and Flour: The Art of the Simple Bake, and she left us with her Strawberry White Chocolate Cream Pie recipe. Then, Iowa's champion baker Eileen Gannon, talks to us about her surprising baking techniques for cakes, from making moister cakes, fillings vs frostings, and her buttercream preferences. Eileen is the winner of over 600 state and national baking awards and the founder of Sunday Night Foods Sauces.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 8, 2025 (originally aired)

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808: Garden to Plate: Delicious Summer Recipes and Cooking Ideas with Jess Damuck and Ashley Christensen Aug 01, 2025

This week, we’ve got delicious cooking ideas to brighten your summer. First, author Jess Damuck talks to us about her vegetable-forward food inspired by the 1970s health-food culture. She talks about revamping 1970’s health-food classics and re-working recipes with a modern eye to make them taste great. She leaves us with her recipe for Lentil Loaf. Jess Damuck’s latest book is Health Nut: A Feel-Good Cookbook. Then, we head to North Carolina to catch up with Chef Ashley Christensen. She takes on listener questions with Francis and shares some mind-blowing thinking around working with seasonal produce, including an idea a delicious, simple corn cob stock. Ashley is the chef at Poole’s Diner and Death & Taxes in Raleigh, NC, and author of the cookbooks Poole’s and It’s Always Freezer Season. She left us with a delicious recipe for Charred Summer Squash.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 16, 2024 (originally aired)
August 1, 2025 (rebroadcast)

When you shop using our links, we earn a small commission. It’s a great way to support public media at no extra cost to you!

Donate to The Splendid Table today and we will show our appreciation with a special thank-you gift.

Check Out: This Old House Radio Hour Jul 30, 2025

This week we’re sharing an episode from our friends at This Old House Radio:

Episode 19: Make Your Home Allergy Free + Fix Squeaky Wood Floors

This week on This Old House Radio Hour, we’re talking about something you can’t see but definitely feel: the air inside your home. Kenneth Mendez, president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, shares the smartest, science-backed ways to improve indoor air quality—from high-heat laundry to HEPA vacuums—and explains why your bedroom might be the most important place to start.

Then, The Splendid Table’s Francis Lam takes us back to the New Jersey home of his childhood. With vivid stories of birthday parties, incense-filled kitchens, and Hardy Boys books read in a mirror-covered living room, Francis reflects on how homes carry our deepest identities and contradictions.

We also help callers tackle squeaky floors, stubborn drafts, mismatched temperatures, and that infamous 1970s gold bathtub. Plus, a fresh edition of House Rules and a real estate segment from Cheap Old Houses featuring a tiny Gothic summer cottage and a quirky Kansas gem for under $55,000.

All this, plus a “Simple Fix” from Tom Silva that will stop your window drafts cold.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

How to reduce indoor allergens room-by-room (0:55)
Where to place air purifiers for maximum impact (3:56)
Tips for dealing with uneven heating in split-level homes (17:13)
How to fix squeaky wood floors with a DIY plug-and-glue method (22:49)
When that faint stain on your drywall means trouble—and when it doesn’t (27:53)

830: Summer Entertaining with Casey Elsass and Peter Som Jul 25, 2025

This week, we've got a show full of great ideas and terrific recipes for guesting…and hosting! First, Casey Elsass sits down with us to talk about how to guest like a pro, from tips on arriving prepared to great recipe ideas for sides, salads, appetizers, and desserts like his Mosaic Jell-O. Casey is the author of What Can I Bring: Recipes to Help You Live Your Guest Life. Then, renowned fashion designer and cookbook writer Peter Som guides us in hosting your parties in style. He lets us in on his inspiration for his creative dishes, from tea eggs to lemon chicken, and leaves us his recipe for Potsticker Frittata. Peter is the author of Family Style: Elegant Every Day Recipes Inspired by Home and Heritage.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 25, 2025 (originally aired)

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807: Off the Beaten Path – Exploring Southern France with authors Steve Hoffman and Rebekah Peppler Jul 18, 2025

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora

This week, we talk about life and food in Southern France. First, we sit down with Steve Hoffman to talk about his latest memoir, A Season for That, about his journey from Minnesota to the South of France with his entire family to live a romanticized French life. It turned out to be a complete culinary and culture shock that ended up inspiring his appreciation for the local food culture and its winemaking traditions. Steve Hoffman's latest book is A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France. Then, we talk with author Rebekah Peppler about her connection to the South of France and its Provencal cuisine, which is the inspiration for her cookbook, Le Sud: Recipes from Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. She walks us through Provencal dishes from tapenades to bouillabaisse, and she leaves us with her recipe for Mussels in Aioli.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 19, 2024 (originally aired)
July 18, 2025 (rebroadcast)

829: Summer Cooking with Abra Berens and Chef Jiho Kim Jul 11, 2025

This week, it's all about keeping cool and carrying on in the kitchen. First up , chef, farmer, and cookbook author Abra Berens joins Francis to take your calls about how to best use our summer produce. She’s full of ideas for all that zucchini, btw! Abra is the author of three wonderful cookbooks, Ruffage, Grist, and Pulp, and you can find the recipe for the Summer Squash Escabeche she talked about here. Then, we head into NYC to visit chef Jiho Kim at his restaurant, Joomak where he teaches us how to make a refreshing summertime dish: a Summer Salad with Cured Fish and White Kimchi.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 11, 2025 (originally aired)

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806: Thank You, Please Come Again: How Gas Stations Feed & Fuel the American South with Kate Medley and cookout ideas from the chefs behind LA’s vegetable-forward Kismet Jul 04, 2025

This week, we're all about two summer traditions. First, we meet photojournalist and documentarian Kate Medley to talk about her decade-long project documenting gas stations all across the South. She has stories about the amazing cast of characters, their diverse selection of foods, and their impact on their communities across the South. Kate Medley is the author of Thank You Please Come Again: How Gas Stations Feed & Fuel the American South. Then, we talk to the chefs behind Kismet, an award-winning vegetable-forward restaurant in Los Angeles. Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson bring us fresh ideas for your summer cookout, including their modern must-haves for your grill, like their Springtime Chicken Skewers. Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson's latest book is Kismet: Bright, Fresh, Vegetable-Loving Recipes.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 5, 2024 (originally aired)
July 4, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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828: Celebrating 30 Years: Live from Tampa! Jun 27, 2025

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora

This week, we make our 30th anniversary tour stop in Tampa in partnership with WUSF, where we learn about what makes the food of South Florida so unique. First up, Dalia Colón, host of The Zest podcast and author of The Florida Vegetarian Cookbook, gives us an overview of the rich Tampa food scene. From its diverse cuisines to its old-school Southern charm. Then, we talk about Tampa’s cultural and culinary history and legacy with Andrea Gonzmart Williams, fifth-generation owner of Columbia Restaurant, a landmark in the Cuban American community, and Megan Sorby, co-founder and CEO of Pine Island Redfish, a startup land-based fish farm with an environmental restoration focus. And finally, we meet up with community leader Anthony Gilbert, better known as “Call Anthony,” for his video reviews of Tampa Bay’s under-the-radar- eateries.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 27, 2025 (originally aired)

Generous listeners like you make The Splendid Table possible. Donate today to support the show

805: Amrikan with Khushbu Shah and Koreaworld with Matt Rodbard and Deuki Hong Jun 20, 2025

This week, we look at modern food and culture from two popular cuisines. First, we sit down with acclaimed food writer Khushbu Shah to talk about her debut cookbook, which is all about Indian home-cooked dishes. She shares ingenious hacks and delicious Indian-inspired recipes that can come together in a pinch using everyday pantry items, and teaches Francis how to make her Chili Cheese Toast. Khushbu Shah is the author of Amrikan: 125 Recipes from the Indian American Diaspora. Then, we are off to Korea with Deuki Hong and Matt Rodbard. We talk about why Korean cuisine has taken the world by storm, their travels to Korea to document modern Korean cooking, and how regional Korean dishes are showing up in many parts of Korea. Deuki Hong and Matt Rodbard’s latest book is Koreaworld: A Cookbook. They left us with their recipe for Sauteed Rice Cakes with Gochujang & Cream.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 21, 2024 (originally aired)
June 20, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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827: Life of a Restaurant Critic with Bill Addison and Wini Moranville Jun 13, 2025

This week, we talk to two longtime restaurant critics from different parts of the country about what makes their work so interesting and what they're excited to eat. First, Bill Addison, restaurant critic for The Los Angeles Times, talks about his approach to critical writing, his favorite restaurant experiences, and the evolution of California cuisine. He just wrapped up one of the most ambitious projects of his career, the list of the One Hundred and One Best Restaurants in California for The Los Angeles Times. Then, we turn to the Midwest to join Wini Moranville, a restaurant critic based in Des Moines, Iowa.She tells us about her first job as a restaurant server and how that influenced her current work reviewing restaurants, and how restaurant criticism in smaller cities often have very different considerations. Wini is the author of the memoir "Love is My Favorite Flavor: A Midwestern Dining Critic Tells All," and you can check out her Substack, Dining Well in DSM.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 13, 2025 (originally aired)

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Episode 735: 3 Junes Jun 06, 2025

Have you ever wondered how June looks and tastes in different parts of the country? This week, we visit three different corners of the country to hear about their Junes. Gullah Geechee Chef-Farmer, Matthew Raiford in Coastal Georgia describes this time of year as “where the wild things are”. He tells us how his decision to come back to the south to become a farmer came to be and paints a picture of his favorite low country boil. Matthew's latest book is Bress ‘N’ Nyam: Gullah Geechee Recipes from a Sixth-Generation Farmer. Then, we take a trip to Alaska to hear from Native Alaskan fisherwoman, Melanie Brown as she takes us into a radiantly green scene with sloughs and creeks and paints a vivid picture of millions of sockeye Salmon rolling into Bristol Bay. And then, we sit in with Ronni Lundy, author of the award-winning Victuals: An Appalachian Journey, with Recipes to talk about June in the mountains and summer preserves.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 11, 2021 (originally aired)
June 10, 2022 (rebroadcast)
June 6, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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826: Celebrating 30 Years: Live from Iowa City May 31, 2025

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora
We're celebrating our 30th Anniversary on the road, and this week, we make our fourth stop in Iowa City in partnership with IPR. We talk to bakers, chefs, restaurateurs, and farmers about the food of the heartland. First up, Shae and Anna Pesek of Over the Moon Farm and T.D. Holub of The Garden Oasis Farm talk about their personal experiences with farm life, from agricultural challenges to sustainability and the community and passion that contribute to the success and drive of a farm. Then, we talk to Jamie Powers, owner and executive chef of Deluxe Bakery, and Carrie and Andy Schumacher, owners of the restaurant Cobble Hill, about opening their restaurants in Iowa and how building community is the most important part of their businesses.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 30, 2025 (originally aired)

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732: Real world seafood cooking with Genevieve Ko and Jennifer Bushman May 23, 2025

When it comes to seafood, frozen is the new fresh. We talk to seafood industry expert, Jennifer Bushman about how technology has improved the quality of frozen fish and how to make the most of canned seafood from your local grocery store. Her latest project is Sea Pantry, how to keep your pantry stocked up with ingredients from the sea. Then, Senior Editor of New York Times Cooking, Genevieve Ko brings us her best at-home seafood cooking tips and recipes.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 9, 2021 (originally aired)
April 8, 2022 (rebroadcast)
May 31, 2024 (rebroadcast)
May 23, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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730: Vegetarian Cooking with Deborah Madison May 16, 2025

This week, we spend the hour with Deborah Madison, one of the trailblazers in popularizing vegetarian cooking in America — even though she’s not a full-time vegetarian herself. We chat with her about how she came to be the founding chef of Greens, likely America's first high-end vegetarian restaurant, at a time when fine dining meant meat at the center of the plate, and her study of Buddhism and the food path it opened up for her. Then she helps us answer your cooking questions. Deborah is the author of the classic Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone, The Greens Cookbook, The Savory Way, and her latest, memoir — An Onion in My Pocket: My Life with Vegetables.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 5, 2021 (originally aired)
March 11, 2022 (rebroadcast)
May 16, 2025 (rebroadcast)

825: Celebrating 30 Years: Live from Seattle May 10, 2025

We're on the road celebrating our 30th Anniversary and this week, we bring you an eventful night in Seattle in partnership with KUOW. First up, Valerie Segrest, cofounder of Tahoma Peak Solutions, and Jeremy Thunderbird, owner of Native Soul Cuisine, about the diversity of indigenous food, carrying on traditional recipes, and food sovereignty. Then, Tan Vinh, host of KUOW's Seattle Eats podcast, and Melissa Miranda, chef-owner of Musang and Kilig, talk about the rich Asian community food scene and then, Yasuaki Saito, owner of Saint Bread bakery, a semifinalist for the James Beard award for the best bakery in the country, and Janet Becerra, chef and founder of Pancita, and a semifinalist this year for Best Chef: Northwest, talk about how their local eateries reflect and serve their communities.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 9, 2025 (originally aired)

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804: Summer Reading with Aimee Nezhukumatathil author of Bite By Bite & Sara B. Franklin author of The Editor May 02, 2025

This week, we’ve got suggestions to start your summer reading list. First, we sit down with bestselling author and poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil to talk about her upbringing and the nature of her poetry. She writes about her parent’s gardens and their food, and how she carries her childhood experiences with her today. Her latest book is Bite By Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees. Then, we learn about the life and legacy of the iconic book editor Judith Jones through her biographer Sara B. Franklin. Sara documented Judith’s amazing journey from her first job at a publishing house to transforming the cookbook industry at large. Plus, we hear from Judith herself from an interview we did several years ago with our former host, Lynne Rossetto Kasper. Sara B. Franklin’s book is The Editor: How Publishing Legend Judith Jones Shaped Culture in America.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 24, 2024 (originally aired)
May 2, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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803: Priya Krishna’s Kitchen Adventures and Snacking Bakes with Yossy Arefi Apr 25, 2025

This week, we’re bringing you two guests that will get you excited about cooking and baking. First, New York Times food desk reporter Priya Krishna tells us about her food writing career, building connections through her stories and travels and her most recent book, Priya’s Kitchen Adventures: A Cookbook for Kids. In her book, she draws recipes from different cuisines worldwide and tells us what working with kids as recipe testers was like. She leaves us with a recipe for Life Changing Udon. Then, Baker Yossy Arefi talks us through what it takes to make delicious and simple baking recipes. She talks about making desserts without occasion and finding freedom in combining flavors in her recipes, like her delicious Pink Cookie Bars with cardamom and almond cream cheese frosting. Plus, she sticks around to answer your baking questions. Yossy Arefi’s latest book is Snacking Bakes, Simple Recipes for Cookies, Bars, Brownies, Cakes, and More.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 3, 2024 (originally aired)
April 25, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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753: An Homage to the Refrigerator Apr 18, 2025

This week, we’re shining a light on the absolutely magical, life-changing, the world-changing thing that you already have in your kitchen. The refrigerator. Maybe nothing in your home has changed the world more. Historian Jonathan Rees author of Refrigeration Nation: A History of Ice, Appliances, and Enterprise in America talks about its origins and influence on cultures worldwide. Then, Editor in Chief of Cooks Illustrated, Dan Souza, teaches us how to get the most out of the fridge we already have - from what to keep in your fridge door to why you might reconsider where you are storing your milk, and then Philadelphia Chef Shola Olunloyo of Studio Kitchen tells us how to think of the fridge as a tool to becoming a better cook. Think crispier chicken and root vegetables so delicious you will have no problem moving them to the center of your plate.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 18 2022 (originally aired)
March 24, 2023 (rebroadcast)
April 18, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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824: The Splendid Tour- Celebrating 30 Years: Live from Los Angeles Apr 11, 2025

We're back on the road to celebrate our 30th Anniversary! This week, we’re headed to Los Angeles, in partnership with LAist, to talk about the world-influencing food scene in LA and the community that brings it together. First, we dig into howLA dining influenced the country and the world with KCRW's very own Evan Kleiman, Host of Good Food, and Gab Chabrán, Associate Editor of Food and Culture at LAist. Then we talk community and the restaurants that foster those connections with chef-owners Uyên Lê, who makes delicious Vietnamese comfort food at her take-out, Bé Ù, Keith Corbin, executive chef and co-owner of Alta Adams, and bestselling author of his memoir, California Soul and Elvia and Alex Garcia, the James Beard nominated chef-owners of Evil Cooks, one of L.A.’s most lauded taqueria pop-ups now transformed into a full restaurant.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 11, 2025 (originally aired)

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802: Chasing Flavor with Carla Hall and Roots, Heart, Soul with Todd Richards Apr 04, 2025

This week, it’s the food journeys of two chefs. First, TV Star and author Carla Hall joins us to talk about her latest show, Chasing Flavor. She brings us stories about her filming and travels and the connection between people and their food. She sticks around to answer some of your cooking questions. Carla Hall hosts the MAX series, Chasing Flavor, and is the author of Carla's Soul Food: Every Day and Celebration. Then, we sat down with Atlanta chef Todd Richards to talk about the interesting and varied influences on soul food. He talks about the foods from West Africa, how they traveled across the Caribbean, and how the dishes have evolved. He left us with his recipe for Haitian Oxtail in Beef Broth with Pikliz. Todd's new book is Roots, Heart and Soul: The Story, Celebration and Recipes of Afro Cuisine in America.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 19, 2024 (originally aired)
April 4, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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Generous listeners like you make The Splendid Table possible. Donate today to support the show.

801: Islas: A Celebration of Tropical Cooking with Von Diaz and My Life in Recipes, Food, Family and Memories with Joan Nathan Mar 28, 2025

We are looking at food stories from different cultures this week. First, documentarian and journalist Von Diaz joins us to talk about her latest book, Islas: A Celebration of Tropical Cooking. She writes about island cuisine from all over the world and talks about her academic field research, the connections she feels when she is on an island, and the unique dishes she cooked and tasted for her book research. She found commonality among the islands in their cooking techniques, from grilling to smoking and marinating, and shares a delicious, iconic island recipe for CHamoru Barbecue Chicken with Juanita’s Fina’denne’. Then, best-selling author and Jewish food authority Joan Nathan joins us to talk about her latest book, a memoir My Life in Recipes, Food, Family and Memories. Joan chronicles her start in food, the people she met along the way, her passion for elevating the home cook and her devotion to the regular ritual of sitting down together for a meal.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 5, 2024 (originally aired)
March 28, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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823: West African Cuisine with Eric Adjepong and Ozoz Sokoh Mar 21, 2025

This week, we’re all about the diverse and delicious foods of Ghana and Nigeria. First, Food Network Star Eric Adjepong joins us from his childhood home to talk about the connection to food when eating with his hands, the community that happens around the Ghanain table, and his take on traditional dishes like his recipe for Roasted Banana Grits with Seasoned Shrimp. Eric is the chef and owner of Elmina in Washington DC and the author of Ghana to the World: Recipes and Stories That Look Forward While Honoring the Past. Then, geologist turned food blogger Ozoz Sokoh takes us into the world of Nigerian cuisine. From iconic Nigerian breakfasts like sweet fermented rice cakes known as Māsā̀, to corned beef sauce paired with West African Yams. We couldn’t leave without getting a recipe for her Classic Nigerian Jollof Rice. Ozoz is the author of Chop Chop: Cooking the Food of Nigeria and the blogger behind Kitchen Butterfly.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 21, 2025 (originally aired)

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800: Start Here with Sohla El-Waylly Mar 14, 2025

This week, we spend the hour with cooking columnist and internet sensation, Sohla El-Waylly. We talk about her connection to food and how she got her start as a pastry chef, writer, and recipe developer. She talks about her work in restaurants and her passion for teaching people how to cook. And she answers your cooking questions, from the best way to cook rabbit to her favorite ice cream flavor. Her latest book is Start Here, filled with recipes that teach techniques, as shown in her Bisteeya Inspired Phyllo Chicken Pie recipe.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 22, 2024 (originally aired)
March 14, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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822: The King Arthur Baking Company's Big Book of Bread with Jessica Battilana and Martin Philip Mar 07, 2025

This week, we dedicate the entire episode to answering your bread baking questions with two brilliant bakers and teachers, King Arthur’s very own Jessica Battilana, Staff Editor, and Martin Philip, King Arthur’s Baking Ambassador. While King Arthur has taught millions of people to bake through their school, website, and classic cookbooks. They only now have published a book devoted entirely to bread, The King Arthur Baking Company’s Big Book of Bread. Francis, Jessica, and Martin take listener questions on everything from the “why” behind the flavor of English Muffins, best proofing practices, what to do with extra laminated dough (if you can imagine having that problem!), and why they consider "toast" a food group all its own. Don't miss their recipe for Masa Honey Toasting Bread.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 7, 2025 (originally aired)

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799: The Dish with Andrew Friedman and Flavorama with Arielle Johnson Feb 28, 2025

This week, we're all about the world of restaurants and flavor. First, we talked with Andrew Friedman about his career, writing about American food culture, chefs, and the restaurant scene. He talks to us about his latest project, spending time behind the swinging doors of a restaurant and how all the kitchen roles—from the butcher to the delivery drivers to the dishwasher make the dish you sit down to enjoy. His latest book is The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food. Then we sit down with Flavor Scientist Arielle Johnson, who talks about the science behind flavor, from flavor perceptions to aroma and the laws of flavor. Arielle's latest book is Flavorama: A Guide to Unlocking the Art and Science of Flavor, and she leaves us with her recipes for Smoke Oil & Smoke Oil Infused Fish.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 8, 2024 (originally aired)
February 28, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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821: The Splendid Tour- Celebrating 30 Years: Live from Indianapolis Feb 22, 2025

We're taking the show on the road this year to celebrate our 30th Anniversary! This week, we bring you to our first stop, Indianapolis, in partnership with WFYI. We dig into the local food scene with restaurateur Martha Hoover, founder of Cafe Patachou and the Patachou Foundation. We talk to her about her start as a prosecutor turned restaurateur and how the restaurant scene has changed over her 35-plus years running a restaurant in Indianapolis. Then, we welcome Samir Mohammad of 9th Street Bistro, Zoë Taylor of Borage, and food writer and Eater correspondent Brian Garrido to the stage to talk about the present: Indianapolis's new and booming food scene. Then, we close the show with a heartwarming story of Isaac Roman and Thomas Hayes re-opening Indy's beloved Rene's Bakery.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 21, 2025 (originally aired)

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797: Melissa Clark’s Deep Dive into Salt & Crystal Wilkinson on her Kitchen Ghosts Feb 14, 2025

This week, we talk to two award-winning authors about their latest work. First, The New York Times cooking columnist Melissa Clark talks to us about her deep dive into the world of salt. From exploring salt harvesting in France to the history and revival of artisanal salts, she walks us through different types of salt and their uses in cooking. She sticks around to answer your cooking questions. Melissa Clark's latest book is Dinner in One, and for a taste of her style, check out her recipe for Roasted Cauliflower & Potatoes with Harissa, Yogurt & Toasted Almonds. Then, award-winning author Crystal Wilkinson talks to us about her new memoir, honoring her maternal ancestors, her kitchen ghosts. She talks about feeling them deeply while cooking and realizing their presence in her life. Crystal's memoir is Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks, and she leaves us with her recipe for Indian Creek Skillet Cornbread.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 9, 2024 (originally aired)
February 14, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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820: Cooking Questions with Lisa Donovan and We The Pizza with Muhammad Abdul-Hadi Feb 07, 2025

This week, food columnist for The New York Times Magazine, Lisa Donovan, joins us to talk about what she's been cooking up recently and help answer our listeners' kitchen conundrums, from making the best tomato paste despite out-of-season tomatoes to using unsweetened chocolate in baking recipes. Lisa is the author of the memoir Our Lady of Perpetual Hunger, and she leaves us with a recipe for a lovely Tarte Tatin to add to our repertoire. Then, we head over to Philadelphia, where we meet the founder and owner of Down North Pizza, Muhammad Abdul-Hadi. Muhammad tells us about his mission-driven restaurant dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated people rebuild their lives. Muhammad's new cookbook is We The Pizza: Slangin’ Pies, and Savin’ Lives and he leaves us with his signature pizza sauce recipe, Norf Sauce.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 7, 2025 (originally aired)

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773: Happy Lunar New Year! Jan 31, 2025

This week it’s a look at the different Lunar New Year celebrations in China, Vietnam, and Korea. First, Sarah and Kaitlin Leung talk about their Chinese New Year traditions and the symbolism behind the dishes they serve at their new year table. Sarah and Kaitlin, along with their parents, Judy and Bill, are the family behind The Woks of Life blog and cookbook, and they shared their family recipe for Poached “White Cut” Chicken. Then, Andrea Nguyen, author of Vietnamese Food Any Day, talks about celebrating Tet, the Vietnamese new year tradition that focuses on simple foods like rice, meat, beans, and vegetables. Her forthcoming book is, Ever Green Vietnamese, and she left us with her Braised Pork Ribs in Caramel Sauce (SUON KHO) recipe. Then Chef Hooni Kim, author of My Korea; Traditional Flavors, Modern Recipes remembers Lunar New Year celebrations spent with his family and leaves us a recipe for a classic accompaniment, Simple Zucchini Jeon, a delicious pan-fried fritter with your choice of meats or vegetables.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 20, 2023 (originally aired)
January 19, 2024 (rebroadcast)
January 31, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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819: Mediterranean Eating with Suzy Karadsheh & Olive Oil with Claudia Hanna Jan 24, 2025

This week, we’re all about the Mediterranean dish. First, we sit down with New York Times bestselling author Suzy Karadsheh. Suzy talks about “eating the Mediterranean way,” growing up in a region with a plant-forward cuisine, Levantine cooking, using dried fruits in savory recipes, and making simplified Mediterranean recipes at home like her Flaky Veggie Phyllo “Pizza.” Suzy is the founder of The Mediterranean Dish.com and the author of The Mediterranean Dish: Simply Dinners. Then, we step into the world of olive oil with olive oil sommelier Claudia Hanna. Claudia tells us how olive oil has become central to Mediterranean culture, and how it’s made, and walks us through a tasting of different olive oils and their uses. She hosts the podcast If This Food Could Talk.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 24, 2025 (originally aired)

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818: Ireland’s National Culinary Treasure, Darina Allen Jan 10, 2025

This week, we’re spending the hour with the charming and beloved Irish cooking teacher and writer Darina Allen. It’s a spirited conversation about growing up in a country kitchen, her love of eating, and the single moment she decided to pursue her career in cooking. She tells us about her organic farm atthe Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland, shares her unusual and brilliant teaching style, and explains why learning to cook and connect to nature is one of the greatest life skills anyone can achieve. She leaves us with a recipe for an Irish classic, Spotted Dog Railway Cake. Darina is the author of many best-selling books, including The Forgotten Skills of Cooking: 700 Recipes Showing You Why the Time-Honored Ways Are the Best.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 10, 2025 (originally aired)

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795: Iconic Midwestern Food with Paul Fehribach and George Motz Jan 03, 2025

This week, we explore some of the iconic dishes of the Midwest. First, we talked to chef Paul Fehribach about Midwestern cuisine and the history of its unique dishes as they evolved from generations of immigrants. From the evolution of Midwestern-style barbecue to Cincinnati chili, considered by Paul to be one of the oldest examples of fusion cooking. Paul Fehribach is the author of Midwestern Food, A Chef’s Guide to the Surprising History of a Great American Cuisine. Then, we take a field trip to New York City and visit Burger Scholar George Motz at his new restaurant, Hamburger America, to see what makes an epic hamburger. He walks us through some of the most iconic burgers he’s tasted, their histories, and their different cooking techniques. George Motz is a filmmaker and author. His latest book is The Great American Burger Book.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 12, 2024 (originally aired)
January 3, 2025 (rebroadcast)

794: Holiday Cheer with Nik Sharma, Claire Saffitz, & Toni Tipton-Martin Dec 27, 2024

This week, we have just what you need to prepare for this holiday season. First, award-winning author and food scientist Nik Sharma shares his favorite holiday traditions and food pairings that will make your vegetables shine at the table. He is the author of Veg-Table, Recipes, Techniques and Plant Science for Big-Flavored, Vegetable-Focused Meals, and he left us with his recipe for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Then, the internet’s most beloved cooking star, Claire Saffitz, brings us her top holiday dessert ideas. She covers everything from citrus desserts, like her Souffleed Lemon Bread Pudding, to her holiday cookies, like the Chewy Molasses Spice Cookie, and what to make for New Year's. Her latest book is What’s for Dessert, Simple Recipes for Dessert People. Then, award-winning author Toni Tipton–Martin, talks about historical cocktail recipes and their modern interpretations. Her latest book is Juke Joints, Jazz Clubs and Juice: Cocktails From Two Centuries of African American Cookbooks. And she left us with her recipefor Pomegranate Demerara Rum Punch.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 22, 2023 (originally aired)
December 27, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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817: Holidays with Lisa Kyung Gross and Helen Rosner Dec 20, 2024

This week, we’re all about community and coming together for the holidays. First, we talk to Lisa Kyung Gross, founder of The League of Kitchens, a unique cooking school where women from all over the world, welcome you into their homes and teach you how to make one of their family recipes. She talks about the delicious recipes she has collected in her new book, The League of Kitchens Cookbook: Brilliant Tips, Secret Methods & Favorite Family Recipes from Around the World. She leaves us with an Afghan recipe for Cake Jawari, a delicious yellow cake with rosewater and cardamom. Then, The New Yorker’s food writer Helen Rosner stops by the studio with treats and ideas for your last-minute gifts.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 20, 2024 (originally aired)

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793: The Secret of Cooking with Bee Wilson and Cassoulet Confessions with Sylvie Bigar Dec 13, 2024

This week, we’re all about discovering the secret of cooking—and exploring an iconic French Dish. First, Award-winning food historian Bee Wilson talks to us about her latest book, The Secret of Cooking: Recipes for an Easier Life in the Kitchen. She talks about how to find the joy in cooking with real-world advice, from embracing your favorite kitchen tool to considering cooking as a remedy. She left us with her recipe for Magic Pasta with Mushrooms, Garlic Cream, and Wine. Then, food writer Sylvie Bigar takes us through an amazing culinary journey, exploring the history and culture of cassoulet and why she became so obsessed with the iconic French dish. Her book is Cassoulet Confessions: Food, France, Family and the Stew That Saved My Soul, and she left us with her recipe for Gateway Cassoulet.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 8, 2023 (originally aired)
December 13, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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816: Crumbs with Ben Mims and Wild Chocolate with Rowan Jacobsen Dec 06, 2024

It’s the holiday season, and we’re kicking it off this week with some sweet treats. First, food editor and recipe developer Ben Mims joins us with his latest project, covering over 300 cookie recipes from Asia to the Levant to Scandinavia to the Caribbean. The varieties are astonishing. We get into cookie styles, the fascinating ingredients in regional cookies, and the hundreds of flavor combinations. Ben is the author of Crumbs: Cookies and Sweets from Around the World. And he left us with a recipe for Guava-Filled Butter Cookies from Brazil. Then, we step into the world of wild chocolate with Rowan Jacobsen. We hear about the new breed of cacao farmers and the amazing flavor profiles found in wild chocolate and meet some of the farmers who are making it. Rowan is the author of Wild Chocolate: Across the Americas in Search of Cacao’s Soul.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 6, 2024 (originally aired)

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791: Fall Cookbook Roundup Nov 29, 2024

It’s our favorite time of year – Fall Cookbook season! We’re joined by baker Samantha Seneviratne, author of Bake Smart, who tells us about her favorite baking techniques, including a butter trick that creates the creamy texture in her Gooey Cranberry Crumb Cake. Then, chef and content creator Jon Kung talks about his debut cookbook, Kung Food: Chinese American Recipes from a Third-Culture Kitchen. He tells us about his cultural identity as a “third-culture kid,” how he experienced multiple cultures at once while growing up, and how he applies that experience to his fusion cooking. He shares a recipe for reimagined Hong Kong Style Chicken and Waffles. Then, Rose Previte, author of the new book Maydan: Recipes from Lebanon and Beyond, talks about travels and her cultural background that influenced her award-winning restaurant and her interest in dishes cooked over fire like Omani Grilled Shrimp Kebabs.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 3, 2023 (originally aired)
November 29, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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Turkey Confidential 2024 Nov 28, 2024

Join us for Turkey Confidential, our must-listen-to annual Thanksgiving Day broadcast! This year’s guests are Andrea Nguyen author of Ever Green Vietnamese, Super Fresh Recipes Starring Plants from Land and Sea, Dallas-based chef Tiffany Derry of Roots Southern Table and The Great American Recipe on PBS, Washington Post Food Editor and author of Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking, Joe Yonan and pastry chef Paola Velez author of Bodega Bakes, Recipes for Sweets and Treats Inspired by My Corner Store. And, of course, our charming Francis!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 28, 2024

792: A Chef’s Thanksgiving with Amy Thielen, Eric Ripert, and Pierre Thiam Nov 15, 2024

This week, we are all about getting you ready for your Thanksgiving feast! First, cookbook author Amy Thielen sets us up with tips on keeping the holiday stress-free and enjoyable. She shares her remarkable thinking around “turkey secrets,” talks us through some of her favorite techniques for stuffing and starters, and leaves us with her amazing alternative to mashed potatoes, Fun House Baked Potatoes. Her latest book is Company: The Radically Casual Art of Cooking for Others. Then, Chef Eric Ripert talks us through simple seafood dishes to stand -in or accompany your turkey, like his Salmon Rillettes, a signature dish from Le Bernardin. His latest book is Seafood Simple. Then Chef Pierre Thiam brings West African flavors to the table with reimagined sidedish options like his Coconut Collard Greens with Butternut Squash. His latest book is Simply West African, Easy Joyful Recipes for Every Kitchen.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 17, 2023 (originally aired)
November 15, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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727: Cooking by Feel with Vivian Howard & Nik Sharma Nov 01, 2024

When it comes to cooking, do you follow a recipe to a T, or do you do a little improv? This week, we learn a lot about cooking by feel with the star of the Peabody and Emmy-award-winning show A Chef’s Life, Vivian Howard. She talks to Francis about how she “deprogrammed’ herself from precision cooking and started thinking outside of a written recipe. Plus, she sticks around to help answer your cooking questions. Vivian’s latest book isThis Will Make It Taste Good. Then, we take advice from the scientist-turned-cook Nik Sharma, author of The Flavor Equation, on how to be intuitive with our food.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 22, 2021 (originally aired)
January 28, 2022 (rebroadcast)
November 1, 2024 (rebroadcast)

When you shop using our links, we earn a small commission. It’s a great way to support public media at no extra cost to you!

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790: An Hour With Dorie Greenspan Oct 18, 2024

This week, we dedicate the hour to the fabulous Dorie Greenspan. We talk about her start in food, from burning her kitchen down when she was a pre-teen to her love for project baking early in her career and becoming the iconic writer and cookbook author we know today. She shares stories about meeting Julia Child, working alongside high-level pastry chefs, including France’s Pierre Hermé, and her highly- creative process for writing recipes. Dorie is the author of 14 Cookbooks, including the best-selling Baking with Dorie, Everyday Dorie, Dorie’s Cookies, and Around My French Table. Check out our collection of Dorie interviews and recipes here.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 20, 2023 (originally aired)
October 18, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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789: World of Spices with Sana Javeri Kadri and Ethan Frisch Oct 04, 2024

This week, we dive into the new spice trade, its history, and two specific companies' commitment to their farmers and direct trade. First, we talk to Sana Javeri Kadri, founder of Diaspora Co. She talks about herresearch on what the spice trade should look like today and what inspired her to base her business on the stories of spice farmers worldwide. Check out this recipe for Almond Turmeric Potatoes to put your turmeric to work. Then, we talked to Ethan Frisch, Co-Founder of the direct trade spice company Burlap & Barrel. He walks us through a spice tasting of peppercorns, cinnamon, and cumin for a lesson in evaluating aroma and flavor and a gentle reminder of the qualities we should be thinking about when we buy spices. After hearing the conversation about cinnamon, you'll want to give it a go with this recipe for Cinnamon-Toast Graham Crackers.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 6, 2023 (originally aired)
October 4, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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Check Out: Food Network Obsessed Sep 25, 2024

This week we’re sharing an episode of Food Network Obsessed, the official podcast of Food Network. On each episode, host Jaymee Sire welcomes your favorite chefs, food influencers and Food Network personalities to talk about how they started their food careers, who inspires them and what it’s like to cook on Food Network.
On this episode, Jaymee is joined by Food Network Star winner and Outrageous Pumpkins personality, Damaris Phillips. She talks about her Kentucky upbringing in a family of home-chefs, the labor-of-love attitude at the heart of Southern hospitality, and introduces us to the iconic food and fanfare of the Kentucky Derby: the masks, the bourbon, everything! Plus, get inside details about how she developed her close friendship with her Food Network Star mentor, Bobby Flay and hear about the new challenges that will spice up this season of Outrageous Pumpkins.

743: Baking with Dorie Greenspan and Everything Grains with Abra Berens Sep 20, 2024

We sit down with Dorie Greenspan to talk about her newest book, Baking with Dorie. She tells us about her "sweetheart" recipe collection, how she stays inspired after publishing 14 books, and how she dared makeover her famous World Peace Cookies. She left us with a delicious Caramel Apple Crisp recipe, perfect for the season and sticks around to answer your cooking questions. Later, our dear friend Abra Berens joins us to talk about her new book Grist: A Practical Guide to Cooking Grains, Beans, Seeds and Legumes. Soak or not to soak? Water or stock? And the last word on how to cook rice!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 22, 2021 (originally aired)
October 28, 2022 (rebroadcast)
September 20, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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787: Apples and Agave with Diane Flynt, David Suro Piñera, and Gary Paul Nabhan Sep 06, 2024

This week, we dive into the world of apples and agave. First, we talk with apple historian Diane Flynt, author of Wild, Tamed, Lost, Revived: The Surprising Story of Apples in the South, about what makes apples so magical and the connection apples have to people. She also teaches us the history of apples in the South and tips on what makes a good cider. Then, we turn to the world of Agave spirits with authors Gary Paul Nabhan and David Suro Piñera, where we get an understanding of agave as not just an entity but a “whole rainbow of flavors and fragrance” as well as the fascinating craftsmanship behind mezcal and tequilas. Their latest book is Agave Spirits: The Past, Present, and Future of Mezcals.

September 8, 2023 (originally aired)
September 6, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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741: Pizza: Origin, Culture and Making It with Nathan Myhrvold Aug 23, 2024

This week, we take a deep dive into pizza with the co-author of the voluminous Modernist Pizza, Nathan Myhrvold. We get into the history, culture, and techniques behind great pizza. We hear stories from his worldwide travels and deep dives into pizza cultures and traditions. Plus, we hear about the culinary lab research devoted to making the best pizza ever, and he sticks around to answer your pizza-making questions. He is the founder of the Modernist Cuisine Lab. Then, we tune into our Family Kitchen series and hear from Journalist Liana Aghajanian about her childhood visits to Chuck E. Cheese and how she felt it was a magical food portal to America.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 24, 2021 (originally aired)
September 30, 2022 (rebroadcast)
August 23, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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786: Food and Family with Michaele Weissman, Barkha Cardoz and Chef Pierre Thiam Aug 09, 2024

This week, we have stories centered around food, love, and legacy. First, we talk with author Michaele Weissman about meeting her husband's family for the first time, tasting his mother's bread, and later learning its significance and how it represented her husband's life. Her latest book is The Rye Bread Marriage: How I Found Happiness with a Partner I'll Never Understand. Then, we sit with Barkha Cardoz to remember her husband, the late Chef Floyd Cardoz. We talk about their meeting in culinary school in India to admiring how he would add flavor to everything he cooked. In his honor, she is releasing the masala spice blends they created together to continue his legacy. Then, we feature a segment from our sister podcast, The One Recipe, where Chef Pierre Thiam, author of the latest book, Simply West African, talks to host Jesse Sparks about the first time he introduced the love of his life to his aunt and the one recipe that ultimately passed the test, Sauce Feuille.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 18, 2023 (originally aired)
August 9, 2024 (rebroadcast)

When you shop using our links, we earn a small commission. It’s a great way to support public media at no extra cost to you!

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785: What Is a National Dish With Anya von Bremzen and Argentina’s National Drink, Mate Aug 02, 2024

This week, we take a close look into what makes a national cuisine. Anya von Bremzen talks about her most recent book, National Dish: Around the World in Search of Food, History, and the Meaning of Home. We get into the history, culture, and theories behind the popularization of dishes, from researching the “correct” way to make pot-au-feu in France to looking at the “pizza effect” and the role of borsch in her family’s history. She shares her mom’s recipe for Super-Quick Vegetarian Borsch. Then we get into what may be the Argentinian National drink – mate with Mate & Co.’ssommelier, Tomás Martín Sanchez. He explains the production process, its unique flavor, and the community it brings together with its communal drinking ritual.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 4, 2023 (originally aired)
August 2, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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784: All American Summer with Stacey Mei Yan Fong, Jamie Loftus, and Bricia Lopez Jul 26, 2024

This week we have everything you need for summer. First up, it’s Stacey Mei Yan Fong with her new book, 50 Pies, 50 States. Stacey decided to commemorate all 50 states in the most American way she could imagine-through their pies! Everything from fruity to savory to salty pies, and she left us with her take on the Minnesota state pie, a Corn Dog-Hotdish Pie with Savory Funnel-Cake Topping. Then we talk to comedian and writer Jamie Loftus about her cross-country hot dog adventure. She takes a deep dive intoits culture and history and ranks her top three hotdogs nationwide. Her latest book is Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hotdogs.Then, we head to an asada, a Mexican-American cookout, with Bricia Lopez. She talks about the must-haves for your bbq party this summer, from salsa spreads to beer cocktails and her favorite cuts of meat to grill. She leaves us her recipe for Citrus and Oregano Pollo Asado. Her latest book is Asada: The Art of Mexican- Style Grilling.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 21, 2023 (originally aired)
July 26, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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737: Eating Greek Jul 12, 2024

This week, we're talking about the unique cuisine of Greece. Diane Kochilas, author and star of the public television show, My Greek Table joins us from Athens to talk about Greek regional cooking and explore the history and cuisine of the Greek American community. She also lets us in on her favorite dishes to prepare from her garden. Then, we sit with Tara Q. Thomas, who tells us all we need to know about Greek wine, from her favorite producers to the evolution of the pine resin in retsina wines. Then, we head to Queens to listen in on a Greek American family as they prepare their favorite stuffed cabbage, sarmades.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 9, 2021 (originally aired)
July 8, 2022 (rebroadcast)
July 12, 2024 (rebroadcast)

764: Women Brewers Jun 28, 2024

This week, we're exploring the history of women and beermaking. First, Theresa McCulla, curator of The Smithsonian's American Brewing History Initiative, explains why beer is a great lens to examine American history and shares the story of Patsy Young, an early American brewer and fugitive from slavery. Then, Atinuke Akintola Diver talks about her feature-length documentary This Belongs to Us, which follows Black women brewers in the American south and finally, beer Journalist Stephanie Grant of Good Beer Hunting shares her favorite beer and food pairings. You can find her newsletter, The Share, here and on Substack.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 9, 2022 (originally aired)
September 15, 2023 (rebroadcast)
June 28, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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782: Vegetarian Summer Cooking with Hetty Lui McKinnon and the Art of Leftovers with Tamar Adler Jun 14, 2024

This week, we talk to two award-winning food writers about how to make the most of your vegetables and leftovers this summer. First up, award-winning vegetarian writer Hetty Lui McKinnon joins us to talk about her latest book Tenderheart, A Cookbook About Vegetables and Unbreakable Family Bonds. She talks to us about her father’s influence on her early life and how it inspired her vegetarian cooking career. She walks us through some of her favorite Chinese-inspired dishes made with a vegetarian twist, like her Sesame Mushroom Toast and Eggplant Char Siu and she sticks around to answer your cooking questions. Then, Tamar Adler, author of The Everlasting Meal Cookbook, brings fresh eyes to leftovers, from super quick ideas to elevate your cooking, like adding coconut water to your rice, and even ideas on what to do with your overcooked fish and those Cheeto crumbs at the bottom of the bag.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 9, 2023 (originally aired)
June 14, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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739: Chef Martin Yan’s Culinary Journey Jun 07, 2024

This week, we spend an hour with one of Francis’ heroes, Chef Martin Yan. He talks about growing up in China, the time he spent working in the legendary wet markets, and how helping his mom in the kitchen gave him a lifelong lesson in seasonal cooking. From his journey to Hong Kong where he famously learned how to bone-out a chicken in 18 seconds, to his move to attend college in the US, to becoming a trailblazing culinary food show host of Yan Can Cook, his is a story full of determination, achievement, and his trademark humor. He is the author of over twenty cookbooks and is currently the host of Martin Yan, Quick and Easy

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 27, 2021 (originally aired)
September 2, 2022 (rebroadcast)
June 7, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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748: Dr. Jessica B. Harris May 17, 2024

This week, we’re spending an hour with Culinary Historian Dr. Jessica B. Harris. We talk about her start in food writing, how she started making connections between what she ate in Africa and what she ate in America, learn about one of her greatest influences, her mother who she calls her “culinary secret weapon”, and hear the many different ways she studied food, from reading Columbus’ journal to her experiences as a travel editor. She is the author of twelve books including, Iron Pots and Wooden Spoon: Africa’s Gifts to New World Cooking, her memoir, My Soul Looks Back, and High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 7, 2022 (originally aired)
January 27, 2023 (rebroadcast)
May 17, 2024 (rebroadcast)

781: Eating With Funny People May 10, 2024

This week, we're joined by two comedians to talk about their connection to food. First, Ivy Le, host of the podcast Fear of Going Outside. We quote, "Most nature shows are hosted by reckless white men, but avid indoors woman Ivy Le is an Asian mom with severe allergies. Last season, Ivy conquered camping. She's back, braving the outdoors to go hunting- or die trying!" Then, comedian Dan Ahdoot, the author of the new book Undercooked: How I Let Food Become My Life Navigator and How Maybe That's a Dumb Way to Live, talks to us about his connection to food and his family, his theories on relationships, and the journeys he's taken for a great meal.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 26, 2023 (originally aired)
May 10, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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Check Out: Be My Guest with Ina Garten Apr 30, 2024

In each episode of Be My Guest, Ina does what she does best - welcomes a different friend at her home to talk about life, love, and career, all while cooking an amazing meal or two. Before she was a culinary icon, Ina was an iconic host - making her guests feel comfortable just as easily as she makes a four-course meal. Who wouldn’t want to spend an evening with her?

In this episode, actress Jennifer Garner joins her very own “queen” and “kitchen fairy,” Ina. As they revamp Jennifer’s grandmother’s cornbread recipe and make pizzas, they talk about Jennifer’s childhood in West Virginia, what it was like to move to Manhattan, and what she ate on repeat while filming 13 Going on 30.

If you like the episode, be sure to follow Be My Guest with Ina Garten wherever you get your podcasts. And so, without further ado, here’s an episode of Be My Guest with Ina Garten.

780: Spring Cookbook Roundup Apr 26, 2024

This week, we are celebrating the spring cookbooks of 2023! First, we talk with Chef Lara Lee about her approach to flavorful meals using iconic Asian ingredients from her pantry, including recipes for her stellar Tom Yum Bloody Mary and Sambal Patatas Bravas - crispy potatoes topped with a sambal spiced tomato mixture and a bit of mayo! Addictive! Her latest book is A Splash of Soy. Then, we get deep into flavor combinations with Niki Segnit, author of The Flavor Thesaurus. She talks us through surprising flavor combinations that will inspire and expand your home cooking adventures. Then, we talk African home cooking with Lerato Umah-Shaylor, author of Africana, and her delicious recipes filled with traditional and modern flavors of African cuisine. From yassa butter to bejeweled aromatic fried rice and her delicious Akàrà; deep fried bean fritters with ginger & spring onions.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 12, 2023 (originally aired)
April 26, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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779: Fruits & Veggies with Abra Berens and Sheela Prakash Apr 13, 2024

This week, we promise you will get your recommended dose of fruits and vegetables! Award-winning author Abra Berens takes us on a sweet and savory journey with fruit. From best cooking methods to subtle and exotic pickling methods- think Brined Cherries + Salty Snacks, to advice on picking the best fruit to throw on the grill. She’s the author of three books, Grist, A Practical Guide to Cooking Grains, Beans, Seeds, and Legumes, Ruffage: A Practical Guide to Vegetables, and her latest, Pulp: A Practical Guide to Cooking with Fruit. Then, we turn to vegetables with food editor and author Sheela Prakash. Her new book is Salad Seasons: Vegetable-Forward Dishes All Year. The book is chockfull of imaginative uses for fresh veggies, including an amazing recipe for Spring Carrots with Burnt Butter and Labneh.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 21, 2023 (originally aired)
April 12, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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778: Spring Baking with Natasha Pickowicz, Esteban Castillo, and Chetna Makan Mar 29, 2024

We’re all about baking today, from New York to Mexico to London by way of India. First, Pastry Chef Natasha Pickowicz talks to us about her favorite recipes and her baking process. Then, she shares her baking techniques, from bringing egg whites back to life to saving overbaked cakes by soaking them in delicious liquid. She is the author of More Than Cake: 100 Baking Recipes for Pleasure and Community, and she left us with her Fennel, Chocolate, and Hazelnut Spears. Then, Chicano Eats Food Blogger Esteban Castillo gives us a rundown of his favorite Mexican pastries and all the goodness Mexican panaderias have to offer, from cakes to jellos and even savory treats. He is the author of Chicano Bakes: Recipes for Mexican Pan Dulce, Tamales, and My Favorite Desserts. He left us with his recipe for Pan de Elote. And you can find more recipes on his site, Chicano Eats. Then, one of the most beloved contestants on the Great British Baking Show, Chetna Makan, talks about her love of baking and the ways she incorporates Indian spices and flavors into her sweets. Her latest book is Chetna’s Easy Baking with a Twist of Spice, and she left us with her recipe for Chocolate and Coconut Spiced  Self-Saucing Pudding.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 7, 2023 (originally aired)
March 29, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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777: Chef Robynne Maii Takes On Your Culinary Quandaries & Magic Crispy Things with Nik Sharma Mar 15, 2024

This week, Honolulu chef Robynne Maii teams up with Francis to answer your cooking questions! First, we catch up on her connection to cooking and dancing, what she grew up eating thanks to her mom's love of faithfully following a recipe, and what she loves to eat as a Honolulu local. Then she dives right in with our listener questions, from what to do with leftover roast duck to how to make chili crisp. She leaves us with a recipe for Simple Smoked Fish Dip. After answering that listener's question about chili crisps, we thought it would be perfect to talk to the master of food science, award-winning writer Nik Sharma, about his favorite crispy things. He left us with a great oven technique for crispy shallots and a Chicken Kanji recipe.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 17, 2023 (originally aired)
March 15, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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776: Chinese Tea with Theresa Wong & Masala Chai with Leena Trivedi-Grenier Mar 01, 2024

This week, we dive into the world of tea, its history, and traditions. First up, we visit the T Shop in New York City with East Asian tea expert Theresa Wong. Theresa leads Francis through a tea tasting, from black, thru oolong all the way to green. We learn a few brewing tips along the way as well. Then, food and culture writer Leena Trevedi-Grenier talks to us about the surprising story of Masala Chai's history and gives us an in-depth guide to spicing and techniques for making the perfect cup. You can find her recipe for Fresh Ginger Masala Tea here.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 3, 2023 (originally aired)
March 1, 2024 (rebroadcast)

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798: On the Road – Orange County, CA with Gustavo Arellano, Daniel & Brenda Castillo, Kenneth Nguyen & Patricia Huang Feb 23, 2024

This week, we’re bringing you a show we recorded with LAist in Orange County, CA, one of the richest food scenes in the US. We talk to award-winning journalist Gustavo Arellano about the evolution of OC’s culinary scene, the immigrant influences, and how its diverse foodways continue to be embraced by the different generations. Gustavo is the Los Angeles Times columnist and author of Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America and his latest, A People’s Guide to Orange County; then, Chefs Brenda and Daniel Castillo of Heritage Barbecue join the stage to talk about making Texas barbecue in CA and making it their own and then, Kenneth Nguyen, host of The Vietnamese Podcast and Patricia Huang, former general manager of the famous Asian 626 Night Market, talk about Orange County's Asian street food culture.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 23, 2024 (originally aired)

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775: Home Cooking with Gavin Kaysen Feb 16, 2024

This week, we talk about home cooking with Minneapolis chef Gavin Kaysen. He tells us how he finds a balance between cooking at home and cooking at a restaurant and writing his latest cookbook, aptly titled, At Home. He shares tips for making the cooking process less stressful and how to think about it as an enjoyment versus a task. He leaves us with one of his family's favorite recipes: Spatchcock Chicken with North African Spices, Sweet Potato Hash, and Broccolini. Plus, he sticks around to answer your cooking questions.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 17, 2023 (originally aired)
February 2016, (rebroadcast)

774: On the Road – Hawaii with Chefs Sheldon Simeon, Ed Kenney, Robynne Maii and More! Feb 02, 2024

We took the show on the road for a live event at the Hawaii Theatre Center in Honolulu. First, we spoke to Hawaii Public Radio’s Culture and Arts reporter Jayna Omaye and Chef Sheldon Simeon of Tin Roof Maui about Hawaiian cuisine’s unique mix of cultures. Then, James Beard award-winning chef Robynne Maii of Fête in Chinatown, Honolulu, and chef-owner of Mud Hen Water, Ed Kenney, explained how native Hawaiian traditions influence their cooking. And then, we talked to three legacy business owners about the importance of beloved local institutions in the food scene: Chris Kanemura, co-owner of Fujiya Hawai’i, Emma Bello, goat and dairy farmer at Sweet Land Farm, and Kevin Yim of Zippy’s.

The live event at Hawaii Theatre was co-presented by Hawai‘i Public Radio and the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Kapi‘olani Community College and sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines, Alohilani Resorts, and FarmLovers Markets.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 3, 2023 (originally aired)
February 2, 2024 (rebroadcast)

724: The Power of Smell with Harold McGee Jan 05, 2024

Have you ever wondered why things in the world have the smells that they do? Food science writer Harold McGee, long a fan of flavor, explored the world of smell to find out. He joins Francis to talk about his discoveries, explaining how he “listens” to smells, and what it can teach us about our lives. He’s one of the legends of food science writing and is the author of On Food and Cooking, the beloved, best-selling, game-changing culinary guide. His latest book is Nose Dive: A Field Guide to The Smells of the World.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 4, 2020 (originally aired)
December 10, 2021 (rebroadcast)
January 5, 2024 (rebroadcast)

718: Things You’ve Gotta Try Dec 29, 2023

This week, we’re all about trying some new things in the kitchen. We’ve got unexpected ideas from our listeners and from pros like Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi. Food & Wine’s restaurant editor Khushbu Shah weighs in on the best way to cook rice and their wine editor Ray Isle turns to canned wine. Chef Pierre Thiam introduces us the African super grain fonio, and Ariel Dumas, adventurist cook and a head writer for The Late Show with Steven Colbert, accepts a ratatouille challenge from Francis.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 28, 2020 (originally aired)
September 3, 2021 (rebroadcast)
December 29, 2023 (rebroadcast)

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Bonus Episode: The One Recipe's Holiday Special 2023 Dec 19, 2023

We’re dropping a bonus episode in our feed this week from our Sister Podcast, The One Recipe. Join host Jesse Sparks for a holiday edition of The Splendid Table’s sister podcast, The One Recipe. In this hour-long episode, Jesse talks to culinary superstars about their family traditions and their “One,” the recipe that signals the holidays have officially begun! Our guests bring us their family food traditions from all over the globe. Chetna Makan, Britain’s queen of Indian home cooking, gives us a recipe for a seriously delicious nibble for cocktails, Chetna’s Cheesy Potato Balls, beloved Texan chef of Roots Chicken Shack in Dallas, Tiffany Derry, has amazing stories from her family’s truly enormous holiday feast and talks us through a recipe for her Mother’s Gumboand Matt Adlard, influencer, author of the best-selling Bake it Better and the son of a Michelin starred chef, talks about his family’s sometimes competitive holiday cooking and leaves us with a perfect recipe for his Chocolate Yule Log.

If you like our show, don’t forget to hit like and subscribe and leave us a review!

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771: Holiday Cookbooks 2022 Dec 15, 2023

We’ve got the most exciting cookbooks to gift this holiday season. Chef Chris Scott talks to us about his latest, Amish Soul Food and pays homage to the food of his Pennsylvanian German ancestors, and talks us through traditional recipes like chow chow, biscuits, and scrapple. He leaves us with his recipe for Okra Chow-Chow.Cynthia Shanmugalingam takes us on a deep dive into the seductive, cuisine of Sri Lanka. Her book is Rambutan: Recipes from Sri Lanka. Then, Ben Mervis, author of The British Cookbook, talks about the many food regions of Britain and the influences that have inspired them. His Yorkshire Parkin recipe is a must-try for this holiday season. Then, we get a lesson in home-made vinegar making with Pascal Baudar, author of Wildcrafted Vinegars. He leaves with a lot of inspiration and a recipe for Seaweed-Infused Vinegar.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 16, 2022 (originally aired)
December 15, 2023 (rebroadcast)

When you shop using our links, we earn a small commission. It’s a great way to support public media at no extra cost to you!

Donate to The Splendid Table today and we will show our appreciation with a special thank-you gift.

770: British Cooks Prue Leith & Nigella Lawson Dec 01, 2023

This week, we’ve got two legendary British cooks in the house. First, Prue Leith joins us to talk about her fascinating background in food as a restaurateur and cook, growing up in South Africa, and judging The Great British Bake-Off show. Her new book is, Bliss on Toast, and she leaves us with her recipe for Tomatoes with English Pesto on Toasted Focaccia. Then, the iconic Nigella Lawson joins Francis in the studio to talk about her love of simple ingredients, dinners, and the importance of having a reliable recipe. Plus, she leaves us with her Smoky Squid and Beans recipe from her latest, Cook, Eat, Repeat.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 2, 2022 (originally aired)
December 1, 2023 (rebroadcast)

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Check Out: Dishing on Julia Nov 28, 2023

This week we’re sharing an episode of Dishing on Julia, the official companion podcast to the Max original series, Julia. Hosted by Kerry Diamond of Cherry Bombe, each episode of Dishing on Julia takes you behind the scenes with the show's producers, creators, and crew to unpack each episode and explore the making of the series. For the inaugural episode of Season 2 of Dishing On Julia, host Kerry Diamond talks to Julia creator and executive producer Daniel Goldfarb about historicizing Julia and taking the French Chef to France. In the show's second half, it’s world-renowned Chef Eric Ripert of New York’s Le Bernardin. Eric shares his own origin story and reflects on his memorable interactions with Julia over the years. Listen to Dishing on Julia, the Official Julia Companion Podcast on Max, or wherever you get your podcasts. And stream new episodes of Julia Thursdays on Max.

700: Eating Canadian - Live from Hot Docs Podcast Festival Nov 24, 2023

This week’s show was recorded live at the Hot Docs Podcast Festival in Toronto. Francis and his team of intrepid eaters tackle a tantalizing question: what makes Canada so delicious? Guests include Matty “The Flavor Lord” Matheson (Just a Dash); Greater Toronto Area food, drink and travel writer Suresh Doss; and New York Times food columnist and host of our Weeknight Kitchen podcast Melissa Clark, who impresses everyone with her quick thinking in a game of Stump the Cook.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 24, 2020 (originally aired)
January 29, 2021 (rebroadcast)
November 24, 2023 (rebroadcast)

Turkey Confidential with Kristen Kish, Dan Pelosi, Abra Berens, and Jocelyn Delk Adams Nov 23, 2023

Francis Lam hosts the 2023 pre-recorded edition of our popular Thanksgiving show. Francis is joined by special guests chef Kristen Kish, Top Chef’s newest judge, Dan Pelosi aka “Grossy Pelosi” the exuberant author of Let’s Eat, 101 Recipes to Fill Your Heart and Home, Michigan chef and award-winning writer Abra Berens author of Pulp, A Practical Guide to Cooking with Fruit, and Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby Cakes

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 23, 2023

768: Hands On Cooking and Hosting with Sohla & Ham El-Waylly and Restaurateur Will Guidara Nov 10, 2023

This week, we have the dynamic duo, Sohla and Ham El-Waylly, hosts of the New York Times Cooking show Mystery Menu joining us to talk about working together, overcoming differences in their cooking styles, and the key to their success as a team. They stick around to answer your cooking questions. Then, restaurateur Will Guidara joins us with advice on how to be a great host. From the importance of “unreasonable” hospitality in the restaurant industry to being intentional in the home and turning thoughtfulness into practice. His new book is Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 4, 2022 (originally aired)
November 10. 2023 (rebroadcast)

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767: Asian Vegan cooking with Hannah Che and Chef Danny Bowien Oct 27, 2023

This week, we talk about the delicious and varied world of Asian vegan cooking. First, we talk to Hannah Che, author of The Vegan Chinese Kitchen, about becoming vegan and navigating her family’s eating traditions. She talks about exploring the history of plant-based eating in China and her process for creating vegan recipes inspired by everyday dishes using Chinese seasonings. She leaves us with her recipes for Braised Winter Squash with Fermented Black Beans and Fragrant Dressed Tofu with Garlic and Basil. Then, Chef Danny Bowien, author of Mission Vegan, tells us the charming story of why he started cooking vegan in his former restaurant Mission Chinese and walks us through his version of Mapo Tofu, and leaves us a recipe for Cold Buckwheat Noodles with Dragon Fruit Ice that captures the book’s spirit of rediscovering his Korean heritage.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 21, 2022 (originally aired)
Ocotber 27, 2023 (rebroadcast)

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766: Honoring Family and Heritage with Linda Ronstadt and Natalia Molina Oct 13, 2023

This week, we have the iconic musician Linda Ronstadt and her collaborator Lawrence Downes talking about her love of the culture and food of the Sonoran Desert. We hear about the different Sonoran foods and stories from their travels, and she leaves us with her grandmother’s albondigas recipe. Their book is Feels Like Home A Song for the Sonoran Borderlands. Then we talk to MacArthur Fellow, Professor Natalia Molina about the restaurant her grandmother ran in the 1950s in Los Angeles, El Nayarit, and how a restaurant can be the heart of a community. Her book is A Place at the Nayarit, How a Mexican Restaurant Nourished a Community.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 7, 2022 (originally aired)
October 13, 2023 (rebroadcast)

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765: French Home Cooking and Baking with Jacques Pépin and Aleksandra Crapanzano Sep 29, 2023

This week, we visit the legendary Jacques Pépin at home to talk about one of his favorite subjects, chicken! First, we dive into some of the French chicken classics and talk about his latest book, Art of the Chicken. Then we move over to his kitchen, where he invites us to taste his mother's egg specialty dish, Eggs Jeannette, a pan-crisped deviled egg. Then, we turn to French homebaking with Aleksandra Crapanzano, author of Gateau: The Surprising Simplicity of French Cakes. She talks about how to elevate À la Français a basic cake recipe by using the spirits and pantry items in your cabinet, and leaves us with her delicious recipe for Almond Yogurt Cake, a cake the French teach in preschool!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 23, 2022 (originally aired)
September 29, 2023 (rebroadcast)

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788: The Shabbat Table with Adeena Sussman & The Art of Rice with JJ Johnson Sep 22, 2023

This week, we dedicate the hour to rest and rice. First, we talk to Adeena Sussman about her Shabbat rituals, from cooking with a sense of spirituality, taking the time to unplug, and connecting with family and friends. She talks about iconic dishes she enjoys making and sharing during Shabbat, like her Jachnun Rolled Yemenite Sabbath Bread, and she sticks around to answer your cooking questions. Her latest book is Shabbat: Recipes and Rituals from My Table to Yours. Then, we enter the world of rice with Chef JJ Johnson, author of The Simple Art of Rice: Recipes from Around the World for the Heart of Your Table. He talks to us about the rice he grew up eating, his research in West African culture, and cooking rice professionally and making it the center of the table, and he sticks around to answer your rice cooking questions. He left us his recipe for Crispy Rice Salad with Quick Pickled Onion.

September 22, 2023 (originally aired)

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720: Dads and Kids: J. Kenji López-Alt, David Chang, & Chris Ying Sep 01, 2023

This week, we hear from three papa bears who take on the challenge of making mealtime just right. J. Kenji López-Alt of The Food Lab answers your questions about getting kids excited about food and clues us in on techniques and the research behind them. His new book is  Every Night is Pizza Night. Then Momofuku chef and Ugly Delicious star, David Chang and writer Chris Ying join Francis to share their own experiences of fatherhood and how they’ve taken on the toddler mealtime battle. David Chang’s new book is  Eat a Peach, A Memoir. Chris Ying’s latest with Ivan Orkin is Gaijin Cookbook: Japanese Recipes From a Chef, Father, Eater and Lifelong Outsider.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 2, 2020 (originally aired)
October 1, 2021 (rebroadcast)
September 1, 2023 (rebroadcast)

716: Farm, Garden, Cook Aug 25, 2023

Thanks to the farmers and gardeners who are keeping us well-fed this summer. This week, we talk to farmer/activist Leah Penniman of Soul Fire Farm, and chef/farmer Abra Berens.

763: Home Food with Chef Vishwesh Bhatt & Masa with Jorge Gaviria Aug 11, 2023

This week, we’re talking to award-winning Chef Vishwesh Bhatt author of I Am From Here: Stories and Recipes from a Southern Chef. He talks about how he creates dishes with both the flavors of India and those of the American South. He leaves us with his unusual and delicious recipe for Whole Grilled Okra. Then, we sit down with professional chefs’ go-to person when they want to get serious about tortillas, Jorge Gaviria. We dive deep into the modern history of masa (corn dough), the famous food ingredient used to produce sopes, tamales, tortillas, and other dishes. Jorge is the Founder of Masienda and the author of Masa: Techniques, Recipes, and Reflections on a Timeless Staple. He left us with his recipe for Tlacoyo, an oval-shaped masa pocket filled with puréed beans and topped with crema and salsa.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 26, 2022 (originally aired)
August 11, 2023 (rebroadcast)

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Bonus Episode: The One Recipe's Summer Celebrations Special Jul 28, 2023

We’re dropping a bonus episode in our feed this week from our Sister Podcast, The One Recipe. Join Host, Jesse Sparks, for an episode all about fun, food, and family summer celebrations. First, we raise a glass to summer with the bar consultant and author Natasha David and talk about some of her favorite summer traditions and low-alcohol cocktails to keep in your back pocket, like her No Bad Days punch and Adult Supervision. Her latest book is called Drink Lightly. Esteban Castillo, the author of Chicano Eats, talks about the asadas he throws down with his family and the must-have dishes at the cookout, like his Michelada ribs. Then we head to Houston to talk with the city’s newest food columnist Bao Ong about ideas for summer party take-out and we spend some time on the patio with Houston chef and restaurant owner Chris Williams and talk about the food and family tradition that inspires his restaurant, the Houston classic Lucille’s.

If you like our show, don’t forget to hit like and subscribe and leave us a review!

Help support The One Recipe with a donation of any amount today.

762: Live Fire Cooking Jul 28, 2023

This week we’re joined by some unusual thinkers on the art of the cookout. First, we get a lesson on barbecue etiquette (who knew) with our favorite duo, Nick Leighton and Leah Bonnema, Hosts of the podcast Were You Raised by Wolves? We get all kinds of tips, from the right way to ask for a family recipe to taking a house tour only if offered by your host. Then, Chefs Sarit Packer and Itamar Srulovich share their techniques and ideas for cooking over live fire. Their latest book is Chasing Smoke, Cooking Over Fire Around the Levant, and they left us with their recipe for Grilled Peaches with Almond Tahini and Charred Endive. Then, it’s pitmaster Pat Martin talking about the whole hog barbecue culture in West Tennessee and how that whole hog style and tradition of BBQ may be on the path to extinction. His latest book is Life of Fire: Mastering the Arts of Pit Cooked Barbecue, the Grill, and the Smokehouse. You can find his recipe for Grilled Green Beans with Memphis Dry Rub.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 29, 2022 (originally aired)
July 28, 2023 (rebroadcast)

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761: On the Road - Seattle Jul 14, 2023

We took the show on the road and recorded a live event with KUOW about Seattle’s legendary culinary scene. We met up with some of the people who make the city a vibrant place to eat and cook. We spoke to KUOW’s reporter Ruby DeLuna and bestselling cookbook author Kenji Lopez Alt about where to eat. Kara Martin, Program Director of the Food Innovation Network talks to us about Spice Bridge, a food hall dedicated to refugee and immigrant chefs. Also joining us was one of those chefs, Theary Ngeth, the chef of Theary Cambodian Foods, and Angela Dunleavy and Carlin Llorente of FareStart, an organization that helps people break the cycle of poverty with job and life skills training.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 15, 2022 (originally aired)
July 14, 2023 (repeat)

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783: On The Road – Food & Wine Classic in Aspen with Khushbu Shah, Chandra Ram, Chef Tiffany Derry & Wine Writer Wanda Mann Jul 07, 2023

We took the show on the road for Food & Wine's Classic in Aspen, CO at the Wheeler Opera House. First, we welcomed Restaurant Editor Khushbu Shah to talk about restaurant industry trends starting with chefs reclaiming their craft by building systems that allow them to run a restaurant on their schedules and practice "unapologetic cooking." Then Associate Food Editorial Director Chandra Ram joins the conversation to talk about what she's seen in home cooking trends, from translating restaurant-level experiences into a recipe and the lasting change Covid has made in home cooking. Then we talk Southern food with Chef Tiffany Derry of Southern Table and Roots Chicken Shack in Texas. She looks at her relationship to Southern cuisine and how important it is to represent her roots authentically and showcased with a spin. And then, the East Coast editor of The Somm Journal and founder of winewithwanda.com, Wanda Mann, talks to us about the trends in the wine world (hello rosé!) and how people's drink tastes have changed over the last few years.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 7, 2023 (originally aired)

Generous listeners like you make The Splendid Table possible. Donate today to support the show

760: 4th of July with Andy Baraghani and Samantha Seneviratne Jun 30, 2023

We’re celebrating 4th of July with stellar cookbook author, Andy Baraghani to talk about fresh and light recipes that will have you spending time with guests and not stuck at the grill. He leaves us with his Juicy Tomato w/ Italian Chile Crisp & Glossy Barbecued Eggplant w/Peanut Salad recipes and sticks around to answer your cooking questions. Then, we sit with Samantha Seneviratne, author of The Joys of Baking to talk us through delicious desserts to serve up this summer. From taking advantage of those seasonal fruits to fun and effortless ideas for your store bought poundcake—the desserts will be the talk of the summer. She left us with her for Nectarine Galette with Sour Cherry Jam and be sure to check out her Fresh Strawberry Pie.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 1, 2022 (originally aired)
June 30, 2023 (rebroadcast)

Celebrate kitchen companionship with a gift to The Splendid Table today.

759: Father Stories with Kitty & Al Tait and Jeffrey & Kevin Pang Jun 16, 2023

We’re celebrating Father’s Day with Kitty and Al Tait, the dad-and-daughter duo behind Britain’s Orange Bakery and the authors of Breadsong. They talk to Francis about how learning to bake together changed their lives and what inspires them to create their own recipes. They left us with their delicious Fika Buns recipe. Then, we hear the story behind how Kevin Pang, host of the podcast Proof, discovered that his father Jeffrey Pang, had become a viral internet cooking star and how their conversations around food brought them closer. Be sure to check out, How to Make Fried Rice at home and Jeffrey Pang’s Portuguese Coconut Chicken Recipe.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 17, 2022 (originally aired)
June 16, 2023 (rebroadcast)

Your support is a special ingredient in helping to make The Splendid Table. Donate today

758: Summer Parties with Nicole A. Taylor, Natasha David and Patric Richardson Jun 02, 2023

This week, it’s party season with food writer Nicole A. Taylor, bartender Natasha David, and Laundry Evangelist, Patric Richardson

Celebrate kitchen companionship with a gift to The Splendid Table today.

757: Home Cooking with Pros: J. Kenji López-Alt, Daniel Holzman, and Matt Rodbard May 19, 2023

This week, it's home cooking with the authors of Food IQ: 100 Questions, Answers, and Recipes to Raise Your Cooking Smarts. Daniel Holzman and Matt Rodbard bust food myths about cooking with frozen meat, and extoll the beauty of letting butter brown in the pan. Then, we visit J. Kenji López-Alt’s home where he gives us a lesson on cooking his favorite childhood dish, a super quick Japanese take on the Chinese classic, Ma po Tofu. Kenji is the author of the New York Times #1 Bestseller, The Wok: Recipes and Techniques.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 20, 2022 (originally aired)
May 19, 2023 (rebroadcast)

Donate to The Splendid Table today and we will show our appreciation with a special thank-you gift.

756: Up Close with Evan Kleiman, Host of Good Food May 05, 2023

This week, we spend the hour with the pioneering food radio personality, Evan Kleiman. We talk about her life and all the places food has taken her. She tells us about her travels across Europe fresh out of high school, learning to cook alongside her Italian host family, and falling in love with the cuisine. She went on to open one of the most respected Italian restaurants in the country, Angeli Caffe, in Los Angeles and eventually became the host of the award-winning radio food show Good Food.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 6, 2022 (originally aired)
May 5, 2023 (rebroadcast)

Celebrate kitchen companionship with a gift to The Splendid Table today

755: Special Sauce with René Redzepi, Diep Tran, and Khushbu Shah Apr 28, 2023

This week, we talk about different umami-packed sauces that belong in every cook's kitchen. First, we sit with René Redzepi of Copenhagen's Noma to talk about the delicious ancient sauce, garum. Originally it's a fermented fish sauce, but his fermentation lab team has developed modern versions, including vegan ones. We chat with Diep Tran, coauthor of the Red Boat Fish Sauce cookbook, to talk about ways to use the Southeast Asian fish sauce we know today. She left us with a delicious recipe for Seared Pork Chops with Broken Rice. Then, we sit with restaurant editor at Food & Wine magazine, Khushbu Shah, to talk about the greatness that is Maggi. Whether you know Maggi as a sauce, instant noodles, or bouillon cubes, it's beloved across the entire world.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 22, 2022 (originally aired)
April 28, 2023 (rebroadcast)

Your support is a special ingredient in helping to make The Splendid Table. Donate today.

754: Spring Cookbook Season Apr 14, 2023

This week, we’re celebrating the cookbooks of Spring 2022! We talk with British chef Asma Khan about her latest book, Ammu. The book is an homage to her mother and she walks us through her childhood eating, imagine the aroma of pakoras (onion fritters) frying during monsoon season in India! Then, we chat with Rick Martinez about his latest book, Mi Cocina and his decision to move to Mexico City to connect with his culture. He leaves us with a delicious recipe for Ceviche de Camarón y Leche de Coco (Raw shrimp and watermelon tossed with coconut milk and lime juice). We talk to Reem Assil, author of the book Arabiyya, Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora about Arab bread and why she considers it the foundation of Arab cuisine. Then, Jess Damuck gives us tips to ensure the perfect salad every time, her latest book is Salad Freak.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 1, 2022 (originally aired)
April 14, 2023 (rebroadcast)

Generous listeners like you make The Splendid Table possible. Donate today to support the show.

738: Legendary Food Writer Claudia Roden Mar 31, 2023

This week, the legendary food writer Claudia Roden joins us from her home in London to talk about her career and her journey as a food writer. We learn about the first time she started exchanging written recipes, how she traveled and worked her way into kitchens all across the Mediterranean and how she created a singular style of food writing. She is the author of many groundbreaking books, including A Book of Middle Eastern Food, and her newest, coming out this fall in 2021, Claudia Roden’s Mediterranean: Treasured Recipes from a Lifetime of Travel. We also talk to one her biggest fans, chef Yotam Ottolenghi about his admiration for Claudia’s unique approach to food writing and historical knowledge of food and background. Plus, he shares one of his favorite recipes from his book, Plenty More inspired by one of her dishes.

Photo Credit: Jamie Lau Waitrose & Partners Food

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 23, 2021 (originally aired)
July 22, 2022 (rebroadcast)
March 31, 2023 (rebroadcast)

Your support is a special ingredient in helping to make The Splendid Table. Donate today

Check Out: Be My Guest with Ina Garten Mar 15, 2023

This week we’re sharing an episode from the upcoming third season of Be My Guest with Ina Garten, Ina’s official podcast from Food Network. Join the party as Ina invites friends old and new to her East Hampton home for good food and great conversation. In each episode, Ina and a guest will chat about life, love, and career all while making a delicious meal. Guests this season include superstar ballerina Misty Copeland, actor-director-TV presenter-author Stanley Tucci, singer and award-winning stage and screen actress Laura Linney, and singer-songwriter Norah Jones. Check out Be My Guest with Ina Garten wherever you get your podcasts.

752: Hands-On Cooking with Maneet Chauhan & Dawn Perry, and introducing Jesse Sparks, host of The One Recipe Mar 10, 2023

Chef Maneet Chauhan and cookbook author Dawn Perry talk hands-on cooking and we introduce our new podcast, The One Recipe & its host, Jesse Sparks '

Celebrate kitchen companionship with a gift to The Splendid Table today

751: Saving Rare Foods with Dan Saladino and M. Karlos Baca Feb 24, 2023

This week, we talk to BBC Food journalist Dan Saladino about how saving endangered foods might save the world and indigenous foods activist Karlos Baca

750: Cooking Winter Vegetables with Hetty McKinnon and Amanda Cohen Feb 10, 2023

This week, we get into cooking with winter vegetables with Hetty McKinnon, author of To Asia, With Love and Chef Amanda Cohen of Dirt Candy

749: The Magnificent Mushroom Jan 13, 2023

This week, we get into the beauty of mushrooms with wild foods expert Eugenia Bone and Anna L. Tsing, author of The Mushroom at the End of the World

772: On the Curry Trail with Raghavan Iyer Jan 06, 2023

This week, it's an hour-long special featuring the iconic writer and teacher Raghavan Iyer, author of the forthcoming book, On The Curry Trail

726: Soup’s On with Jenn Louis Dec 30, 2022

Jenn Louis stops by to talk about the essentials for a great soup and takes on your questions. Plus, the Splendid team holds a taste-off of store-bought chicken stock.

Our Holiday Special with Von Diaz, Vallery Lomas, and Ada Limón Dec 23, 2022

We’re gearing up for the holidays with Von Diaz's Puerto Rican Christmas, great baking with Vallery Lomas, and a little slowdown poetry with Ada Limón

746: A Guide to Holiday Gifting and Hosting Dec 09, 2022

A holiday guide with The New Yorker’s Helen Rosner, Serious Eats' Daniel Gritzer, & Leah Bonnema & Nick Leighton of the Were You Raised by Wolves show

745: Thanksgiving with Rodney Scott, Nik Sharma, Genevieve Ko, and Eric Wareheim Nov 25, 2022

We’re getting you all set up for Thanksgiving this week with our friends, Rodney Scott, Nik Sharma, Genevieve Ko, and Eric Wareheim

Turkey Confidential with Rick Martinez, Maneet Chauhan, Claire Saffitz, and Jesse Sparks Nov 24, 2022

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora

Francis Lam hosts the 2022 pre-recorded edition of our popular Thanksgiving show. Francis is joined by special guests Claire Saffitz, author of Dessert Person, Rick Martinez author of Mi Cocina: Recipes and Rapture from My Kitchen in Mexico, Chef, and Chopped judge Maneet Chauhan, and our very own Jesse Sparks, host of The One Recipe podcast to answer Thanksgiving questions.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 24, 2022

769: Thanksgiving with Vivian Howard and Priya Parker Nov 18, 2022

This week, we’re getting ready for Thanksgiving with Star of A Chef’s Life, Vivian Howard, and the expert on gatherings, Priya Parker.

744: Secretly Simple Desserts with Anne Byrn, Dave Beran, Aran Goyoaga, & Paola Velez Nov 11, 2022

This week, we’ve surprisingly simple desserts with amazing bakers & chefs, Anne Byrn, Dave Beran, Aran Goyoaga, & Paola Velez

742: Fall Cookbook Lineup Oct 14, 2022

We talk with the authors of some of our favorite fall cookbooks: Mooncakes & Milk Bread, Gastro Obscura, Flavors of the Sun, and Sandor Katz’s Fermentation Journeys.

740: Back To The Kitchen with Farideh Sadeghin and Soleil Ho Sep 16, 2022

We’re back in the kitchen and getting cooking inspiration from VICE’s Farideh Sadeghin and we talk to SF Chronicle’s restaurant critic Soleil Ho about the future of restaurants

662: Pepper Party Aug 19, 2022

Things get spicy when we look at the wide world of chili peppers and how they're enjoyed raw, cooked, powdered, and blended into sauces.

691: Caterers - The Unsung Heroes of Cooking Aug 12, 2022

Go beyond the pipe and drape, deep into the intense world of catering with Matt and Ted Lee, Michael Twitty, Kwame Onwuachi, and America’s Test Kitchen.

689: Culinary Empowerment Aug 05, 2022

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora

This week, we introduce you to two amazing culinary organizations as we bring you real-world stories of street vendors and other low-income food entrepreneurs starting their businesses. First, we visit alums of La Cocina, a groundbreaking kitchen incubator in San Francisco. Then, we look at culinary empowerment from an entirely different angle as we head to NYC for a lesson in chiles rellenos from an instructor from The League of Kitchens, an organization of women from around the world who welcome you into their homes and teach you their family recipes.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 9, 2019 (originally aired)
August 5, 2022 (rebroadcast)

Bonus Episode: Stephen Satterfield and the Art of Toast Jun 24, 2022

We’re dropping a bonus episode in our feed this week of our newest pod baby. It’s called The One Recipe and it’s all about that ONE magic, indispensable recipe that you simply can’t live without!

This week, Stephen Satterfield talks to Jesse about why it’s important to know what you like, for instance, room temperature butter, which brings us to his One: Toast.Stephen Satterfield is the host of Netflix’s critically acclaimed docuseries High on the Hog, as well as the founder of Whetstone Magazine and Whetstone Radio Collective. You can follow him on Twitter and Instagram @isawstephen.

Help support The One Recipe, and shows from APM Studios that bring people together, with a donation of any amount today.

Bonus Episode: Jaya Saxena Swears by Julie Sahni’s Matar Paneer Jun 10, 2022

We’re dropping a bonus episode in our feed this week of our newest pod baby. It’s called The One Recipe and it’s all about that ONE magic, indispensable recipe that you simply can’t live without!

This week we’re talking to Jaya Saxena about what crystal you should be keeping in your kitchen, how she developed more confidence cooking Indian Food at home, and her One: a matar paneer from Julie Sahni’s iconic cookbook, Classic Indian Cooking. Jaya is the senior writer at Eater, and the author of several books, including Basic Witches and Crystal Clear: Extraordinary Talismans for Everyday Life. You can follow
her on Instagram or Twitter @jayasa

Bonus Episode: Bettina Makalintal Talks Crispy Glazed Tofu May 27, 2022

We’re dropping a bonus episode in our feed this week of our newest pod baby. It’s called The One Recipe and it’s all about that ONE magic, indispensable recipe that you simply can’t live without!

This week, Host Jesse Sparks talks to Bettina Makalintal about bike love, thriller novels, and her One, a recipe for Crispy Glazed Tofu. Bettina is a food and culture writer, and currently a Senior Reporter at Eater. You can find her recipe on Instagram @the.one.recipe or at theonerecipe.org. You can find more from Bettina on home cooking on Twitter and TikTok @bettinamak, and on Instagram @crispyegg420

702: Food and Marriage May 27, 2022

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora

This episode is all about food... and marriage. We’ve an international love story built around Bosnian food with the couple behind Balkan Treat Box. We get dumpling and relationship advice from a long-married Uzbek couple, Damira Inatullaeva and Sahib Aminov. We’ve a story from writer Michaele Weissman about discovering that the key to understanding her husband is in the rye bread he loves. And, we sit down with Washington Post Food and Dining Editor Joe Yonan (author of Cool Beans) and his husband Carl Mason to get the real story behind what it’s like to be married to a cookbook author.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 28, 2020 (originally aired)
February 26, 2021 (rebroadcast)
May 27, 2022 (rebroadcast)

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666: In Jacques Pépin's Kitchen May 13, 2022

Francis meets up with Chef Jacques Pépin in his home kitchen to talk career, life, and the magic of instant-cured gravlax.

694: Japanese home cooking with Ivan Orkin and Chris Ying Apr 29, 2022

We are talking about Japanese home cooking this week, and not ramen or sushi! Think curry, omelets, and quick fried noodles. Tomoko Imade Dyen, culinary director of Japan House in Los Angeles, shares the everyday foods enjoyed by Japanese families. Sonoko Sakai, author of Japanese Home Cooking, tells us about the origins of the Japanese curry everyone makes at home. Ivan Orkin and Chris Ying (The Gaijin Cookbook) give us a lesson in Japanese kid-food, and chef Shintaro Okuda, of NYC's Bar Moga, teaches us how to make the delicious fried rice omelet, omurice.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 18, 2019 (originally aired)
November 13, 2020 (rebroadcast)

Check out: Borderline Salty Apr 26, 2022

This week, we're sharing a trailer for Borderline Salty, a new weekly call-in food podcast from Pineapple Street Studios, hosted by two of our friends, Carla Lalli Music, and Rick Martinez. They'll share their latest ingredient obsessions, give you their hot takes on the latest food trends, and bring you their kitchen nightmare stories. Whether you’re still finding your way in the kitchen or have been cooking for years, this show has something for everyone. New episodes come out weekly — wherever you get your podcasts.

733: Food Beyond Borders With Yasmin Khan and Reem Kassis Apr 15, 2022

We delve into Eastern Mediterranean border cuisine with Yasmin Khan and talk to Reem Kassis about her work with modern Arab food.

731: The Shape of Pasta Mar 25, 2022

We are all in on pasta this week! Francis joins Evan Kleiman, host of Good Food on KCRW, and Dan Pashman of The Sporkful to debate the merits of different pasta shapes in front of a live audience. Then, we talk to Dan about his years-long quest to create his very own pasta shape, cascatelli. And then a true pasta obsessive, Chef Douglass Williams of MIDA in Boston, is in-house to help Francis take your pasta questions.

729: Saving Chinatown with Grace Young Feb 25, 2022

This week we sit down with Grace Young, one of the greatest culinary historians of Chinese American food to talk about her career and her mission to save Chinese restaurants in the age of Covid.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 19, 2021 (originally aired)
February 25, 2022 (rebroadcast)

Introducing The One Recipe Feb 22, 2022

Senior Editor at Eater, Jesse Sparks, talks to chefs and cooks from all over the world about their one go-to recipe and the story behind it. The team at APM Studios’ The Splendid Table proudly presents The One Recipe which premieres March 8!

728: Coffee & Toast with Cheryl Day and Nick Cho Feb 11, 2022

Award-winning baker, Cheryl Day brings us advice on breakfast baking and Nick Cho of Wrecking Ball Coffee & Your Korean Dad fame gives us the lowdown on brewing a perfect cup

674: Hanging Out with Mike Solomonov Dec 31, 2021

Francis Lam and renowned chef Michael Solomonov get to the soul of Israeli food, swap disaster stories and tag team calls from listeners.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 28, 2018 (originally aired)
January 3, 2020 (rebroadcast)
December 31, 2021 (rebroadcast)

725: Welcoming the Holidays with Ina Garten Dec 24, 2021

We close this rollercoaster of a year with the wonderful Ina Garten and answer some of your cooking questions. Plus, Kristen Miglore brings in some of her favorite Genius recipes of the year.

722: Staying Close, Even When Distant with Sam Sanders and more Nov 26, 2021

We’re working on connecting this week with advice from Sam Sanders on making real conversation, food gifting with Deb Perelman, and the art of gathering with Priya Parker.

Turkey Confidential with J.Kenji. Lopez-Alt, Pati Jinich, David Chang and More Nov 25, 2021

Francis Lam hosts the 2021 pre-recorded edition of our popular Thanksgiving show. Francis is joined by special guests Cheryl Day, Pati Jinich, J.Kenji Lopez-Alt, David Chang, and Priya Krishna to answer your pre-recorded questions.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 25, 2021

723: Global Thanksgiving with Hawa Hassan and Andrea Nguyen Nov 12, 2021

This week, we’ve stories of how Thanksgiving looks for Americans from all over the world - Vietnam, Mexico, and Somalia. And America’s Test Kitchen helps us downsize this years menu.

692: Passing the Torch Oct 29, 2021

On family farms, in restaurants, and in food writing, what happens when one generation passes the work to the next?

721: Let's talk Chinese American Food Oct 15, 2021

Chef Lucas Sin talks about the evolution of Chinese food & we meet the Ng family, beloved restaurateurs of Kansas City's Bo Lings.

719: Back to Baking with Lisa Donovan and Anissa Helou Sep 17, 2021

Here’s hoping that the heat of summer is behind us as we fire up our ovens with baking experts from the American South and the Middle East

690: Confessions of Culinary Superfans Aug 20, 2021

Who do you admire? Preston Clark on Patrick Clark, Shauna Sever on Maida Heatter, Melissa Clark on Marcella Hazan, and Pati Jinich on Joan Nathan.

717: Summer Kitchens Aug 13, 2021

We talk cooking cool (or not cooking at all) with The New Yorker’s Helen Rosner and learn about the literal summer kitchens of Ukraine.

687: All-Star Summer Cookout Jul 30, 2021

Enjoy the foods of summer: grilled meats and seafood, no-cook meals, ice cream sandwiches, and alcohol-optional beverages.

715: Tasting the Nation with Padma Lakshmi Jul 16, 2021

Padma Lakshmi of Top Chef & Hulu’s Taste the Nation, talks about meeting cooks across our land, raising bicultural kids, and growing up in Queens.

714: A Carla Hall 4th of July Jul 02, 2021

Who better to bring us fresh ideas for cooking through the long weekend than the delightful Carla Hall?

713: Light Up Your Grill Jun 18, 2021

Get grilling with Hmong Chef Yia Vang, vegetable whisperer Chef Ashley Christensen and best-selling grilling author John "Doc" Willoughby.

686: A Conversation with Madhur Jaffrey Jun 04, 2021

We spend an afternoon with the illustrious and iconic Indian cookbook author and food writer Madhur Jaffrey.

680: The Sharpest Tools May 28, 2021

This week, it’s all about surprising stories behind the little tools in your kitchen.

679: Four Persian Cooks May 21, 2021

It’s the food of Persia with conversations about fresh herbs, tahdig, a classic fish stew, modern Iranian cuisine, and the Persian pantry.

678: Say Cheese! May 14, 2021

We step behind the scenes at The Cheesemonger Invitational, then go deep into the world of cheese with experts Greselda Powell and Tia Keenan.

734: Mother’s Day with Melissa Clark, Chef Kwame Onwuachi, & Caroline Shin May 07, 2021

Chef Kwame Onwuachi & his mom on their culinary origins, Melissa Clark & her unusual Mother’s Day tradition plus her thoughts on what to cook this spring & the Korean tradition of birthday soup.

664: Project Cooking Apr 30, 2021

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora

In this episode, we take on serious culinary projects. Beard Award-winning Charleston pitmaster Rodney Scott shares with us the ethos of whole hog barbecue. We learn to make paella on the grill with America’s Test Kitchen. The builder of a community oven in Johnson, Vermont tells us about how oven is becoming a centerpiece for the town. And Francis joins Chef Justin Smillie for a lesson in making one of his most unforgettable dishes, tomato panade, a fresh tomato bread pudding brimming with garlic, fresh herbs and olive oil. Francis talks with listeners about using the fat and rich gelatin left over from shredded pork, and cooking with artichoke leaf pasta.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 10, 2018 (originally aired)
July 19, 2019 (rebroadcast)
April 30, 2021 (rebroadcast)

663: The Importance of Eating Urchins Apr 16, 2021

The aquacultural benefits of eating purple sea urchins. Making rice salad and savory breakfast. America’s Test Kitchen on perfect home-cooked falafel.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 27, 2018 (originally aired)
August 2, 2019 (rebroadcast)
April 16, 2021 (rebroadcast)

655: The Seeds of Flavor Apr 02, 2021

647: Mexican Food in America Mar 26, 2021

Jorge Gaviria on tortillas, Steve Alvarez on Mexington, ATK on chilaquiles, Wesley Avila on tacos, Fany Gerson on flan, the importance of Mitla Cafe

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 12, 2018 (originally aired)
January 4, 2019 (rebroadcast)
March 26, 2021 (rebroadcast)

703: Spring Cookbook Picks Mar 12, 2021

From baking and Cajun cuisine to vegetarian and historically inspired Mughal dishes, we talk with the authors of four wonderful new cookbooks.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 13, 2020 (originally aired)
March 12, 2021 (rebroadcast)

701: The Culture of Drinking Feb 12, 2021

We look at the world of drinking with a secret barrel room, the spiritual side of mezcal, the language of wine, and the trend of being sober curious.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 14, 2020 (originally aired)
February 12, 2021 (rebroadcast)

697: Cold Weather Cooking Jan 15, 2021

Cold weather cooking to carry us through the winter from Alissa Timoshkina, Maangchi, Tyler Kord, Andy Baraghani and Paul Kahan.

695: Sean Brock is Still Learning About Southern Food Jan 01, 2021

We spend an hour with one of the great champions of Southern foodways, award-winning chef Sean Brock. Raised in rural Virginia, Sean has spent 20 years highlighting the unique culinary characteristics of the South. He is the author of the best-selling book, Heritage, and the newly published, South. Francis talks with Sean about microregional cuisines of the South, the importance of curiosity in the kitchen, and how he survived workaholism.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 1, 2019 (originally aired)
January 1, 2021 (rebroadcast)

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698: A Holiday Jubilee with Toni Tipton-Martin and Questlove Dec 25, 2020

Festive discussions of celebration, community, and cooking with Questlove, Toni Tipton-Martin, Raquel Pelzel, and Claudia Fleming.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 20, 2019 (originally aired)
December 25, 2020 (rebroadcast)

644: The Power of Invitation with Melissa Clark and Friends Dec 11, 2020

Carla Capalbo traveled extensively throughout the nation of Georgia gathering stories and recipes for her gorgeous new book, Tasting Georgia. She explains to Francis Lam the many dishes you're likely to find on a Georgian feast table, and some of the rituals you can expect to take part in. The French dish of pot au feu is an easy, homey one-pot dish that can be made while hosting a party or doing other chores around the house. Justin Spring is the author of The Gourmands' Way; he talks with contributor Melissa Clark about the homey dish, and how it can be stretched into a full week of meals. Rev. Bill Golderer expounds upon the life-affirming power of an invitation. Lisa McManus is the head of ingredient and equipment testing for America's Test Kitchen; she tells us about some of her favorite kitchen tools for home cooks taking a cue from restaurant kitchens. Plus, in this week's new video, Lynne Rossetto Kasper discusses the five foods that define her as a cook and curious eater.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 8, 2017 (originally aired)
December 21, 2018 (rebroadcast)
December 11, 2020 (rebroadcast)

696: Discovering Thanksgiving with Four American Chefs Nov 27, 2020

This year’s Thanksgiving show celebrates with some of America’s great foreign-born chefs: Ann Kim, Hugo Ortega, Miroslav Uskokovic and Maneet Chauhan.

All four chefs have their stories and recipes included in the wonderful new book, A Place at the Table: New American Recipes from the Nation's Top Foreign-Born Chefs, from the Vilcek Foundation, a group dedicated to raising awareness of immigrant contributions in American and fostering appreciation of the arts and sciences.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 15, 2019 (originally aired)
November 27, 2020 (rebroadcast)

When you shop using our links, we earn a small commission. It’s a great way to support public media at no extra cost to you!

Turkey Confidential with Jacques Pepin, Samin Nosrat and More Nov 26, 2020

Francis Lam hosts the 2020 pre-recorded edition of our popular Thanksgiving show. Francis is joined by special guests Samin Nosrat, Chef Michael Solomonov, Jacques Pépin, Nora McInerny, and Sohla El-Waylly to answer your pre-recorded questions.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 26, 2020

Favorite Fall Cookbooks Oct 30, 2020

This week we’re all about the new fall cookbook releases and we talk to some of our favorite authors who wrote them: Danny Mena (Made in Mexico), Evan Funke (American Sfoglino), Joanne Chang(Pastry Love), Chris Shepherd, (Cook Like a Local), and T.J. Smith and Kami Ahrens (editors of the newest edition of The Foxfire Book of Appalachian Cookery).

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 4, 2019 (originally aired)
October 30, 2020 (rebroadcast)

An Award-Winning Duo: Susan Feniger & Mary Sue Milliken Oct 23, 2020

2018 Julia Child Award winners Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken talk about their partnership and the changing face of the American food world.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 19, 2018 (originally aired)
October 11, 2019 (rebroadcast)
October 23, 2020 (rebroadcast)

Traveling to Eat Sep 04, 2020

Francis Lam and guests explore the cuisines of the Black Sea, Thailand, Haiti, Milwaukee, and beyond.

Mothers & Daughters Aug 21, 2020

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora

This week are celebrating mothers and daughters in all kinds of ways. We eavesdrop in the kitchen with Priya and Ritu Krishna, authors of Indian (-ish). Chef Asma Khan shows us the real edges of her own family and the family she’s made at her London restaurant Darjeeling Express. Chef Bonnie Frumkin Morales, author of Kachka: A Return to Russian Cooking, talks about the influence her mother still wields in her kitchen. And, Molly Birnbaum of America’s Test Kitchen Kids brings us her magical ways with small cooks and eaters in training.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 3, 2019 (originally aired)
August 21, 2020 (rebroadcast)

How Bees Made What We Eat Aug 07, 2020

This week is all about bees. We talk to Thor Hanson, author of Buzz: The Nature and Necessity of Bees, about the importance of bees to our food supply, as well as their connection to the evolution of plants and humans. Francis Lam gets the story of Brooklyn’s red bees and other urban tales of beekeeping from Andrew Coté. Bridget Lancaster, host of America’s Test Kitchen, has flavorful tips for cooking with honey. And bee researcher Bernardo Niño discusses what makes a healthy bee colony and takes us inside the mysterious of colony collapse disorder. Francis also talks with listeners about using and preserving habanero peppers, and why cocoa powder is often included in Sicilian caponata recipes.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 24, 2018 (originally aired)
August 16, 2019 (rebroadcast)
August 07, 2020 (rebroadcast)

661: Summer Cookout Jul 24, 2020

Light up and get your grill on with inspired sauces and sides, and foolproof techniques for both your fire and your food.

659: Vegging Out Jun 26, 2020

The cultural (and family) politics of vegetarianism, new techniques and better planning for cooking veggies, and essential vegan dishes from Vedge.

668: Edna Lewis, an American Original Jun 12, 2020

We honor chef, writer, and activist Edna Lewis, who was born in a village of freed slaves and helped change the course of American cuisine.

712: An Hour with Yotam Ottolenghi Jun 05, 2020

Cookbook phenomenon Yotam Ottolenghi takes on your calls and talks tahini, feeding kids, and collaboration.

711: How Restaurants are Dealing May 22, 2020

San Francisco Chronicle’s Soleil Ho and chef Hugh Acheson talk about what's happening on the ground in restaurants, both the bad and the good.

710: Carla Lalli Music and Andrea Nguyen Take Your Calls May 08, 2020

Francis Lam takes on tofu, unsalted butter, jam pies, and more with Carla Lalli Music (Bon Appétit) and Andrea Nguyen (Vietnamese Food Any Day).

709: Catching up with Lynne Rossetto Kasper May 01, 2020

The founding host of The Splendid Table joins Francis Lam to talk about what she’s been up to since retiring and answer some great listener questions.

708: Two Bright Food Stars - Alison Roman and Kwame Onwuachi Apr 24, 2020

Best-selling author Alison Roman and James Beard award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi join Francis Lam to take your calls.

707: Christina Tosi and Bryant Terry Answer Quarantine Cooking Questions Apr 17, 2020

Baking expert Christina Tosi (Milk Bar) and veggie whisperer Bryant Terry (Vegetable Kingdom) join Francis Lam to take your calls.

706: Melissa Clark and Pati Jinich Answer Your Cooking Questions Apr 10, 2020

Melissa Clark (The New York Times) and Pati Jinich (Pati's Mexican Table) join Francis Lam to consider your quarantine cooking questions.

705: Samin Nosrat Answers Your Cooking Questions Apr 03, 2020

Samin Nosrat (Salt Fat Acid Heat) joins Francis Lam to answer some of your self-isolation cooking questions.

Podcast Extra: Slow Cooker Grains & Veggies Apr 01, 2020

Slow cookers aren't just for large cuts of meat and chili. Faith Durand uses hers to cook all sorts of vegetarian dishes, from breakfast to dessert.

704: How to Shop and Eat Safely Now Mar 27, 2020

Food science writer J. Kenji López-Alt on safe grocery shopping and how to handle take-out in the time of the coronavirus.

Podcast Extra: How to Make a Sourdough Starter Mar 25, 2020

In this podcast extra we revisit making a sourdough starter with a couple of ingredients and the power of fermentation.

Podcast Extra: Freewheeling Salads Mar 23, 2020

In this podcast extra it’s inspired salad thinking with vegetable genius Eileen Rosen, author of Saladish.

Podcast Extra: If You've Got Time... Caramelize Some Onions Mar 21, 2020

Truly caramelized onions take patience, and are a great thing to get lost in right now. Especially since they can make mealtime faster later.

A Message from The Splendid Table Mar 18, 2020

During this difficult and confusing time, we want you to know that all of us are right there with you. We're social distancing, juggling kids and jobs, doing a lot of hand-washing, and worrying about friends and family all across the world. Just like you, we’re also doing a lot more cooking. With that in mind, we are hard at work getting you interviews, recipes, and ideas that you will find useful. You’ll hear our regular show as usual, but we’re also digging around our archives and will be posting content regularly. Stay tuned and come back often to our podcast feed and website. Please, stay in touch and let us know what you need from us because we really want to help. Share your questions and ideas with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also call 800-537-5252 and leave a short voice message or email us a voice recording from your phone. Be well, everyone.

Do We All Eat the Same? Feb 07, 2020

We are examining the truth around the idea that everyone essentially eats the same. Chris Ying, co-founder of Lucky Peach and editor of the aptly named You and I Eat the Same, talks about the real truth behind that statement. San Francisco Chronicle food critic Soleil Ho take us to a mountain village in Japan for an annual wasp eating festival (they are delicious, by the way). Food historian Bee Wilson, author of The Way We Eat Now, answers the question, what has happened to lunch? And America’s Test Kitchen takes us to a legendary burger joint that forces everyone to eat the same.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 8, 2019 (originally aired)
February 7, 2020 (rebroadcast)

Daily Bread Jan 31, 2020

This episode is all bread. Erika Council, of Bomb Biscuits in Atlanta, tells us her secrets to making world-class biscuits and we look at the rich tradition of bread baking in cold climates with Magnus Nilsson, author of The Nordic Baking Book. If you have ever wondered why New York bagels are great or not so, we get the answer from Dianna Daoheung of Black Seed Bagels and Francis learns to make Ethiopian injera with Romeo Regalli of Awash in NYC. And, don’t miss America’s Test Kitchen’s Tucker Shaw’s recipe for ridiculously simple and delicious white sandwich bread.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 25, 2019 (originally aired)
January 31, 2020 (rebroadcast)

The Food of Thailand Jan 17, 2020

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora

Why is Thai food so popular in the United States? We turn to Professor Mark Padoongpatt, author of Flavors of Empire: Food and the Making of Thai America for some surprising insights. We revel in regional Thai flavors with Austin Bush, author of The Food of Northern Thailand, and Leela Punyaratabandhu, author of Bangkok. Chef Hong Thaimee, author of True Thai: Real Flavors for Every Table, gives us an essential lesson in a vital Thai recipe, homemade curry paste. Plus, America’s Test Kitchen puts coconut milk to a taste test and tells us about their favorites.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 11, 2019 (originally aired)
January 17, 2020 (rebroadcast)

How Far Will You Go? Jan 10, 2020

In this episode, it’s all about how far some of us will go for the food we love. Celebrity photographer Melanie Dunea tells us the story of an epic trip to Afghanistan to document a saffron harvest in Taliban territory. Chef Dan Felder talks about the creative efforts he goes through to dream up new versions of classic dishes. Food writer Hugh Merwin and his partner, New York Times California dining critic Tejal Rao, bring us the cross-country adventure of man, woman -- and curry tree. Plus, Joe Gitter from America’s Test Kitchen explains the madness behind making perfectly clear ice.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 10, 2020

How Chefs Holiday at Home Dec 27, 2019

This week we're getting ready for the holidays. Pastry superstar Christina Tosi brings us her singular and exuberant take on DIY holiday baked gifts. Chef Victor Albisu of Taco Bamba in Washington, DC teaches Francis how to make a delicious Peruvian pepper potato soup called ajiaco. Matty Matheson, host of Viceland’s It’s Suppertime and Dead Set on Life, fills us in on the Canadian way with the holidays including his must-have Rappie Pie. Journalist Liana Aghajanian tracks the unusual and cunning cross-cultural spread of a particular golden chocolate, and America’s Test Kitchen brings us their favorite gifts for the cook on your nice list.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 14, 2018 (originally aired)
December 27, 2019 (rebroadcast)

Holiday Warm-Up Dec 13, 2019

This week, Francis learns how to make stuffed potato pancakes called draniki from Chef David Nayfeld of San Francisco’s Che Fico, and talks with Nayfeld about the Jewish roots of Roman food. Russ Parsons talks to author-of-the-moment Nik Sharma about the similarities between his upbringing in India and his husband’s upbringing in the American South, and it’s not just okra. Melissa Clark talks to champagne expert Peter Liem about why we should be drinking a lot more bubbly. America’s Test Kitchen reviews the gift you may want to rethink asking for – the air fryer. Plus, Francis talks with listeners about cooking with lard and scaling up recipes.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 30, 2018 (originally aired)
December 13, 2019 (rebroadcast)

Nigella Lawson Defends the Honor of Home Cooking Nov 29, 2019

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora

This episode features an in-depth conversation with one of the food world’s most beloved and compelling personalities, Nigella Lawson. Nigella has hosted cooking shows and written 11 books including her breakout best-seller How to Eat. While our host Francis Lam has been reading her work for his entire career, he just recently had the chance to talk with her in-person when she came to the U.S. to tour for her new book, At My Table. During their conversation, Lawson explained why she has to defend the honor of home cooking, how snobbery ruins everything, and why her cookbooks feel like conversations.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 18, 2018 (originally aired)
May 10, 2019 (rebroadcast)
November 29, 2019 (rebroadcast)

Turkey Confidential 2019 Nov 28, 2019

Francis Lam hosts the 2019 edition of our popular Thanksgiving call-in show. He fields two hours of calls from listeners and is joined by guests Melissa Clark, Kwame Onwuachi, Samin Nosrat and Shauna Sever. Looking for something specific you heard on the show? See this page for a full rundown of questions and topics from this year's phone calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 28, 2019

Carla Hall’s Soul Food Thanksgiving Nov 22, 2019

This week, we’re looking ahead to the big Thanksgiving holiday and family feasts. Carla Hall joins us with a soul food-inspired take on the big day; her latest book is Carla Hall’s Soul Food. Lan Lam from America’s Test Kitchen has a gravy technique that is going to make you a major player in the gravy game. We get a lesson in fixing last-minute dessert disasters from Kristen Miglore, author of Food52’s Genius Desserts. And for your dinner table conversation, Smithsonian curator and anthropologist Logan Kistler explains the wily relationship between mastodons, man and pumpkins. Francis talks with listener Alma from Boston about preparing light appetizers for Thanksgiving guests, and Elizabeth from Washington, DC, who claims she can never cook poultry correctly.

We also have two recipe videos featuring Food52's Kristen Miglore for Secretly Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies and Greek Yogurt Chocolate Mousse. See those videos here.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 16, 2018 (originally aired)
November 22, 2019 (rebroadcast)

Weeknight Kitchen with Melissa Clark: Instant Pot Mommy Food Nov 13, 2019

Melissa makes her simple and slightly sinful Lemon Vanilla Rice Pudding with Whipped Cream for her mom – in the Instant Pot. Also, she weighs in on how to best separate eggs, plus what to do with those extra egg whites and vanilla beans. And finally, someone answers the question, can pressure cookers really blow up?

Related Links:

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 13, 2019

The Oyster King and the Seagull Test Nov 08, 2019

This episode is all about the oyster. We meet two cousins -- Ryan and Travis Croxton -- who have reimagined their family oyster business, The Rappahannock Oyster Company on the Chesapeake Bay, and reinvigorated the industry through their innovative oyster farming techniques. Thomas "Uptown T" Stewart is an oyster-shucking fixture in New Orleans; he teaches us how to shuck with swagger. We talk to Joanne Hyppolite, curator at Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History and Culture, about the amazing story of Thomas Downing aka The Oyster King of New York City. Dan Souza from America's Test Kitchen shares his expert advice on selecting, grilling and serving oysters. Chef Brandon Jew of San Francisco’s Mister Jiu’s cuts no corners when it comes to handmade oyster sauce. And writer Alicia Kennedy finds solace in a half shell following a family tragedy.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 16, 2018 (originally aired)
March 15, 2019 (rebroadcast)
November 8, 2019 (rebroadcast)

René Redzepi – Fermentation, Inspiration and the Balance of Life Oct 25, 2019

Francis Lam spends a fascinating hour with René Redzepi, the groundbreaking chef of Copenhagen’s Noma. His book, The Noma Guide to Fermentation, is a master tome on the technique that he believes is the future of the way we cook. Francis and René talk about Noma’s influence on the global palate, where Redzepi finds inspiration, and how he achieves an enjoyable work/life balance. America’s Test Kitchen’s Dan Souza (no slouch in the fermentation world either!) brings us an amazingly simple recipe for cultured butter to make at home. We also have clips from a video interview with René Redzepi and David Zilber, the director of Noma's fermentation lab, in which they two do more in-depth on the role of fermentation at the restaurant and suggest a few projects for beginners.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 2, 2018 (originally aired)
October 25, 2019 (rebroadcast)

Diana Henry on Oven Cooking Oct 08, 2019

As we move into fall, our pull to the oven grows stronger. Cooking in the oven is not only soul-warming, but it happens to be a real time-saver. Food writer Diana Henry has spent nearly two decades traveling across the globe for culinary inspiration. However, inspiration for the recipes for her latest book, From the Oven to the Table, began much closer to home -- with her oven. Diana spoke with contributor Shauna Sever and shared two of her favorite recipes for chicken thighs: Chicken with Prunes, Potatoes, Cauliflower & Harissa and Chicken with Feta Cheese, Dill, Lemon & Harissa Yogurt.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 8, 2019

Whoopi Goldberg: The Unqualified Hostess Sep 24, 2019

When you think about Whoopi Goldberg, you likely think of her as an actor, entertainer and television host. But what you probably don’t know about Whoopi is that she is a passionate hostess who takes the art of setting the table and entertaining very serious. Her new book, Whoopi Goldberg: The Unqualified Hostess, is full of creative tablescapes and suggestions for making people feel welcome in your home. Managing Producer Sally Swift talks with Whoopi about how to set a marvelous table and about some of her favorite tabletop collectibles and decor.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 24, 2019

Taking Care Sep 13, 2019

Francis inherited a chunk of pu'er tea from his grandfather years ago and has never tasted it. This week he learns the story of that inheritance and tastes it for the first time with tea master, Tim Hsu. Cecile Richards is a national leader for women’s rights and economic justice, and she finds that cooking with her family is exactly what she needs to take care of herself in these turbulent pre-election months. And what does she love to cook? Pie! Her new book is Make Trouble. Food writer Ruth Reichl tells us about an eye-opening experience she had at The Center for Discovery while on the hunt for prosciutto. Tucker Shaw, of America's Test Kitchen, talks about taking care in the kitchen. Plus, Francis talks with a listener about and shares his thoughts on feeding a picky toddler.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 21, 2018 (originally aired)
September 13, 2019 (rebroadcast)

Weeknight Kitchen with Melissa Clark - Episode 2: There Are Always Eggs Sep 11, 2019

Melissa comes home to an empty refrigerator save for eggs, scallions and some sad sage and ends up showing us an amazing recipe and technique for Olive Oil Fried Eggs with Scallions, Sage and Turkish Red Pepper. She also has a surefire way to tell if your eggs are fresh, explains how to make the creamiest of scrambled eggs, and how to get those addictive hard-cooked eggs with the perfect jammy center that are all over Instagram.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 11, 2019

Invigorating Israeli Cooking Sep 10, 2019

Adeena Sussman is one of those food writers who immerses themselves into a subject. To say she is enamored of Middle Eastern food, flavors and culture may be an understatement. An American who visited Israel regularly throughout her life, Adeena decided to make Tel Aviv her home in 2015. She has a great gift for teaching others how to embrace the flavors of Israeli cuisine by using border-crossing kitchen staples like tahini, sumac, silan, harissa and za’ater. Her newest cookbook, Sababa: Fresh Sunny Flavors from My Israeli Kitchen, focus solely on Israeli food. Our contributor Melissa Clark recently spoke to Adeena about putting her personal touch on a traditional cuisine.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 10, 2019

Weeknight Kitchen with Melissa Clark - Episode 1: Sheet Pan Magic Sep 04, 2019

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 4, 2019

Summer Vegetables & Easy Weeknight Meals Aug 13, 2019

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora

The summer is flying by. And while we can’t slow down time, we can take full advantage of summer vegetables in their full glory. Hetty McKinnon is a Chinese Australian cook and food writer with a passion for vegetables. She’s written a new book on the subject; it’s called Family: New Vegetarian Comfort Food to Nourish Every Day. Our lovely contributor Melissa Clark recently met up with Hetty to talk about some new ways we can incorporate all of those fresh seasonal vegetables into our weeknight cooking routines.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 13, 2019

Demystifying Miso Jul 30, 2019

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects, where we often take a deeper look at the ingredients that change the way we cook. One such ingredient is miso, the fermented bean paste that packs a major umami punch. A lot of us think of miso as an ingredient that makes a soup base, but it’s so much more interesting and complex than that. Kristen Shockey teaches the art of fermentation around the world and at her homestead in Oregon. She and her husband, Christopher, have co-authored a number of books on the subject including their latest Miso, Tempeh, Natto and Other Tasty Ferments. (They also run a fermentation blog Ferment Works.) Kirsten talked with our Managing Producer Sally Swift about the huge difference miso can make to a variety of dishes; she also shared these insightful step-by-step instructions for making miso at home.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 30, 2019

Introducing Weeknight Kitchen with Melissa Clark Jul 24, 2019

We are excited to share this trailer for a new podcast that we're working on with our dear friend, cookbook author and New York Times food writer Melissa Clark. Weeknight Kitchen with Melissa Clark takes on one of the biggest dilemmas of busy people: what are we going to eat? In each episode, you’ll join Melissa in her own home kitchen, working through one of her favorite recipes and offering helpful advice for both beginners and seasoned cooks. It’s a practical guide for weeknight eating, from the makers of The Splendid Table. New episodes post in your podcast feed every Wednesday starting September 4, 2019.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 24, 2019

Summer Fruit in the Kitchen Jul 16, 2019

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora

We are in the throes of summer fruit season, when the markets and farm stands are teeming with many different kinds of berries and stone fruits. And if you’re like us, you may go a little overboard. So, we brought in an expert to help put all of that beautiful fruit to very good use. Nicole Rucker is a fruit whisperer of sorts. She's a star pastry chef in Los Angeles, the chef-owner of Fiona, and has just written her first cookbook called Dappled: Baking Recipes for Fruit Lovers. Nicole shared some of her favorite tips with our Managing Producer Sally Swift; she also shared the three delicious recipes below.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 16, 2019

DIY Summer Liqueurs Jul 02, 2019

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora

Summertime means it’s farmers' market season, where you might find yourself surrounded by all sorts of gorgeous and inspiring produce. Andy Schloss has a different idea for what to do with overflowing bags of strawberries, bell peppers, fennel, and fresh herbs – head to the liquor cabinet! He is the author of Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits, and he talked to Noelle Carter about transforming vegetables and fruits into delicious liqueurs. You too can make DIY liqueurs; check out Andy's recipes for Sweet-Pepper Surprise, In Praise of Fraise, and Blueberry Cinnamon.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 2, 2019

Peppers, Onions & Butter Jun 21, 2019

In this episode, we look at three amazingly versatile ingredients: peppers, onions and butter. Host Francis Lam visits the home kitchen of Latin food scholar and chef Maricel Presilla. Her latest book is Peppers of the Americas: The Remarkable Capsicums that Forever Changed Flavor. She shows Francis how she makes a few essential pepper-rich sauces and dishes. Speaking of peppers, can't find Hatch green chiles for your chili? Have no fear; America’s Test Kitchen found a fantastic pepper workaround for their Colorado Green Chile recipe. Francis talks about the search for world-class butter with writer Alex Halberstadt. And contributor Joe Yonan talks to Kate Winslow, co-author of Onions, Etcetera, about one of the most underappreciated vegetables of all time. Plus, Francis talks with listeners about cooking anchovy filets, and getting the best out of your cast iron skillet. Splendid Table Video: Francis Lam on how to chop onions.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 11, 2017 (originally aired)
August 17, 2018 (rebroadcast)
June 21, 2019 (rebroadcast)

Let Them Eat (Simple) Cake Jun 18, 2019

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora

Ahhh, cake! That sweet four-lettered word that conjures images of comfort and celebration. But for non-bakers, the thought of making a cake usually ends up with a trip to the bakery or supermarket to pick up a store-bought version. That’s where Odette Williams comes in. She has written a book called Simple Cake. The premise is that cake making doesn’t have to be a laborious, complicated and overly fussy thing – in fact, it can be quite simple. Contributor Melissa Clark recently met up with Odette Williams in New York - to talk cake. Odette kindly shared her recipes for Versatile Coconut Cake and Madeleines.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 18, 2019

Barbacoa, Boniato, and Ceviche Jun 07, 2019

This week we talk to chef Martin Morales about his book Andina: The Heart of Peruvian Food. While many people know Peruvian cuisine for its seafood and coastal influence, Morales says to get to the soul of the country's food, you need to head for the mountains. We also visit with Keith Dresser from Cook's Illustrated and America’s Test Kitchen to learn how to make Peruvian fish ceviche. Francis Lam goes to El Compadre in Philadelphia, a restaurant famous for its barbacoa and its immigrant rights driven chef Cristina Martinez. And our friend Doc Willoughby tells about cooking with boniatos, one the most popular potatoes in the Caribbean and South America. Plus, Francis talks with listeners about using plantains and jícama in the kitchen, how to make tough goat meat more tender, and he takes a Twitter question about deep-frying at home.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 15, 2018 (originally aired)
June 7, 2019 (rebroadcast)

The Way We Eat Now Jun 04, 2019

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Do you scroll through your Instagram feed, looking all of these gorgeous, perfect food photos, and instead of feeling inspired, you start to feel bad? Like what you're eating that day doesn't quite stack up? Take comfort! You are not alone. The British food writer, journalist and historian Bee Wilson says one of life’s greatest joys –- food and eating -- have become fraught with anxiety and confusion. She has a new book called, The Way We Eat Now: How the Food Revolution Has Transformed Our Lives, Our Bodies and our World. Contributor Shauna Sever recently talked with her from London.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 4, 2019

One Cook's Trash... May 31, 2019

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We’re looking at trash from all different angles. Chef Abra Berens, author of Ruffage, rifles through Francis's kitchen to show him the missed opportunities. Visit with Homa Dashtaki of The White Moustache, a yogurt company based in Brooklyn. Homa is determined to turn her yogurt-making waste, whey, into the next kombucha. We discover why the French can’t quite grasp the doggie bag. And, America’s Test Kitchen recommends their favorite reusable items including storage bags, kitchen wrap, and more.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 31, 2019

Cooking with Maple Syrup May 21, 2019

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Maple syrup is not just for pancakes and French toast. More and more people turn to it when they want to sweeten something without using refined white sugar. Beth Dooley and Mette Nielsen cowrote the book, Sweet Nature: A Cook’s Guide to Using Honey and Maple Syrup, in which they revel in maple syrup’s magical way of completely transforming a dish. Our contributor Shauna Sever talked with them about simple ways we can all get a little bit of that magic.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 21, 2019

Food & Mental Health May 17, 2019

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this week we’re devoting the entire hour to personal stories about how food and the food industry can impact our mental health. Restaurateur David McMillan, of Joe Beef in Montreal, talks candidly about his challenge with sobriety in the restaurant world and how it changed the way his restaurants function. Playwright and screenwriter Stephanie Covington Armstrong, author of Not All Black Girls Know How to Eat, tells us her powerful story about eating disorders and the dissonance it has as a black woman. And, body image activist Virgie Tovar talks about the mental health implications of fatphobia, fat discrimination, and the diet culture; her latest book is You Have the Right to Remain Fat.

If you are in need of mental health resources or help, see the links on our page splendidtable.org/mentalhealth.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 17, 2019

At the Intersection of Food and Mental Health May 07, 2019

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So often, conversations regarding healthy eating go straight to health matters below the neck - things like weight management, heart health, managing cholesterol and diabetes. But some doctors believe that we should be focused on feeding what’s above the neck – our brains. Dr. Drew Ramsey calls himself a nutritional psychiatrist. He’s an avid researcher of the connection between food, brain function, and mental health at Columbia University – and, he’s a farmer. Contributor Shauna Sever spoke to Dr. Ramsey about his work and how we can work more brain-boosting foods into our diet.

This story is part of a larger collaborative partnership with our colleagues at Call To Mind, an initiative from American Public Media to foster new conversations about mental health, for Mental Health Awareness Month. Listen to our full episode Food & Mental Health, in which we spend the entire hour exploring issues around food and mental health. The show features a conversation with Chef David McMillan about substance use disorder and recovery in the restaurant world. Activist Virgie Tovar talks to us about fat discrimination, shame and body image. And, we hear from playwright and screenwriter Stephanie Covington Armstrong about her very personal experience with an eating disorder.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 7, 2019

The Philly Special Apr 26, 2019

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The food scene in Philadelphia is booming and we’re taking you there for an event recorded live at WHYY. Francis Lam talks to three of the people at the forefront of the culinary scene in Philly: award-winning chef and writer Michael Solomonov of Zahav, chef Eli Kulp from Fork and High Street on Market, and Malaysian chef Ange Branca of the James Beard Award-nominated Saté Kampar. And, because who can resist a controversy? America’s Test Kitchen takes a stand on what sandwich is really the sandwich of Philadelphia!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 4, 2018 (originally aired)
April 26, 2019 (rebroadcast)

Chetna's Healthy Indian Apr 23, 2019

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Chetna Makan is a trained fashion designer, who was born in Jabalpur, India. As a contestant on The Great British Bake Off, she baked her way right into the semifinals and charmed the world with her enthusiastic approach to Indian baking and cooking. The latest of her three cookbooks is called Chetna’s Healthy Indian: Everyday Meals Effortlessly Good For You. In an interview with contributor Melissa Clark, Chetna explains that most Indian food is healthy by nature and there's an never-ending variety of what you can do with ingredients like lentils, vegetables, chilies and spices. She shared with us her recipes for Mango & Mint Salad, Black Lentils with Red Kidney Beans, Masala Black Chickpeas, and Spicy Chicken & Chickpeas Curry Bake.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 23, 2019

Kwame Onwuachi - Notes from a Young Black Chef Apr 19, 2019

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We’re spending the hour with one of America’s rising chefs, Kwame Onwuachi of Washington DC’s Kith/Kin. His new memoir is Notes From a Young Black Chef. Francis Lam and Kwame talk about growing up and exploring food from all over the world, cutting his culinary teeth on an oil spill responder ship, and the layers of joy and frustration he experienced -- and what he learned -- from opening and closing the highly-anticipated The Shaw Bijou. Sally Swift also talks with Dan Souza from America’s Test Kitchen to learn about two ‘chef-y’ techniques for your kitchen: nitro cold-brew coffee, and cooking with koji.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 19, 2019

The Opposite of Locavore Apr 12, 2019

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We're traveling to eat this week, and looking at foods that have gone through international transformations. We hear from Dr. Lucy Long, director and founder of the Center for Food and Culture, about the difference between being a food tourist and a food pilgrim, and why it's important to consider cultural responsibility in either case. We learn about the amazing culinary scene in Dubai with Arva Ahmed of Frying Pan Adventures. Chefs Mourad Lahlou and Louis Maldonado talk about the intersection of Morrocan and Mexican cuisines. Writer and taco historian Gustavo Arellano comes to the defense of flour tortillas and provides us with an amazing history lesson. Plus, America’s Test Kitchen heads to Wisconsin to figure out what makes the spicy cheese bread at the Dane County Farmers' Market so addictive - and yes, there is a recipe! Plus, Francis takes listener questions about making extra-creamy feta cheese at home and how to "fix" an accidentally scorched Irish stew meat, or at least salvage the high quality sirloin steak.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 20, 2018 (originally aired)
April 12, 2019 (rebroadcast)

Cooking with Scraps Apr 09, 2019

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It's estimated that in the United States we waste up to 40 percent of our entire food supply; that equals out to about 150,000 tons of food being wasted each day. And food waste isn’t just an American problem, it’s a global epidemic. Mads Refslund and Tama Matsuoka Wong are doing their best to combat the issue by using the toss-away parts of food into ingredients with a new purpose. Mads is a Danish chef and a pioneer of New Nordic cuisine, possibly best known as the cofounder of noma in Copenhagen. Tama is a forager, weed eater and home cook who graduated from Harvard law school. Together, they wrote Scraps, Wilt and Weeds: Turning Wasted Food into Plenty. Contributor Melissa Clark spoke with both of them about their approach to ‘trash cooking.’ She also got their recipe for Seared Romaine Lettuce Bottoms, Coffee Grounds PannaCotta and Coffee Grounds Biscotti.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 9, 2019

Burrito Royalty, Kitchens in Palestine & the Food of Nigeria Apr 05, 2019

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This week, human rights advocate and award-winning food writer Yasmin Khan takes us inside the kitchens of Palestine, where she spent months talking to cooks for her book Zaitoun. We dive deep into the diversity of Nigerian food and cooking techniques with Philadelphia chef Shola Olunyolo. We are introduced to frozen burrito royalty in California, the Ruiz family. And, the Proof podcast from America’s Test Kitchen wonders how and why “bowl food” has taken over the culinary world.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 5, 2019

Essential Chinese Cooking Techniques Mar 26, 2019

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Splendid Table Selects is our podcast that highlights conversations that make us better, more worldly cooks. In this episode we hear from Kian Lam Kho, a self-described tech geek who transformed himself into a chef and food writer. Kho’s Red Cook blog features authentic Chinese recipes from his native Singapore. His first cookbook Phoenix Claws and Jade Trees is an wonderful introduction to Chinese home cooking organized by cooking techniques and methods. Contributor Melissa Clark met up with Kian in New York to learn more. Kian was also kind enough to share his recipe for Red-cooked Pork.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 26, 2019

Cooking Scallops Mar 12, 2019

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This is Splendid Table Selects, our mini-podcast about the stuff that makes us better cooks and eaters. There’s nothing better than a properly cooked scallop, but they have a reputation for being temperamental and hard to cook. And sourcing the right scallop is as important as how it is cooked. Molly Birnbaum and her colleagues at America’s Test Kitchen have very strong opinions about scallops, so Managing Producer Sally Swift went to her with some questions.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 12, 2019

Good News for Chicken & Post-Wildfire Foraging Mar 01, 2019

For all the bad news in our world today, we're happy to report there is some good news on the food front. In this episode, we consider some of the positive things that are happening. In her book, Big Chicken, journalist Maryn McKenna says the chicken industry is largely to blame for our enormous overuse of and exposure to antibiotics. But, as she explains to Francis Lam, she's found real reasons for hope for the future. Forager Pascal Baudar talks with contributor Russ Parsons about the restorative result of recent destructive California wildfires on some of his favorite wildcraft spots. Barton Seaver is an award-winning chef whose work now focuses on sustainability in the fish and seafood industries. He talks with Francis about how certain species of fish come in and out of favor with fisherman and cooks. The increasingly popular beet salad gets an upgrade thanks to Molly Birnbaum from America’s Test Kitchen. And restaurant owner Alpana Singh was the youngest woman to pass the Master Sommelier exam when she did so in her mid-20s. She talks with Shauna Sever about the struggles going on in her life that made passing the exam essential to her livelihood.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 2, 2018 (originally aired)
March 1, 2019 (rebroadcast)

Vietnamese Food Any Day Feb 26, 2019

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Welcome to Splendid Table Selects, our podcast that features interviews that make us think more about the food we love to eat and cook. Our guest this episode is Andrea Nguyen, best-selling cookbook author and expert on Vietnamese cooking. Nguyen says, in the past, cooking Vietnamese food in America meant multiple shopping trips to specialized Asian markets or substituting ingredients that just couldn't be found here. Thankfully, times have changed and more authentic Vietnamese ingredients are more readily available in the U.S. Nguyen's newest book, Vietnamese Food Any Day includes recipes that can be made from these more ubiquitous ingredients. She talked with Managing Producer Sally Swift about three specific ingredients and also shared her recipes for Sizzling Rice Crepes and Turmeric Fish, Seared Dill, and Green Onion Noodle Bowls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 26, 2019

Eating in the Instagram Era Feb 15, 2019

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In this episode, we're looking at food and identity. Francis Lam talks with Jenna Wortham and Wesley Morris, the duo behind the podcast Still Processing, about how social media is changing the way we look at and enjoy food. America’s Test Kitchen takes on the latest culinary cult, the Instant Pot. ATK's Hannah Crowley puts multicookers to the test to see if the Instant Pot is the best brand in the land. Jonathan Kauffman, author of Hippie Food, talks about the role that the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s played in redefining bread in America. First-generation Asian-American chef James Syhabout takes us through the extreme feelings of regret and joy he discovered while emerging himself in the food of his homeland. Plus, psychologist and neuroscientist Rachel Herz researches the science behind our relationship with food in her book, Why You Eat What You Eat; she tells us about some very interesting conclusions on our eating -- and food shopping -- behaviors.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 23, 2018 (originally aired)
February 15, 2019 (rebroadcast)

The Power of Scent Feb 12, 2019

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Our Splendid Table Selects podcast spotlights conversations that inspire us to cook in creative ways. Mandy Aftel is an artisan perfumer with a deep knowledge of natural essential oils. Her book Fragrant: The Secret Life of Scent, co-authored by chef Daniel Patterson, features scent-crafting skills and perfume ingredients in cooking to highlight the difference just one drop of essential oil can make in a dish. Splendid Table contributor Jennifer 8 Lee met up with Aftel to talk about cooking with five particularly powerful aromas: cinnamon, mint, frankincense, ambergris and jasmine. Check out Mandy’s recipes for Rose and Ginger Soufflé and Fragrant Raspberry Bubbly. See the FDA's list of Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) essential oils.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 12, 2019

The Art of the Sandwich Feb 01, 2019

Bon Appetit’s Editor-in-Chief Adam Rapoport joins us with a rather intense take on sandwich making, our Dinner Party Download pals Brendan Francis Newnam and Rico Gagliano help us throw a dinner party, Anya Von Bremzen talks to Melissa Clark about the home restaurants of Cuba, America’s Test Kitchen teaches us how to make a veggie broth concentrate, and Doc Willoughby on country-style pork ribs. Francis takes calls from listeners to give suggestions for make-ahead Korean party food. He also explains what cream of tartar is and how to use for making homemade baking powder.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 9, 2018 (originally aired)
February 1, 2019 (rebroadcast)

History of Sauces Jan 29, 2019

How important are sauces in the world of food? In French kitchens, the most respected cook is the saucier – the person who makes the sauces. You can’t have tacos without salsa. And, Beyoncé keeps hot sauce in her bag. So, obviously, sauces are essential. But what is a sauce? And how did we start making them? Maryann Tebben is a food historian, the head of the Center for Food Studies at Bard College at Simon Rock, and wrote an entire book on the subject called Sauces: A Global History. Contributor Noelle Carter talked with Tebben about the origins of sauces, the difficulty of defining them throughout the centuries, and what the saucy future looks like. If they inspire you to make your own sauces at home, check out "Five sauces that bring a world of flavor into your kitchen," plus our Sauce Recipe Collections on our website and on Pinterest.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 29, 2019

Behind the Restaurant Jan 18, 2019

This is a show about restaurants, but not necessarily about the chef. It's about the lives of kitchen workers, their triumphs and troubles, and the extended family they often find on the line. We talk to Amy Thielen, author of Give a Girl a Knife, about what life was like for her working in some of the great kitchens in NYC. In 'Chefs With Issues,' Kat Kinsman offers a place for kitchen and service industry workers to gather online to share their stories of dealing with mental health issues. We visit an old-school Indian restaurant in London, The India Club. It is a place frozen in time and facing an uncertain future. And Molly Birnbaum of America’s Test Kitchen teaches us the chef-y but surprisingly simple technique of the salt-cured egg yolk.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 2, 2018 (originally aired)
January 18, 2019 (rebroadcast)

Green Soup for the Winter Blues Jan 15, 2019

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects, our podcast on the stuff that makes us better cooks and eaters. It's January. It’s cold. It’s dark. You may find yourself fighting off a case of the sniffles, along with those eight pounds you gained over the holidays. Do not despair. We’ve got something to make your cold winter world a little more colorful – and it’s soup. But, not just ordinary soup; we’re talking about a soup some people obsess over. One of those people happens to be our own Managing Producer Sally Swift. She talked with the cookbook author and filmmaker Anna Thomas about her recipe for an amazing Basic Green Soup.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 15, 2019

Chefs, Drugs & Rock ‘n’ Roll Jan 01, 2019

We're going back in time, to the 1970’s and the beginning of the American restaurant revolution. It was a time when young, talented chefs started opening restaurants that didn’t feel bound to tradition. It was when cooking first became cool, and writer Andrew Friedman says the energy at that time was palpable. Friedman runs a website about chefs called Toqueland and wrote the book Chefs, Drugs, and Rock n Roll, which documents this special era in American culinary history. Contributor Russ Parsons talked to Friedman about it.

Huge thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob’s Red Mill. If you, like them, believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, check our their muesli. They have three gluten-free mueslis that come in single serving cups; you can soak them with yogurt overnight, or just crack them open, pour in milk, and go for it.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 1, 2019

Eating Italy: A Holiday Menu Dec 18, 2018

No matter what you celebrate – or where – one thing we all have in common this time of year is that we gather with family and friends to celebrate the season. And food is central to those celebrations. It’s in that spirit that we turned to Jack Bishop, the Chief Creative Officer at America’s Test Kitchen and part of the team behind the new travel and food book Tasting Italy: A Culinary Journey, to get his take on the holiday feast. Jack is an expert in Italian food, so it wasn't a surprise to Managing Producer Sally Swift that he chose to present an authentic six-course Italian holiday menu featuring regionally inspired cuisine.

Our presenting sponsor for Splendid Table Selects is Bob’s Red Mill. Remember that Bob’s Red Mill is a great source for all of your holiday baking needs, from whole grains and flours to foolproof gluten-free baking mixes. Visit the Bob's Red Mill website to see all of their products and to check out some of their holiday recipe collection.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 18, 2018

Recipes: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly Dec 07, 2018

Host Francis Lam talks to chef Samin Nosrat about the four elements you need to understand to make your cooking sing. She is the author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking. Emily Kaiser Thelin brings us the story of legendary food writer Paula Wolfert and her struggle with memory. Thelin is the author of the new biography Unforgettable: The Bold Flavors of Paula Wolfert’s Renegade Life. Dan Souza of Cook’s Science brings us an update on the culinary world’s hottest ingredient, cannabis. And Tom Scocca exposes the controversy surrounding caramelized onions.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 5, 2017 (originally aired)
April 27, 2018 (rebroadcast)
December 7, 2018 (rebroadcast)

Best in Show Cookies Dec 04, 2018

In our show’s home state of Minnesota, holiday cookie baking is a knock-down, drag-out competition thanks in part to the food section of the Star Tribune. Fifteen years ago, Rick Nelson, the paper’s restaurant writer, suggested that they have a little holiday cookie contest for readers. 3,500 recipes later, Rick and Lee Dean, the paper’s food editor, picked 150 of the very best for The Great Minnesota Cookie Book. Managing Producer Sally Swift talked to Rick about the best in show. He also shared four recipes from the book: Almond Palmiers, Italian Almond Cookies, Devil's Delight Cookies, and Pistachio Orange Cookies.

Our presenting sponsor for Splendid Table Selects is Bob’s Red Mill. Remember that Bob’s Red Mill is a great source for all of your baking needs, from whole grains and flours to foolproof gluten free baking mixes. See their website for more information about all of their products and to check out their baking recipes.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 4, 2018

The Sioux Chef Nov 23, 2018

Francis Lam talks to chef Sean Sherman, author of The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen, about the diverse elements of modern Native American cuisine in North America. Contributor Shauna Sever talks to Dorie Greenspan about the ingredient she has built her career around, butter. Tucker Shaw of Cook’s Country from America’s Test Kitchen comes to the defense of pumpkin pie spice, just in the nick of time. And The Mushroom Cookbook co-author Liz O'Keefe encourages contributor David Leite to think beyond the meatiness of mushrooms, and to embrace their more fruity, spicy and herbal attributes. Also see this week's featured recipe and video for 21st Century Mac and Cheese.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 3, 2017 (originally aired)
November 23, 2018 (rebroadcast)

Turkey Confidential 2018 Nov 22, 2018

Francis Lam hosts the 2018 edition of our popular Thanksgiving call-in show. Francis fields two hours of calls from listeners and is joined by guests Dorie Greenspan, Pati Jinich, Samin Nosrat and Lynne Rossetto Kasper. Looking for something specific from the show? See this page for a full rundown of questions and topics from this year's phone calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 22, 2018

Lynne's Twists on Thanksgiving Side Dishes Nov 20, 2018

We all know that the starring role of the Thanksgiving feast belongs to the turkey, but the side dishes are just as important. While traditional sides bring a classic feel to the meal, sometimes it’s refreshing to shake up your routine. With that in mind, Managing Producer Sally Swift talked with our dear friend Lynne Rossetto Kasper. Lynne always has a long list of wonderful ideas for adding new flavors to your holiday table. Enjoy their interview... better have your notepad ready! Then check out Lynne’s do-ahead flavor combinations and our complete our collection of Thanksgiving sides recipes. Don't forget to join us live from 12-2 p.m. Eastern on Thanksgiving for Turkey Confidential! See our event page for more information about the show and our guests.

Huge thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob’s Red Mill. With baking season upon us, remember that Bob’s Red Mill is a great source for all of your baking needs. Visit the Bob's Red Mill website for more information about all of their products and to check out their baking recipes.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 20, 2018

Thanksgiving 2017 Nov 09, 2018

This week, The Splendid Table presents unique perspectives on Thanksgiving. We begin with Indian-inspired dishes for your holiday feast. Francis Lam talks with Chef Vikram Sunderam and David Hagedorn, co-authors of the best-selling Rasika: Flavors of India. Contributor Melissa Clark visits with Emma Christensen, author of Modern Cider. Christensen explains the simple steps for making your own hard cider at home. Looking to save time -- and stress -- this Thanksgiving? Managing Producer Sally Swift discusses a wonderful list of tips, tricks, and Thanksgiving hacks with Julia Collin Davison and Bridget Lancaster, hosts of America’s Test Kitchen. We learn about what the Thanksgiving holiday means for immigrants and cross-cultural families from Amy S. Choi and Rebecca Lehrer; they are the cohosts of The Mash-Up Americans. After all the Thanksgiving leftovers have disappeared, you may still have hungry family members at your house. Doc Willoughby shares with us his family recipe for crowd-pleasing Lazy Sunday Pot Roast. Plus, Francis talks with listeners about menu planning for a small Italian-influenced Thanksgiving dinner and a large Friendsgiving get-together.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 17, 2017 (originally aired)
November 9, 2018 (rebroadcast)

Unexpected Wines from Unexpected Places Nov 06, 2018

Since the holidays are synonymous with entertaining, you may already be thinking about the wine you’ll undoubtedly need to purchase between now and the end of the year. With that in mind, we’ve called in an expert to help you choose unique wines that will impress your guests and hosts without busting your budget. Madeline Puckette is a sommelier, the author of the expansive wine guide Wine Folly: The Master Guide, and creator of the Wine Folly website. She talked with our Managing Producer Sally Swift, and shared her this list of suggestions for unexpected - and affordable - wines from unexpected places

Thanks as always to our presenting sponsor Bob’s Red Mill, who are committed to ensuring the highest quality by maintaining a close relationship with their products every step of the way. For more information about all of Bob’s Red Mill products visit their website.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 6, 2018

Gail Simmons's Key 3 Oct 26, 2018

Francis Lam is in the kitchen with cookbook author and Top Chef judge Gail Simmons to learn about her Key 3, the three go-to dishes she just can't do without - including the perfect fried egg sandwich. Chef, writer and photographer Michael Harlan Turkell traveled the world in search for unique vinegars for his new book, Acid Trip. He talks with Shauna Sever about his experiences, and discusses the equipment needed to make vinegar at home. Sous vide is an easy cooking technique that involves cooking sealed food in a precisely heated water bath. Molly Birnbaum, executive director of science at America’s Test Kitchen, explains the process and tells us about the winner of a recent sous vide equipment test. And The New York Times Magazine writer Tejal Rao opens her heart to love over a well-shucked oyster. Francis takes listener phone calls to talk about braising projects - large and small - cooking zucchini noodles, and he gets a fan's recipe for a ultra-savory umami powder.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 20, 2017 (originally aired)
October 26, 2018 (rebroadcast)

Hard Cider Revival Oct 23, 2018

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects, our podcast featuring interviews we find particularly interesting or helpful. This episode, we're talking about hard cider. The alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice was popular with early Americans because it was easy to make and was safer to drink than water. Over the years, hard cider became less popular as people began to favor beer, wine, and spirits. Today, cider is making a comeback with small batch cider makers popping up all over. Amy Traverso knows a lot about apples and hard cider; she is food editor at Yankee Magazine, co-host of WGBH's Weekends with Yankee, and author of The Apple Lover's Cookbook. She talked with contributor Rebecca Sheir about the current hard cider revival.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob’s Red Mill. As we get into the thick of apple season - with all of the delicious pies, crisps, cakes, and buckles - Bob’s Red Mill is a great source or all of your baking needs. Visit their website for more information about all of their products and to check out their recipes.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 23, 2018

Iconic Desserts Oct 12, 2018

Pastry chef Stella Parks, best-selling author of BraveTart: Iconic American Desserts, talks with Francis Lam about the origins of our favorite classic desserts. She shares the history of and her decadent recipe for red velvet cake. (Spoiler alert: there's red wine in it!) SAVEUR writer Leslie Pariseau takes us to India for a grand religious pilgrimage centered around a sweetened rice dish as devotional offering. Biographer Adam Federman shares his thoughts on the life of Patience Gray, one of the most important food writers you have probably never heard of; his book is Fasting and Feasting. America’s Test Kitchen shows us how to perfect a wicked good Boston cream pie at home. And expert halva maker Lisa Mendelson explores modern twists on the traditional treat.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 6, 2017 (originally aired)
October 12, 2018 (rebroadcast)

Beer Hacks Oct 09, 2018

Here's the situation. You’ve got friends coming over for beers after work. You get home, and there it is. Your beer. On the floor of the garage, not in your fridge. And you can’t find your bottle opener. Have no fear; the King of Beer Hacks is here! Ben Robinson is the author of Beer Hacks: 101 Tips, Tricks, and Projects. He shared a handful of his favorite hacks with Managing Producer Sally Swift including three ways of cooling your beer down quickly -- one of which is quite mind-blowing -- creative workarounds for when you can't find a legit bottle opener, and his advice for the best glassware for beers with specific serving temperatures. Robinson also shared his recipes for the beer cocktails Black Velvet and Amaro and Beer Cocktail. And if you're looking for something fun to pair with your beer or beer cocktail, try Andrea Slonecker’s Pennsylvania Dutch Hard Pretzel recipe.

Our presenting sponsor is Bob's Red Mill, an employee-owned company that offers organic and stone-ground products. As we jump back into baking season, remember that Bob’s Red Mill is a great source for all of your baking needs, from whole grains and flours to foolproof gluten-free baking mixes. For more information about all of their products, visit the Bob’s Red Mill website.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 9, 2018

Food From Faraway Places Sep 28, 2018

In this episode of The Splendid Table, we are looking at food from faraway places with host Francis Lam. Top Chef contender chef Sheldon Simeon talks cooking the home food of Hawaii. Francis recalls a trip to the remote Faroe Islands and the efforts of chef Leif Sørensen to bring fine dining to an area known traditionally for a subsistence diet. Contributor Melissa Clark explores the rise of British food with Aleksandra Crapanzano author of The London Cookbook. And we find unexpected hospitality in a refugee camp in Calais, France with journalist Shane Mitchell, author of Far Afield: Rare Food Encounters from Around the World. Plus, America's Test Kitchen is serving up the perfect poached egg.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 7, 2017 (originally aired)
March 23, 2018 (rebroadcast)
September 28, 2018 (rebroadcast)

Wine Headaches Sep 25, 2018

Splendid Table Selects is our sister podcast that features interviews that focus on intriguing topics. This episode, we look at the science behind wine headaches. If you're a person that doesn't get wine headaches, count yourself lucky. For those that do suffer them, some of us at The Splendid Table feel your pain - literally. Dr. Nadia Berenstein is a researcher who writes about science, technology and culture in the context of food for many publications and on her blog Flavor Added. She talked to our friend Russ Parsons about what causes a wine headache, why it only affects some people, and what some people in the wine industry are doing to decrease the effects.

Our presenting sponsor is Bob’s Red Mill. They’re an employee-owned company that, for decades, has offered organic, gluten-free, stone-ground products. Check out the Bob's Red Mill recipe page for main dishes, desserts, and snacks.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 25, 2018

Filipino Food Sep 14, 2018

This week, we devote our entire show the wonderfully multifaceted food of the Philippines. Amy Besa, author of the award-winning Memories of Philippine Kitchens tells us about the unusual mix of Spanish, Chinese, Mexican, and American influences on Filipino food. Francis Lam goes into the home kitchen of chef King Phojanakong and his mother Emma for a lesson in the delicious seafood sinigang stew. We get an expert list of where to eat great Filipino food across the United States from Joanne Boston of the Filipino Food Movement. We talk to chef Chad Valencia of LASA in Los Angeles about the key ingredients for the Filipino pantry. America's Test Kitchen gives us the recipe and advice for making Filipino-style chicken adobo. And author Jessica Hagedorn reads an excerpt about enjoying the food you love most -- while there's still time -- from her book Dogeaters.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 22, 2017 (originally aired)
January 19, 2018 (rebroadcast)
September 14, 2018 (rebroadcast)

Preserving the Taste of Summer Sep 11, 2018

As the end of summer draws near, we're making our final efforts to savor the flavors of the season from our gardens and farmers market. For some help we turned to Marisa McClellan, the food preservationist extraordinaire who runs the blog Food in Jars and has written three books on preserving. She talked with our contributor Shauna Sever about some simple ways to take last days of summer produce and keep them forever. Marisa also shared her informative starters guide, Quick Introduction to Canning, as well as her recipes for Spicy Pickled Green Beans and Small Batch Spiced Blueberry Jam. Books by Marisa McClellan: Naturally Sweet Food in Jars, Preserving by the Pint, Food in Jars: Preserving in Small Batches Year-Round.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob’s Red Mill. With baking season around the corner, they have all of the essential ingredients any home baker needs. Visit the Bob's Red Mill website for more information.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 11, 2018

The Future of Urban Farming Aug 31, 2018

Francis Lam talks to Caleb Harper, Director of the Open Agriculture Initiative at MIT Media Lab who believes that to feed the world, we need to fully embrace indoor urban farming. Rachel Khong takes us around the world to explore how different cultures prepare and eat eggs. America’s Test Kitchen puts grill tongs to the test. Patrick Comiskey explains the wonderful wines and storied past of the American Rhône. And we head to Miami for the latest in restaurant openings, and guess what? They’re happening in gas stations! Plus, Francis answers listener questions about foods that are fun for group preparation activities, and cooking Indian food with non-wheat flours.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 8, 2017 (originally aired)
June 8, 2018 (rebroadcast)
August 31, 2018 (rebroadcast)

Eating Summer: Tomatoes and Watermelon Aug 28, 2018

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects, our mini-podcast where we serve up one interview that’s taught us something new, inspired us, or just made us better cooks. As we near the end of summertime, we have two things on our mind: watermelon and tomatoes. Thankfully, Vivian Howard is right there with us. Vivian is a terrific chef, author of a best-selling cookbook Deep Run Roots, and the star of the PBS show A Chef’s Life. But most importantly, she’s a Southern cook with a lot of ideas for cooking with these summer beauties. She talked with contributor Shauna Sever, and shared her recipes for BLT Dip, Watermelon Salsa and Endive, Stewed Tomatoes and Pork Shoulder Steaks in Red Curry-Braised Watermelon.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob's Red Mill. Visit their website for more information about all Bob's Red Mill products.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 28, 2018

Saladish: Beyond Leafy Greens & Dressing Aug 14, 2018

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects, our bite-sized podcast and a place where we share conversations that taught us something new, really inspired us, or just made us better cooks. Ilene Rosen has been making salads professionally for decades and recently published her first cookbook on the subject, Saladish. Rosen's theory in the book is that by bringing together a wide range of ingredients that emphasize contrasting textures and flavors you can build a better salad. Contributor Russ Parsons talked with her and got the wondeful recipes for Cucumbers with Black Sesame Seeds and Sweet Lime Vinegar, Couscous with an Allium Mix and Quick Pickled Red Onions. Enjoy many of our other favorite salad recipes from our Splendid Table Pinterest page.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob's Red Mill. Our friends at Bob’s Red Mill are all about combining seasonal vegetables with healthy whole grains like amaranth, buckwheat, bulgur, kamut and spelt. Check out their guide for building a better grain bowl – it includes several recipes and there’s even a guide that helps you chose the best grain for your recipe.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 14, 2018

Greens & Spanish Sauces Aug 03, 2018

Chef Jenn Louis joins Francis Lam with her latest work, The Book of Greens, to talk about the wide range of flavor and uses for greens in the kitchen. Sally Swift talks with Omar Allibhoy about making Spanish sauces to spice up your meals. Sally also asked Allibhoy about the secret to amazing Spanish paella. He was happy to share some advice, as well as a recipe and instructional video. Francis gets a lesson in harvesting and eating daylilies from writer and forager Hank Shaw, the mind behind the blog Hunter, Angler, Gardener, Cook. America's Test Kitchen teaches us about sonker, a silly-named, but seriously delicious treat made with stewed fruit and/or berries. Francis also talks with listeners about grilling fruit and making French onion soup in a slow cooker.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 25, 2017 (originally aired)
August 3, 2018 (rebroadcast)

Thai Rolled Ice Cream Jul 24, 2018

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects, our mini podcast where we share the interviews that inspired us, or just made us more curious eaters. In this Selects, we look at the global phenomenon of Thai rolled ice cream, also known as stir-fried ice cream. This style of ice cream is not simply pulled from frozen buckets by the scoop, instead its liquid base is poured onto a frozen pan and then chopped, mixed, spread and rolled right in front of you. Our contributor Melissa Clark talked with Pheng Vang, who owns two Thai rolled ice cream parlors called Sota Hot & Cold, to learn more about it. We also stopped by Sota Hot & Cold to capture the fast-paced action of making Thai rolled ice cream in a fun video. Watch the video on our story page.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob's Red Mill.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 24, 2018

Zoe's Ghana Kitchen Jul 20, 2018

Host Francis Lam looks at one of the relatively unexplored cuisines -- Ghanaian -- with Zoe Adjonyoh, author of Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen. Doc Willoughby from America’s Test Kitchen shares some new thoughts on charcoal grilling. Contributor Joe Yonan has a guide to homemade ice cream with pastry chef Dana Cree; her new book is Hello, My Name is Ice Cream. Field reporter Daniella Cheslow takes us to a unique small game dinner party, where the dishes includes food and drink made with animals that were caught by trappers in the forests of upstate New York.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 21, 2017 (originally aired)
July 20, 2018 (rebroadcast)

The Spirit of Aperitivo Jul 10, 2018

In the United States, many people choose ‘happy hour’ as a way to unwind after a hectic day at work. A routine that involves heading to a lively bar with pals, and ordering cheap drinks and food within a small window of time. However, in Italy this end of day ritual is called aperitivo, and no offense to all of the happy hour frolickers, but it tends to be a bit more civilized. Our contributor Shauna Sever spoke with Marisa Huff, the author ofAperitivo: The Cocktail Culture of Italy, to understand the spirit of aperitivo.

Our presenting sponsor is Bob's Red Mill, provider of Organic Farro. It's got a great, chewy texture and nutty flavor, and it's perfect in salads, as the base for a dish, or in stews. Find more recipes at the Bob's Red Mill website.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 10, 2018

Where We Eat Jul 06, 2018

Host Francis Lam meets up with restaurateur and activist Andy Shallal to talk about how he makes choices, from the decor to the menu, to make a restaurant that appeals to both black and white diners. We meet Jorge Muñoz Zapata, aka The Angel of Queens; since 2004, he has been feeding people on the same corner in Queens every night, funded only by food donations and money from his own pocket. Step inside the glorious Peacock Room with Lee Glazer of the Smithsonian Institution to learn the story behind one of the world's most elegant and adorned dining rooms. And Lisa McManus of America’s Test Kitchen takes on picnic food with a review of the best in pie and cake carriers. Francis talks with listeners about how to cook with the outer leaves and stalks of vegetables like cauliflower and cabbage - and how to use the scraps of lemon - instead of composting them.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 7, 2017 (originally aired)
March 30, 2018 (rebroadcast)
July 6, 2018 (rebroadcast)

Steven Raichlen's World of Meatless Smoking Jun 26, 2018

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects, our mini podcast where we share the interviews that inspired us or just made us better cooks. In this Selects, we visit with Steven Raichlen, the master of the grill and smoker, and author of many cookbooks including The Barbecue! Bible and Project Smoke. Most of us think of smokers as being almost exclusively used for cuts of meat like brisket, ribs, and pork shoulder. But, as Raichlen tells contributor Joe Yonan, there is an entire world of meatless uses for them: potatoes, eggs, cheese, even water and ice cream! Enjoy their conversation and try Raichlen's recipe for Double-Smoked Potatoes.

Our presenting sponsor is Bob’s Red Mill. So many of our favorite vegetarian recipes (including Joe Yonan's Peasant’s Bowl) call for beans. Bob's Red Mill has one of the finest selections of beans available. From black turtle to heritage orca and cranberry beans, there’s an abundance of choices.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 26, 2018

The Unexpected South Jun 22, 2018

We have unexpected stories from the South when host Francis Lam talks to historian John T. Edge about the "back to the land" movement and migration of San Francisco hippies to the rural South, where they became farmers in the 1960-1970s. Edge is the author of The Potlikker Papers: A Food History of the Modern South. Hanna Raskin, food editor and critic for The Post and Courier, collaborates with the Southern Foodways Alliance podcast Gravy to present a story about Indian immigrants who have found new lives, homes and kitchens in the increasing number of hotels and motels that they own across the southern U.S., and we get high on the hog with Tucker Shaw from Cook's Country when he tells about the tradition of South Carolina Smoked Fresh Ham.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 16, 2017 (originally aired)
June 22, 2018 (rebroadcast)

Anthony Bourdain Remembered Jun 14, 2018

As the world continues to cope with the emotional shock felt since learning last week of the death of Anthony Bourdain, we at The Splendid Table wanted to offer a tribute to Tony. We produced this special episode in which we hear from both host Francis Lam and retired host Lynne Rossetto Kasper, who'd interviewed Tony many times over the years. The show also features a special interview from our archives, from 2004, when Lynne interviewed Tony Bourdain alongside his friend and colleague Chef Thomas Keller. The show can be heard using the audio player above. See this page for full transcript. Below you'll also find a collection of our interviews with Tony.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 14, 2018

Vedge on Veganism Jun 12, 2018

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects, our mini-podcast where we share the interviews that inspired us or just made us better cooks. A lot of people consider Philadelphia home of the cheesesteak. That is obviously not wrong, but there's an impressive vegan scene happening in the city as well in large part because of Kate Jacoby and Rich Landau. They're the owners of three restaurants in the city: Wiz Kid, V Street and Vedge – as well as Fancy Radish in Washington, DC. Host Francis Lam met up with the husband/wife chef team in the kitchen of Vedge where they talked about the ever-expanding world of vegan food.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob's Red Mill featuring nutritional yeast, a vegetarian dietary supplement with a pleasantly cheesy flavor. People typically use it in sauces and scramlbes, or just sprinkled over vegetable or popcorn.

[Ed. note: Francis Lam also asked Jacoby and Landau about their three essential vegan dishes for the home cook. Hear them discuss recipes for Summer Corn Custard, Shiitake Dashi, and Chickpea "Tuna" Salad in our Key 3 segment.]

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 12, 2018

Cooking & Eating in Spring May 29, 2018

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects, our mini-podcast where we feature great discussions about the joy of making and sharing good food. This episode of Selects features an appetizing conversation with The New York Times food writer and cookbook author Melissa Clark about cooking from the bounty of vegetables and herbs available in the springtime. She talks with Managing Producer Sally Swift about the recipes for three wonderful dishes: Green-Poached Eggs with Spinach and Chives, Crushed New Potatoes and Pea Salad with Mustard Seed Dressing, and Shaved Zucchini and Avocado Salad with Green Goddess Dressing.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob's Red Mill featuring both Red and Golden Bulgur. Use their quick-cooking whole grain in Melissa Clark's bonus recipe for Bulgur "Pilaf" with Swiss Chard and Dried Apricots.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 29, 2018

Food Myths May 25, 2018

Host Francis Lam pulls apart some common food myths with Doc Willoughby from America’s Test Kitchen. We learn about the Scandinavian idea of hygge and how this concept of coziness influences the region's food with Copenhagen chef and writer Trine Hahnemann. Contributor Melissa Clark talks to Desmond Tan and Kate Leahy about Burmese cuisine and the tea-eating culture of Myanmar. And Ole G. Mouritsen joins us to talk about an often overlooked element of cooking - mouthfeel. Francis also answers listener questions about roasting frozen vegetables and scaling down a recipe for super-sized gooey cinnamon rolls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 2, 2017 (originally aired)
May 25, 2018 (rebroadcast)

Patti LaBelle in the Kitchen May 15, 2018

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects, our mini-podcast where we feature great discussions about the joy of making and sharing good food. This episode of Selects features a lovely conversation between the legendary Patti LaBelle and our contributor Shauna Sever. We all know Miss LaBelle is an iconic singer, but what you might not know is that she is nearly as passionate about cooking as she is about music. She found the kitchen to be a magical place ever since she was a small child, learning to cook and bake alongside her parents. As a well-traveled superstar, she now shares her culinary experience and knowledge with the world by way of a series of cookbooks and recipes including her world-famous sweet potato pie.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob’s Red Mill featuring Organic All-Purpose Flour, premium baking flour freshly milled from organic hard red wheat. You can use it in all kinds of baking goods: yeast breads, quick breads, biscuits, muffins, cookies, cakes and pie crust.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 15, 2018

Jessica Harris May 11, 2018

Host Francis Lam talks to food historian Jessica Harris about her life among African-American icons in 1970s New York City, part of her new memoir My Soul Looks Back. We head into the kitchen of Talde with chef Dale Talde for another in our ongoing segment The Key 3. America’s Test Kitchen’s Jack Bishop brings us the interesting results of a bagged popcorn taste test. And we look at "trash cooking" with Scraps, Wilt + Weeds cookbook authors Mads Refslund and Tama Matsuoka Wong. Plus, Francis answers listener questions about using garden-fresh vegetables to complement homemade pasta, and what it means when a sauce recipe calls for cooking "until the sauce breaks" and whether that's a good or bad thing.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 19, 2017 (originally aired)
May 11, 2018 (rebroadcast)

Flour Tortilla Road Trip May 01, 2018

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects, our mini podcast where we share the interviews that inspired us, taught us something new, or just helped make us better cooks. A few shows back we visited the taco historian Gustavo Arellano, author of Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America. And if you didn’t catch it, he came on basically to defend the honor of the flour tortilla. He also clarified that yes, flour tortillas are Mexican in origin. That conversation made us so hungry for authentic flour tortillas that we invited Gustavo back for a follow-up conversation. Think of it as a flour tortilla road trip. Visit our new Selects interview page to see a list of Gustavo’s flour tortilla picks and check our past conversations we’ve had with him. Now that you've got all things tortilla on your mind, check out our Corn Tortilla Recipe & Tutorial from Alex Stupak and Jordana Rothman.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob’s Red Mill featuring Organic Masa Harina Corn Flour.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 1, 2018

Tucson: America's First City of Gastronomy Apr 17, 2018

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects, where we pull together some of our favorite conversations that shine a light on the many cuisines found in the United States and around the world. In this Splendid Table Selects, we learn about a very special food city. In 2015, Tucson, Arizona, became the first U.S. city to be named a City of Gastronomy in the Creative Cities Network by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Contributor Von Diaz wanted to find out what makes Tucson such a unique food city, and what influences shaped the community there. She talked with Gary Nabhan, an educator, agricultural ecologist, and ethnobotanist who lives south of Tucson, near the U.S./Mexico border.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob’s Red Mill for their support of this Splendid Table Selects podcast series.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 17, 2018

Feeding Family Apr 13, 2018

In this episode of The Splendid Table, host Francis Lam takes a look at what it means to feed your family. Molly Wizenberg and Matthew Amster-Burton, from the podcast Spilled Milk, muse about why we take what our kids will eat so very personally. We talk to Pableaux Johnson, a man who has been cooking red beans and rice in his house for guests every Monday night for more than 15 years. Self-confessed cork dork Bianca Bosker delivers a commentary on the family she found within the deeply-obsessed world of sommeliers. And David Leite joins us to discuss his struggles and triumphs with food and family from his new book, Notes on a Banana: A Memoir of Food, Love and Manic Depression. Francis also answers listener questions about using raw and cooked asparagus in the kitchen, and he gives suggestions on how to use saffron.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 21, 2017 (originally aired)
April 13, 2018 (rebroadcast)

Essential Asian Sauces Apr 03, 2018

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects, where we pull together some of our favorite converations that prove to be especially useful in the kitchen. In this Splendid Table Selects, we're featuring a new interview with Dan Souza, Editor-in-Chief of Cook's Illustrated for America's Test Kitchen. He and our Managing Producer Sally Swift talk about the importance of three sauces that are essential to Asian cuisine: oyster sauce, fish sauce, and hoisin sauce. They discuss how the sauces are made, used in cooking, and the winner of each sauce category in a recent taste test. Dan also shared a recipe with us for a Vegan "Fish Sauce." You can use your favorite oyster, fish or hoisin sauce on one (or more) of the many recipes we've linked below.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob’s Red Mill for their support of this Splendid Table Selects podcast series.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 3, 2018

For the Love of Fat Mar 20, 2018

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects, our spin-off podcast that highlights interviews and stories that we find particularly important to our larger discussions about food. This episode, we're focusing on fat. Fat is one of those ingredients that tends to get a pretty bad rap, but it really shouldn't. Fat is essentially responsible for the flavor, appearance and texture of many of the dishes we love to cook and eat. Celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern defends fat. He says it’s not an evil word; it’s a vastly overlooked and underappreciated ingredient. He joined his friend, food writer Michael Ruhlman, for a conversation about their mutual love of fat.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob’s Red Mill for their support of this Splendid Table Selects podcast series.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 20, 2018

The Women's Pages Mar 09, 2018

Chef Amanda Cohen is an outspoken critic of food media and sexism in the food industry. She and Francis Lam discuss the changes that need to be made in the restaurant industry to order to get more women excited about and active long-term in professional kitchens. Food writer and journalist Hanna Raskin introduces the groundbreaking women who made American food writing before anyone called it "food writing," by way of the women's pages in popular newspapers. Correspondent Abigail Leonard takes us inside a Buddhist monastery in Japan to learn how Japanese monks are teaching a new generation of chefs to use seasonal ingredients – and zen principles – to elevate their cooking. When it comes to setting it and forgetting it, not all slow cookers can be trusted to get the job done correctly. Lisa McManus from America's Test Kitchen has the results of a recent equipment review. Plus, chef Daniel Patterson talks about his relationship with vegetables -- and meat -- in his vegetable-centric restaurant Coi.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 9, 2018

Eating in Space Mar 06, 2018

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects, where we pull together some of our favorite interviews -- from the past and present -- to showcase conversations that surprised us, illuminated something new in our world, or have proven to be especially useful in the kitchen. In this Selects, contributor Noelle Carter talks with Col. Chris Hadfield, an astronaut who was the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station and is the author of An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth. Hadfield has enjoyed sharing via YouTube, social media and speaking engagements all aspects of life in space, chief among them eating and handling food in zero gravity. Listen to their conversation and see videos of Hadfield cooking in space at his website. Check out dozens of shrimp recipes you can make here on Earth at The Splendid Table's Pinterest page.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob’s Red Mill for their support of this Splendid Table Selects podcast series.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 6, 2018

All About Fondue Feb 20, 2018

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects. This is where we pull together some of our favorite interviews -- from the past and present -- to showcase conversations that surprised us, illuminated something new in our world, or have proven to be especially useful in the kitchen. The first time that travel writer Tim Neville smelled cheese fondue, he did not even want to try it; he says the aroma was dreadful. But his first taste convinced him otherwise, and converted him into a lifelong fondue fanatic. The Splendid Table contributor David Leite talks with Neville about his early days of fondue discovery, learning from fondue masters in Switzerland, and the formula he believes will yield amazing fondue for anyone that follows the proper steps. Listen to their interview, watch our video, and read more fondue wisdom from Tim Neville by way of The Fondue Manifesto. Then you'll be ready to try Neville's suggested recipe for 007 Fondue.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob’s Red Mill for their support of this Splendid Table Selects podcast series.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 20, 2018

The President's Kitchen Cabinet Feb 16, 2018

Francis Lam celebrates his first full episode as the new host of The Splendid Table with the return of The Key 3 and great guest interviews. Francis visits with historian Adrian Miller, who shares stories of the influence and support that African-Americans have provided throughout American history by way of the White House kitchen. His new book is The President's Kitchen Cabinet. Pho may seem like an ancient or long-standing traditional dish from Vietnam, but that's not the case at all. Pho is actually a fairly recent dish, inspired by the cross-section of both Vietnamese and French cultures. Andrea Nguyen, author of The Pho Cookbook, brings her experience and insight on the dish to the show. For The Key 3, Francis visits chef Amanda Cohen at her NYC restaurant Dirt Candy to learn about her must-make dishes: leftovers sandwich, risotto, and her own Chickpea Tomato and Rosemary Soup. Plus, America's Test Kitchen discovers a treasure trove of premium extra virgin olive oil, and are all too happy to share their findings.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 10, 2017 (originally aired)
February 16, 2018 (rebroadcast)

Landing (and Cooking) the Perfect Fish Feb 06, 2018

Welcome to Splendid Table Selects. This is where we pull together some of our favorite interviews -- from the past and present -- to showcase conversations that surprised us, illuminated something new in our world, or have proven to be especially useful in the kitchen. In this Selects, we talk with Michael Cimarusti, a chef considered to be the king of Southern California seafood for the last 20-plus years. He is a chef and seafood market proprietor who thinks deeply about fish; he is also willing to share some unusual observations for the home cook. Our contributor Russ Parsons and Chef Cimarusti got together in Los Angeles to talk about techniques for cooking different fish, supporting dock-to-dish sustainability, and the key elements to a perfect clam chowder.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Bob’s Red Mill for their support of this Splendid Table Selects podcast series.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 6, 2018

New Eyes on the Pantry Jan 26, 2018

For almost 30 years, Jimi Yui has designed kitchens for chefs like Eric Ripert and Masaharu Morimoto. He tells Francis Lam about one of the most important tools to successful designing -- knowing how to listen. Writer and reporter Lisa Napoli has been obsessed with the lives of Ray and Joan Kroc, and how the couple created one of the world's most recognizable restaurant brands. Contributor Russ Parsons learns more about the famous power couple. Chef Marcus Samuelsson wants you to expand your pantry and palate beyond European-American food, and embrace a larger world of flavors. He has a few suggestions for the home chef. America's Test Kitchen puts stovetop tea kettles to the test. Lisa McManus joins us to talk about what to look for in a good kettle, and the winner of their equipment review. Olia Hercules shares her passion for cooking with the flavors of the Ukraine. Megan Krigbaum, senior wine editor at Food & Wine, talks about training your palate to taste for tannin, sweetness and oak in wine. And The Washington Post's Bonnie Benwick tracks down an authentic recipe for toum, the otherworldly garlic paste from Lebanon.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 26, 2018

Fifth-Generation Street Vendor Jan 05, 2018

Host Francis Lam talks with Azalina Eusope, a fifth-generation street vendor from Malaysia setting the San Francisco food scene on fire. Vegetarian food writer and filmmaker Anna Thomas explains why colorful, nutrient-rich green soups are the perfect antidote for the wintertime blues. Bridget Lancaster, host of America’s Test Kitchen, has been investigating sourdough starters in her kitchen and provides us with a primer. Contributor and New York Times columnist Melissa Clark talks to Elaine Khosrova about her fascinating book, Butter, A Rich History. Ann Taylor Pittman, food editor at Cooking Light magazine, makes the journey her mother's homeland of Korea. And we ask beer expert Greg Engert to break down the main flavor profiles of craft beer.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 5, 2018

Lynne's Goodbye Dec 29, 2017

It's the end of an era here at The Splendid Table as we say goodbye to our marvelous host and wonderful friend Lynne Rossetto Kasper. Lynne is retiring after more than 22 years hosting our show, and this episode is an homage to her. Recorded during a live farewell event at The Fitzgerald Theater in her hometown of Saint Paul, Minnesota, "Lynne's Goodbye" features Lynne, Francis Lam and Managing Producer Sally Swift. The three take a look back at Lynne's fifty-plus years of curious eating, writing, teaching, traveling, and sharing her life's work and passion with millions of people around the world. You will hear a bit of a roast, some of Lynne's favorite stories from The Splendid Table, and a touching tribute to Lynne from our new host, Francis Lam. Share your favorite Lynne memories, stories, or just say "bon voyage" on social media using #LynneLove.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 29, 2017

The Splendid Table's Homemade Holidays with America's Test Kitchen Dec 22, 2017

The Splendid Table partners with America's Test Kitchen for a holiday special to help with the menu, drink list, and conversation at your party.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 19, 2016 (originally aired)
December 22, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Betty Fussell Dec 15, 2017

J. Kenji López-Alt (Serious Eats, The Food Lab) takes us around the world in search of unique breakfasts. Molly Birnbaum and Dan Souza from America's Test Kitchen look at the science and skill of using bitterness in your cooking. Food journalist and matriarch Betty Fussell shares insight from her illustrious career in Eat, Live, Love, Die. Field reporter Shaina Shealy looks at the tradition and turmoil that comes with olive harvest season in the West Bank. Dan Zigmond finds the middle way to health and happiness by following Buddha's Diet.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 13, 2017 (originally aired)
December 15, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Cheese Girl Dec 01, 2017

This week, we meet Linnea Burnham, a woman who travels for cheese and records her adventures in her blog Journeys of a Cheese Girl. Madeline Puckette of Wine Folly introduces us to the wines of Verona, Italy, which are perfect for holiday sipping. Traditional rye bread is on the rise worldwide; we go deep into the topic with Stanley Ginsberg author of The Rye Baker. And America’s Test Kitchen hosts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison bring us some fresh thoughts on what to roast in the oven.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 16, 2016 (originally aired)
December 1, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Spice Companion Nov 24, 2017

Spice master Lior Lev Sercarz introduces three exotic spices. Molly Birnbaum from America's Test Kitchen explains the secret behind perfect pineapple rolls. Dorie Greenspan promotes world peace through cookies. Fig biologist Mike Shanahan talks about the unique relationship between wasps and figs around the world. And SAVEUR's Leslie Pariseau takes us to Norway for a look at the importance of dried cod.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 2, 2016 (originally aired)
November 24, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Turkey Confidential 2017 Nov 23, 2017

Lynne Rossetto Kasper and Francis Lam cohost our Thanksgiving 2017 call-in show -- Lynne's last Turkey Confidential before retiring at the end of 2017. Lynne and Francis take calls and are joined by special guests -- chefs/restaurateurs Lidia Bastianich and Marcus Samuelsson, comedian/actor Amy Sedaris from At Home with Amy Sedaris, and Dan Souza of America's Test Kitchen.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 23, 2017

Thanksgiving 2016 Nov 10, 2017

Rockstar chef Anthony Bourdain talks about calming the chaos of a holiday kitchen. Lynne Rossetto Kasper talks with Vivian Howard about her family connection to sweet potatoes. Contributor Jennie Cecil Moore visits Minnesota for a wild rice harvest and look at efforts to preserve the native grain. Plus, Tucker Shaw from America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Country joins us with the recipe for an amazing Thanksgiving dessert - Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Pie.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 11, 2016 (originally aired)
November 10, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Touring Harlem Oct 27, 2017

Marcus Samuelsson takes Melissa Clark on a personalized tour of Harlem, the neighborhood he has called home for over a decade. Charlotte Druckman gives Melanie Dunea the secret to cast-iron baking, Robert Simonson tells Joe Yonan the story behind the craft cocktail revival, and Beth Dooley shares what inspired her food-writing career with Lynne Rossetto Kasper. Plus, Sally Swift talks with Dan Souza from America's Test Kitchen about how to make perfect crisp-tender restaurant-style Brussels sprouts at home.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 28, 2016 (originally aired)
October 27, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Breeding a Better Apple Oct 13, 2017

Apple breeder David Bedford comes in from the orchard to let Lynne Rossetto Kasper sample the latest apple flavors, and Molly Birnbaum from America's Test Kitchen helps Sally Swift with the science behind a mushroom's durability. Also, David Leite chats with Molly Yeh about her new cookbook and her journey from Juilliard to a rural Minnesota farm, Von Diaz talks with Tunde Wey about his Blackness in America dinners, and Russ Parsons looks at the "artisanal" food and drink boom with Patric Kuh.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 14, 2016 (originally aired)
October 13, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Pancit Canton with Chef King Phojanakong Oct 03, 2017

Francis Lam recently visited Chef King Phojanakong in the home kitchen of King's mother, Emma, for our Filipino Food episode. The three of them were featured in the episode making the traditional Filipino sour stew, Seafood Sinigang. Afterwards, Francis and King continued their kitchen conversation with a lesson on making another popular comfort food of the Philippines, pancit canton. There are many variations on this dish of stir-fried noodles. Here, King includes sliced chicken breast and Chinese sausage. Listen to audio of Francis and King's conversation, then try your own hand at this wonderful dish with King's recipe for Pancit Canton with Chicken and Sausage.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 3, 2017

The Ten Restaurants That Changed America Sep 29, 2017

Paul Freedman gives Lynne Rossetto Kasper the names of the ten restaurants that changed America. Lynne also talks with Melanie Dunea about the latter's conversation with Sylvia Weinstock, who is still making artisan cakes at 87 years old. In addition, Noelle Carter chats with author Michelle McKenzie about a unique use for fig leaves, David Leite gets the lowdown on turmeric from Julie Sahni. And Bridget Lancaster, host of America's Test Kitchen, introduces what may be your new favorite grill recipe - Grilled Lamb-Stuffed Pitas!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 30, 2016 (originally aired)
September 29, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Seasons Sep 15, 2017

The Perennial Plate is back, and Daniel Klein tells Lynne Rossetto Kasper about the season-focused concept of their fourth season. Also back is Jekka McVicar, who gives Lynne a history lesson on sage. In addition, Rachel Khoo opens up her notebook for Shauna Sever, Ronni Lundy shares the story of Appalachian salt with Von Diaz. Plus, Jennifer Cecil Moore on the Gravenstein apple's comeback in Sonoma County. And America's Test Kitchen introduces us to milk punch, the early American cocktail now seeing a modern revival.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 16, 2016 (originally aired)
September 15, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Meeting Hoppin' John Sep 01, 2017

Host Francis Lam chats with Osayi Endolyn about her introduction to Hoppin' John, and how it led her to explore both her personal background and the influence of African cuisine on the American South. Later, he discusses the intricacies of preparing chicken with Chef Jacques Pépin and building the Impossible Burger with Kurt Soller from Bon Appétit. Also, Melissa Clark talks with the Sporkful's Dan Pashman about his interview with the Greensboro Four's Joseph McNeil. And for dessert, Tucker Shaw from Cook's Country has the sweet secret to perfecting New Jersey Crumb Buns.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 2, 2016 (originally aired)
February 17, 2017 (rebroadcast)
September 1, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Mortar & Pestle Aug 18, 2017

Zhug, a Yemenite hot sauce, might be the next Sriracha. J. Kenji Lopez-Alt tells Lynne Rossetto Kasper all about it and the simple tools you need to make it. Anya Fernald swears by those same tools in her kitchen, and she chats with Russ Parsons about them and her rules for hosting a good party. In addition, Molly Birnbaum from America's Test Kitchen goes to college for frozen yogurt, Robin Ha draws a Korean cookbook, and Taste of Home's Mark Hagen has some ideas on what you can do with all that zucchini. Plus, artist Kiko Denzer shows Lynne how to carve a spoon.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 19, 2016 (originally aired)
August 18, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Fresh Water Aug 04, 2017

Polar explorer and adventurer Ann Bancroft's latest journey took her to the Ganges River in search of fresh water. She tells Lynne Rossetto Kasper all about it. Plus, Sabrina Ghayour chats with Russ Parsons about simplifying Persian and Middle Eastern cooking traditions, Holly De Ruyter shares the history of Wisconsin supper clubs with Shauna Sever, and No. 7 Sub's Tyler Kord stands up for vegetables in sandwiches. In addition, Jekka McVicar gives us the lowdown on celery leaf, and America's Test Kitchen reviews portion scoops (they're for more than just ice cream).

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 5, 2016 (originally aired)
August 4, 2017 (rebroadcast)

The Roots of Zoe's Ghana Kitchen Aug 01, 2017

In an extended interview with host Francis Lam, chef Zoe Adjonyoh recalls her childhood fascination with the food from her father's home country - Ghana. She and Francis also discuss her personal travels to the West African nation in search of more experience with the methods and unique ingredients used in Ghanaian cuisine, and how it all comes together in her debut cookbook Zoe's Ghana Kitchen. Hear more from their interview at our story page for "Aromatic, wholesome African cuisine inside Zoe's Ghana kitchen." Try Zoe's recipes for Shito (Hot Pepper Sauce), Chalé Sauce, Peanut Sauce, and Yam & Plantain Peanut Curry.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 1, 2017

Nordic Fare Jul 28, 2017

Magnus Nilsson wrote what may be the definitive book on Nordic cooking, and he tells guest host Melissa Clark that there's more to it than pickled herring. Melissa also talks with John Wurdeman about preserving an 8,000-year-old Georgian wine tradition. Tucker Shaw, from America's Test Kitchen, gives the recipe for making perfect steak frites at home. And managing producer Sally Swift gets the lowdown on tahini from Adeena Sussman.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 22, 2016 (originally aired)
July 28, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Slow Change Jul 14, 2017

Krishnendu Ray talks with Von Diaz about the history of immigrant foods and their (eventual) acceptance in America. In addition, Molly Birnbaum from America's Test Kitchen examines the challenges of eggs, Steve Sando tells Lynne Rossetto Kasper about what it's like being an heirloom bean entrepreneur, and Marisa Huff explains northern Italy's "aperitivo" time to Shauna Sever. Plus, "Queen of Herbs" Jekka McVicar's ode to rosemary.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 15, 2016 (originally aired)
July 14, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Twenty Jun 30, 2017

This week it’s a celebration of the Fourth of July with a collection of classic interviews. We listen to an interview with Julia Child from our first national broadcast 20 years ago, Mario Batali shares the Italian way with vegetables and Sally Schneider of Improvised Life joins us with a primer in cooking with fresh cherries. Mediterranean food scholar Claudia Roden brings us ideas for exceptional grilling from the Middle East, wine expert Joshua Wesson pairs wine with sweet corn and TeaSource’s Bill Waddington explains how to make iced tea using the cold-brew method. When it comes to barbecue sauce, Kansas City-style sauces have become the national norm. America’s Test Kitchen reveals the results of a bottled sauce taste test and shares off-kilter, but surprisingly delicious, uses for barbecue sauce at your next party.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 3, 2015 (originally aired)
June 30, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Silk Road Food Jun 23, 2017

Lynne Rossetto Kasper chats with Caroline Eden and Eleanor Ford about their new book, Samarkand, a collection of essays, photos, and recipes from central Asia. Culinary historian Michael Twitty tells Joe Yonan about his deeply personal look at the African-American/Southern food tradition in The Cooking Gene, and Molly Birnbaum from America's Test Kitchen checks in with Sally Swift about the very best part of Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 24, 2016 (originally aired)
June 23, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Colonel Sanders, Mahalia Jackson and the South’s Influence on Fast Food Jun 20, 2017

In an extended conversation with host Francis Lam, Southern food historian John T. Edge (The Potlikker Papers) discusses the different influences that two southern icons, Colonel Harland Sanders and Mahalia Jackson, had on the popular fast food of the region – fried chicken. Read more about Mahalia Jackson’s fried chicken legacy at Southern Foodways Alliance website.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 20, 2017

The Secrets of Service Jun 09, 2017

Host Francis Lam talks to Will Guidara about what defines great service, Joe Yonan finds meatless smoking options with Project Smoke author Steve Raichlen, and Corey Lee tells Francis about his new "covers" restaurant. Plus, Melissa Clark gets a refresher on low-alcohol summer drinks from Spritz co-author Talia Baiocchi. And Lisa McManus from America's Test Kitchen talks about their recent review of espresso machines; she tells us about the winners and gives some advice for marking the perfect espresso drink at home.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 27, 2016 (originally aired)
June 9, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Bon Appétit's Adam Rapoport interviews host Francis Lam Jun 06, 2017

Every once in a while, we like to share something extra with our fans and listeners. Our friend at Bon Appétit, Adam Rapoport, recently interviewed host Francis Lam for the Bon Appétit Foodcast podcast. Adam and Francis talk about Francis's early experiences with his new host duties at The Splendid Table, the difficulty of putting words to the page, eating Chrissy Teigen's scalloped potatoes, and how he hosts friends at home. Plus, some football talk for good measure. We hope you enjoy learning a bit more about Francis and why we're so happy to have him hosting The Splendid Table. You can subscribe to Bon Appétit's Foodcast podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast service.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 6, 2017

Spring Fling May 26, 2017

This week we talk to hunger activist Robert Egger of L.A. Kitchen about his work feeding seniors, one of the fastest growing underfed populations. Molly Birnbaum, executive editor of Cook's Science at America’s Test Kitchen, is back with her monthly check-in. This time it’s goat's versus cow's milk. Plus Spring chef Skye Gyngell chats with contributor Noelle Carter about seasonal cooking, Taste of Home's Mark Hagen explains rhubarb and we visit the shop True Treats Candy with Susan Benjamin, author of Sweet as Sin.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 13, 2016 (originally aired)
May 26, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Farm-to-Table May 12, 2017

This week we talk to chef Lenny Russo about the realities of committing to local and sustainable in a Midwestern restaurant. He is the author of Heartland. Tucker Shaw of Cook's Science shares the glamourous origin of fettuccine Alfredo in the U.S. and the secret to perfecting the dish at home. We look into the heart of Basque cooking with Alexandra Raij, co-author of The Basque Book, and we get a lesson in how to make nut milks with Dina Cheney, author of The New Milks. Plus, we hear about restaurant regulars and Paris' meat vending machines.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 29, 2016 (originally aired)
May 12, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Bonus: Samin Nosrat's Pasta alle Vongole - extended interview with recipe May 05, 2017

Samin Nosrat is the author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. Host Francis Lam recently interviewed her for Episode 630: Recipes - the Good, the Bad & the Ugly. [Ed. Note: find their interview here.] Francis had such a good time talking with Samin that their conversation ended up going long while talking about acid balance, and it was edited out of the main episode. Luckily for you, we set it aside for a bonus podcast. In this Splendid Table Sides segment, Nosrat talks about one of her favorite dishes Pasta alle Vongole (Pasta with Clams), and how she makes it with a technique of layering in wine, lemon, and different acids.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 5, 2017

Wurst Case Apr 28, 2017

Chris Schonberger, editor in chief of First We Feast, joins us with an insider’s view of the problems surrounding modern food journalism. We learn how the "Vietnamese Madonna" opened a California sandwich shop, and we look at the newest rage in greens -- sea greens -- with Barton Seaver, author of Superfood Seagreens. America's Test Kitchen shares the technique for making perfect, super-fluffy baked potatoes. Plus Lucky Peach's Chris Ying explains how to cook sausage, and Floyd Cardoz shares a curry perfect for weeknights.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 15, 2016 (originally aired)
April 28, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Brain Food Apr 14, 2017

Guest host David Leite talks to Dr. Drew Ramsey about the connection between food and mental health, journalist Lisa Morehouse reports on Chinese food at the Mexican border, and we dig into the freshly fermented gherkins, dill and fragrant sunflower oil of Olia Hercules' childhood in Ukraine. Her new book is Mamushka. America's Test Kitchen doubles the crunch with North Carolina Dipped Fried Chicken. Plus, why musician Kelis Rogers, author of My Life on a Plate, attended culinary school.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 11, 2016 (originally aired)
April 14, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Bonus: Shane Mitchell Extended Interview Apr 12, 2017

This Splendid Table Sides bonus podcast features an extended interview with Shane Mitchell, author of Far Afield. Contributor Shauna Sever talks with Mitchell about her global travels with photographer James Fisher to document stories of hospitality for the book. The discussion includes more details of their visit to a refugee camp known as The Jungle in Calais, France. Shane Mitchell also gave us her recipe for Mullah Robe, a lamb and yogurt stew inspired by a dish made for her in The Jungle by a Sudanese refugee named Rasha.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 12, 2017

Koreatown Mar 31, 2017

Mexican chef Enrique Olvera joins us this week with a conversation about modern Mexican food. His new book is Mexico from the Inside Out. Melissa Clark talks to Deuki Hong and Matt Rodbard, authors of Koreatown: A Cookbook, and Molly Birnbaum, executive editor of Cook’s Science at America’s Test Kitchen, gives us a primer on scallops. Plus Gary Nabhan explains Tucson's new UNESCO designation: City of Gastronomy.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 1, 2016 (originally aired)
March 31, 2017 (rebroadcast)

What We Talk About When We Talk About Food Mar 24, 2017

What do we talk about when we talk about food? We talk about life, the fuel that keeps us alive and the spirit that makes our cultures live and breathe. We talk about what we want, what we long for, or sometimes, just what we need to get by. In this episode: conversations about the appetites of the legendary writer Jim Harrison, about the women who made American food writing before anyone called it "food writing," a look at Buddhist cooking in Japan, and with a brilliant musician on the complex ways food and music affect us. Plus, five keys to making perfect pasta!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 24, 2017

The Dirt Cure Mar 17, 2017

We talk to Dr. Maya Shetreat-Klein about her intriguing book, The Dirt Cure. Molly Birnbaum, executive editor of Cook’s Science at America’s Test Kitchen, explains why lamb tastes like lamb, and Bee Wilson has come to believe that changing what we like to eat is the real key to tackling the obesity crisis. Her book is First Bite. Plus Katie Parla, co-author of Tasting Rome, on Rome's changing cuisine and The Sporkful's Dan Pashman on dining out in a wheelchair.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 18, 2016 (originally aired)
March 17, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Six Hundred Mar 03, 2017

Managing Producer Sally Swift guest hosts this week’s show. Nopi's Yotam Ottolenghi explains his latest cookbook. Food critic Tom Sietsema of the Washington Post talks about selecting the top 10 food cities in the U.S. We get a primer in making yogurt with Cheryl Sternman Rule, author of Yogurt Culture. Lynne talks with rapper/poet Dessa about taking her food convictions with her on the road. America's Test Kitchen's Jack Bishop is back with the results from a vegan mayonnaise tasting. Plus, 20 techniques that we've learned from guests that we still use in the kitchen today.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 19, 2016 (originally aired)
March 3, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Fed, White, and Blue Feb 24, 2017

Writer Rowan Jacobsen goes deep undercover to discover the otherworldly powers of tea while visiting a group of tea connoisseurs in Montreal. Longtime Hawaii resident and The Poke Cookbook author Martha Cheng discusses the history and evolution of her state's classic raw fish salad dish. Chef and Food Network host Simon Majumdar decides to become an American citizen, but not before visiting every state in the union to learn more about the people who make our country's food heritage so rich. He tells us about his many adventures and his book inspired by the journey Fed, White, and Blue. Plus, America Test Kitchen reviews a full line-up of muffin tins to fine the perfect one for your kitchen.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 24, 2017

A New Chapter Feb 10, 2017

Lynne Rossetto Kasper shares her retirement announcement with The Splendid Table listeners and welcomes new show host Francis Lam. Writer Lisa Napoli investigates Ray and Joan Kroc, the power couple behind the beginning of the McDonald's empire. Daniel Klein and Mirra Fine take their wonderful online food show The Perennial Plate to Ireland, where they learn about turf-smoked salmon and find themselves in unique situations with chef Katie Sanderson. Tucker Shaw from America's Test Kitchen shares his team's tips for keeping your sink, sponges and refrigerator safe and sanitary. Plus, YouTube sensation Hannah Hart on how she unexpectedly created a online community with My Drunk Kitchen.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 10, 2017

Biodiversity Feb 03, 2017

Guest host Melissa Clark of The New York Times heads up a big show this week when we launch a new monthly partnership with America’s Test Kitchen. The premise? Good cooks are not born, they are made. Molly Birnbaum, executive editor of Cook’s Science at America’s Test Kitchen, gives us our first lesson: how to cut an onion. Grocery stores are full of choices, or are they? Journalist Simran Sethi, author of Bread, Wine and Chocolate: The Slow Loss of Foods We Love, weighs in. Matt Goulding of Roads & Kingdoms takes us deep into Japan’s food culture with his new book, Rice, Noodle, Fish. Plus Alex Stupak, author of Tacos, explains how to make tortillas at home, Sam Seneviratne, author of The New Sugar and Spice, talks spices, and Lynne Rossetto Kasper tastes six brands of apple cider vinegar.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 5, 2016 (originally aired)
February 3, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Smashed, Mashed, Boiled, and Baked Jan 27, 2017

There is a wonderful wide world of potatoes out there, and nearly limitless ways to cook with them. Ragavhan Iyer explores them all in his new book Smashed, Mashed, Boiled, and Baked - and Fried Too! Food writer Joe Yonan considers the hippest, new meat substitute - jackfruit - and says cooking with it doesn't come without difficulties. Although some home chefs are intimidated by sourdough starters, America's Test Kitchen's Bridget Lancaster says making one is as simple as caring for a goldfish. She invites us into her kitchen for a quick lesson. Former Culture editor Elaine Khosrova shares with us the rich history of butter. And Andrea Cherng remembers growing up in a restaurant family and talks about the importance of both Chinese and American culture to her Panda Express chain.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 27, 2017

Cheddar Jan 20, 2017

What should we expect from the people who sell us food? We get an opinion from cheesemonger and food retailer Steve Jenkins. Tucker Shaw of Cook's Science reveals some new tips and tricks from America's Test Kitchen. Contributor Von Diaz talks to chef Justin Warner about his theories on flavor pairings. He is author of The Laws of Cooking, which includes the law of peanut butter and jelly and the law of gin and tonic. Walden Hill's Jennifer Milikowsky explains why she brought the European tradition of acorn-finished pork to the U.S., and Gordon Edgar, author of Cheddar, shares the cheese's history.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 22, 2016 (originally aired)
January 20, 2017 (rebroadcast)

The Jemima Code Jan 06, 2017

This week we’re talking to Indian food authority Madhur Jaffrey about her latest book, Vegetarian India. We're going inside the Middle Eastern pantry with Doc Willoughby from America's Test Kitchen. Contributor David Leite interviews journalist Tim Neville about his trip to the Swiss Alps to immerse himself in the art of fondue. Noelle Carter meets up with Toni Tipton-Martin, author of The Jemima Code, and Joe Yonan speaks with chef Tal Ronnen, author of Crossroads, about vegan cooking.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 8, 2016 (originally aired)
January 6, 2017 (rebroadcast)

Willpower Dec 30, 2016

This week, we learn what it takes to be a cheesemonger with Steve Jones, proprietor of Cheese Bar in Portland, Ore. We're also looking at willpower with John Tierney, co-author of Willpower, Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength. And Jane and Michael Stern are breakfasting at Green Salmon in Yachats, Ore.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 21, 2012 (originally aired)
January 19, 2013 (rebroadcast)
December 30, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Notes on Creativity Dec 23, 2016

Britain’s Nigella Lawson joins us with her deeply personal book, Simply Nigella. The Sterns have found first-rate chocolate at L.A. Burdick in Walpole, New Hampshire, and famed Spanish chef Ferran Adrià joins us with a conversation recorded at the "Notes on Creativity" exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Zahav's Michael Solomonov talks about Israeli cuisine, and wine writer Karen MacNeil shares her port picks.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 18, 2015 (originally aired)
December 23, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Ruled by Fire Dec 09, 2016

We have an interview with a legendary iconoclast, South American chef Francis Mallmann, from our 20th anniversary celebration at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. His latest book is Mallmann on Fire. We hear about some off-the-beaten-track Chinese cooking techniques from Kian Lam Kho, author of Phoenix Claws and Jade Trees. We learn about alternatives to homemade stock with Susan Volland, author of Mastering Sauces. And Hartwood's Eric Werner talks about his restaurant, which is located in Tulum, Mexico.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 4, 2015 (originally aired)
December 9, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Soul Food Nov 25, 2016

This week we talk to London’s culinary sensations Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi about their new book, Ottolenghi: The Cookbook, we look at honey varietals with Marina Marchese, author of The Honey Connoisseur, and Melissa Clark talks to Improvised Life’s Sally Schneider about gifts for the cook in your life.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 6, 2013 (originally aired)
December 12, 2014 (rebroadcast)
November 25, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Turkey Confidential 2016 Nov 24, 2016

The Splendid Table presented Turkey Confidential 2016, our annual live Thanksgiving call-in show. Host Lynne Rossetto Kasper came to the rescue of Thanksgiving cooks, kitchen helpers, and dinner guests alike on the biggest cooking day of the year. This year, Lynne will field listeners' questions with the help of America's Test Kitchen co-host Bridget Lancaster, Mario Batali, Francis Lam, Melissa Clark, and A Prairie Home Companion's Chris Thile. Our friends at America's Test Kitchen also pulled together a complete Thanksgiving Celebration Menu for The Splendid Table listeners to make Thanksgiving even easier.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 24, 2016

Dressing vs. Stuffing Nov 18, 2016

Indian chef Vikas Khanna joins us with a lesson in humility, gratitude and a vegetarian take on the Thanksgiving feast. His latest book is Indian Harvest. Australia's Donna Hay brings us inspiration for updating our Thanksgiving side dishes. Bon Appetit's editor-in-chief Adam Rapoport has tips for being a good guest, and Jane and Michael Stern of Roadfood.com weigh in on the stuffing-versus-dressing debate. Plus Aubry and Kale Walch, co-owners of Minneapolis-based The Herbivorous Butcher, explain how they make their line of meat- and cheese-like products that are vegan.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 20, 2015 (originally aired)
November 18, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Bonus: Anthony Bourdain Extended Interview Nov 16, 2016

In addition to our regular episodes, we occasionally offer Splendid Table Sides - extended interviews and other bonus cuts that don’t make it into the broadcast show. For this Side, Anthony Bourdain joins Lynne Rossetto Kasper talk about his new book, Appetites, the stress of cooking for five people versus 500, making Spam musubi for his daughter's school lunch, and his Oval Office-approved opinion on the matter of ketchup on a hot dog.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 16, 2016

A Turn for the Bitter Nov 04, 2016

We look at the bitters craze with Mark Bitterman, author of Bitterman’s Field Guide to Bitters and Amari. Blogger Alana Chernila joins us with her new book, The Homemade Kitchen. Alan Muskat explains his forage-to-table tours, while the Sterns visit The Cupboard Restaurant in Memphis. And in honor of the show's 20th anniversary, we revisit a piece with journalist Anna Badkhen, author of Peace Meals.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 6, 2015 (originally aired)
November 4, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Angel Food Oct 21, 2016

Ruth Reichl joins us with the backstory of her latest book, My Kitchen Year, and we talk to Emeril Lagasse about the recipes he finds essential. His latest book is Essential Emeril. Chef Lidia Bastianich shares what she cooked for the pope, and Jane and Michael Stern are at the Garnet Café in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 9, 2015 (originally aired)
October 21, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Fat Oct 07, 2016

This week we have a conversation between Michael Ruhlman, author of The Book of Schmaltz, and celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern about cooking with fat, the Sterns join us with their take on the best regional American pizza, Bon Appétit’s Adam Rapoport teaches us a simplified duck confit recipe, and travel and food writer Anya Von Bremzen talks about her memoir, Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 4, 2013 (originally aired)
October 10, 2014 (rebroadcast)
October 7, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Cryo-Blanching Sep 23, 2016

It’s Serious Eats’ science superstar J. Kenji Lopez-Alt with his new book, The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science. Mary Karr, author of The Art of Memoir, talks about the role of smell and taste in memory. Musician Sammy Hagar, author of Are We Having Any Fun Yet?, compares cooking to writing a song. James Nienhuis, a professor at the University of Wisconsin, explains what paintings show about the history of vegetable domestication. Jane and Michael Stern report on the High Desert Market Café in Bisbee, Arizona.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 25, 2015 (originally aired)
September 23, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Heirlooms and Hybrids Sep 09, 2016

It’s a conversation with Craig LeHoullier, author of Epic Tomatoes: How to Select and Grow the Best Varieties of All Time. We talk to Nicole Bermensolo about her book, Kyotofu: Uniquely Japanese Desserts, and we get kitchen design and philosophy from Gabrielle Stanley Blair, creator of the blog and book Design Mom. Cara Nicoletti, author of Voracious, shares dishes from her favorite novels, while Andrew Moore, author of Pawpaw, explains the forgotten fruit.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 11, 2015 (originally aired)
September 9, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Teranga Aug 26, 2016

This week we talk to chef Pierre Thiam about his new book on modern Senegalese cuisine, Senegal, and Melanie Dunea, author of My Last Supper, explains the art of capturing chefs on film. Writer Elissa Altman is having a difficult time feeding her aging mother, and the Sterns seek out the best pimiento burgers. We also revisit an old segment with award-winning chef Daniel Patterson, who tells us what tools a cook really needs.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 28, 2015 (originally aired)
August 26, 2016 (rebroadcast)

$4 a Day Aug 12, 2016

This week we talk to Leanne Brown, author of Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day. Wendy Suzuki, author of Healthy Brain, Happy Life, shares recent evidence that you can benefit your brain by giving it a smell and taste workout. In his latest project, “To Live and Dine in L.A.,” Josh Kun looked at a collection of over 9,000 menus dating back to 1875. And Cathy Erway, author of The Food of Taiwan, shares the distinctive tastes of Taiwanese cuisine.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 14, 2015 (originally aired)
August 12, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Sweet Talk Jul 29, 2016

We talk to Darra Goldstein, editor of The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets; we meet Douglas Quint, one of the founders of New York City's Big Gay Ice Cream Truck; and we learn the simple art of Italian dumplings with chef Jenn Louis, author of Pasta By Hand. Keith Wilson, curator of the exhibit "Ancient Chinese Jades and Bronzes" at the Smithsonian's Freer Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., explains ancient Chinese wine vessels.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 31, 2015 (originally aired)
July 29, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Urban Farming Jul 08, 2016

Will Allen tells us how he feeds 10,000 people a year from a three-acre farm in the poorest part of Milwaukee. We talk to Amy Bentley, author of Inventing Baby Food. Adam Leith Gollner explored Abruzzo, Italy, which he says is "hidden in plain sight," and Barbara Mazur discovered The Vilna Vegetarian Cookbook in the rare book room at YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. The Sterns share their soul food picks -- in Orlando, Florida.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 17, 2015 (originally aired)
July 8, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Daniel's Aioli Jul 01, 2016

We're in the New York City kitchen of legendary chef Daniel Boulud for another installment of The Key 3. David Tanis tries to convince us to eat seaweed, and we play Stump the Cook with Frank DeCaro, author of The Dead Celebrity Cookbook.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 23, 2012 (originally aired)
June 15, 2013 (rebroadcast)
July 1, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Field Goals Jun 17, 2016

This week Michael Sorrell, president of Paul Quinn College, and student Chanson Goodson tell us why the Dallas school converted its football field into a garden. Contributor Noelle Carter looks at the world of sake making with sake brewer Gordon Heady. Contributor Melissa Clark talks to food critic Robert Sietsema about his new book, New York in a Dozen Dishes. Freelance journalist Jason Strother takes us to a restaurant serving Mexican-Korean food in Seoul. And in celebration of The Splendid Table’s 20th anniversary, we revisit an interview with Paul Greenberg, author of Four Fish, about the history and health of the four species of fish that dominate our menus.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 19, 2015 (originally aired)
June 17, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Lust and Wonder Jun 10, 2016

Guest host David Leite talks to Augusten Burroughs about the latter's new memoir, Noelle Carter explores the food of Lima with Virgilio Martinez, and Shauna Sever discusses Italy's history of food preservation with Domenica Marchetti. Plus, David builds the perfect pie crust with Art of the Pie's Kate McDermott, and Lynne Rossetto Kasper checks in with Jekka McVicar on the wonders of lemon balm.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 10, 2016

Bananas Jun 03, 2016

This week we hear about the eating strategies of the world’s healthiest people with Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones Solution: Eating and Living Like the World’s Healthiest People. We look at the past, present and future of the most popular fruit, the banana, with Nicole Vitello, president of Equal Exchange Bananas. Chef Rick Bayless gives us a lesson in the Mexican way with vegetables. His latest book is More Mexican Everyday. Nongkran Daks, author of Nong's Thai Kitchen, shares how to make curry paste at home, and research scientist Heidi Appel says plants can hear when they are being eaten.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 5, 2015 (originally aired)
June 3, 2016 (rebroadcast)

On the Lambic May 20, 2016

Brian Wansink, author of Slim by Design, shares the latest findings on why we eat what we do, beer expert Greg Engert gives us a taste of the delicious world of spontaneous fermentation and Maryann Tebben joins us to talk about her book, Sauces: A Global History. Carla Seidl visits the mill Carolina Ground, and Richard Wrangham, author of Catching Fire, explains the role cooking played in the evolution of humans.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 22, 2015 (originally aired)
May 20, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Factory Farm May 06, 2016

Journalist Barry Estabrook exposed the dark side of Florida’s tomato crop in his best-selling book Tomatoland. He now takes on the pork industry with his latest book, Pig Tales. We get exuberant and professional help with our picnics from Jen Stevenson, a member of The Portland Picnic Society and co-author of the book The Picnic. Robyn Lea, author of Dinner with Jackson Pollock, shares how she discovered Jackson Pollock's recipes, and Shauna Sever, author of Real Sweet, has alternatives to refined sugar. The Sterns are at Honey from the Rock Café in Augusta, Georgia.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 8, 2015 (originally aired)
May 6, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Chefs' Obsessions Apr 22, 2016

This week we talk to David Gelb, creator of the Netflix series Chef's Table. We get indoor gardening advice from Elizabeth Millard, author of Indoor Kitchen Gardening. Diana Henry shares ideas for cooking chicken, and Tara Whitsitt explains Fermentation on Wheels, her mobile fermentation project. We also revisit a piece about Nikolai Vavilov, a Russian botanist who collected seeds, with author Gary Nabhan.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 24, 2015 (originally aired)
April 22, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Saffron Apr 08, 2016

Contributor Melissa Clark digs into the fragrant food of Lebanon with Maureen Abood, author of Rose Water & Orange Blossoms. Jeremy Nolen, author of New German Cooking, says German food is more than sauerkraut and schnitzel. Kimberly Jung co-founded Rumi Spice, a business that buys saffron directly from Afghan farmers. We meet up with a man with synesthesia -- he tastes what he hears -- and learn about his project to map out the tastes of the London Underground. Neil Kelley, a research fellow at the Smithsonian, explains what we can learn about animals' diets from studying their skull and teeth. The Sterns visit The Old Coffee Pot Restaurant in New Orleans.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 10, 2015 (originally aired)
April 8, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Almond Ploy Mar 25, 2016

We’re talking to journalist Tom Philpott of Mother Jones about the dark side of everyone’s favorite nut, the almond. Sarah Copeland, author of Feast, explains what it means to eat 90 percent vegetarian. The Sioux Chef's Sean Sherman specializes in Native American food with indigenous ingredients. Jane and Michael Stern share a regional treasure from Pennsylvania, the zep.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 27, 2015 (originally aired)
March 25, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Spring Pickling Mar 04, 2016

This week we hear about a group of renegade Montana farmers and their quest to change the farming industry from Liz Carlisle, author of Lentil Underground: Renegade Farmers and the Future of Food in America. We talk to chef Eric Ripert about his recent travels, and we have an encore performance of the day Lynne taught violinist Joshua Bell how to cook pasta.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 13, 2015 (originally aired)
March 4, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Chicken of Tomorrow Feb 26, 2016

We are looking at the history of the chicken with Andrew Lawler, author of Why Did the Chicken Cross the World? Lynne blind tastes California olive oils, and Edd Kimber explains the proper way to make scones. In honor of our 20th anniversary we’re revisiting a 2008 interview with David Lett, the groundbreaking American winemaker behind The Eyrie Vineyards.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 27, 2015 (originally aired)
February 26, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Ambergris Feb 12, 2016

Perfumer and chef Mandy Aftel explains the connection between scent and emotion. Her book is Fragrant: The Secret Life of Scent. The Sterns have found a first-rate gluten-free bakery at Mama’s Cheese Bread Factory in Brookfield, Connecticut, and Lisa Gross talks about The League of Kitchens, an organization where immigrants teach others to cook. J. Kenji Lopez-Alt debunks five myths about cast iron, while Fuchsia Dunlop cooks Gong Bao Chicken.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 13, 2015 (originally aired)
February 12, 2016 (rebroadcast)

Bulletproof Recipes Jan 29, 2016

This week we talk to Kat Kinsman, editor in chief of Tasting Table, about the ethics of food journalism. We turn to Michael Ruhlman, author of Ruhlman's How to Roast, about the essentials of that cooking technique, and meet Azalina Eusope, a fifth-generation street vendor from Malaysia who is setting San Francisco’s food scene on fire.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 30, 2015 (originally aired)
January 29, 2016 (rebroadcast)

It Gets Bitter Jan 15, 2016

This week it’s Jennifer McLagan with her book Bitter: A Taste of the World’s Most Dangerous Flavor, with Recipes, Jimi Yui, one of the world’s leading restaurant kitchen designers, explains how he works with chefs to make their kitchens their own, and Food & Wine magazine's Ray Isle talks about American wines. The Sterns are in Idaho, and the BBC's Lucy Hooker has the story of one man's mission to save the Mangalica pig.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 16, 2015 (originally aired)
January 15, 2016 (rebroadcast)

One-Pot Cooking Dec 31, 2015

Chinese chef Ming Tsai joins us with his Asian-influenced take on one-pot cooking. His book is Simply Ming One-Pot Meals. The Sterns are in Atlanta at Mary Mac's Tea Room, Tom Owen of the coffee website Sweet Maria's shares his guide to home roasting and Harold McGee talks pasta. Plus James Oliver Cury shares highlights from his vintage food- and drink-themed record collection.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 15, 2011 (originally aired)
January 14, 2012 (rebroadcast)
December 31, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Lowcountry Cooking Dec 24, 2015

Noelle Carter talks to chef Sean Brock about his new book, Heritage, and Lynne Rossetto Kasper and Sally Swift trade ideas for easy holiday dishes. Artist David Ligare explains the relationship between food and gratitude in the ancient world, and the Sterns are at Bobke’s Bread Basket in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 19, 2014 (originally aired)
December 24, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Wine and Cheetos Dec 11, 2015

This week we dig into chef Marcus Samuelsson’s ethnic pantry. His latest book is Marcus Off Duty: The Recipes I Cook at Home. We look at the decline of traditional French cheese in France, we match junk food with wine for a lesson in wine pairing with Anthony Giglio and we talk to the duo who documented Cuban home cooking in their new book, The Cuban Table.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 5, 2014 (originally aired)
December 11, 2015 (rebroadcast)

John's Fried Eggs Nov 27, 2015

This week, chef John Besh teaches us how to fry an egg in The Key 3. We take an adventure in sustainable eating with the duo from The Perennial Plate, and we look at the spread of Japanese food in America with Daisuke Utagawa of Sushiko.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 6, 2012 (originally aired)
October 11, 2013 (rebroadcast)
November 27, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Turkey Confidential 2015 Nov 26, 2015

Turkey Confidential is The Splendid Table's annual live call-in show on Thanksgiving, hosted by Lynne Rossetto Kasper. Guests for the 2015 edition included Jacques Pépin, Dave Isay, Nigella Lawson and Andrew Zimmern.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 26, 2015

Lardcore Nov 13, 2015

This week we're looking at the resurgence of cooking with lard with Charleston, S.C., chef Sean Brock. Chef Susan Feniger joins us with her book Street Food, and The New York Times wine columnist Eric Asimov, author of How to Love Wine, shares his observations from the wine world.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 20, 2012 (originally aired)
October 25, 2013 (rebroadcast)
November 13, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Fake Vegetables Oct 30, 2015

This week we talk to comedian Jim Gaffigan about vegetables. Journalists Jane Black and Brent Cunningham spent 7 months in Huntington, West Virginia, the town whose food system Jamie Oliver tried to remake. Contributor David Leite talks to Andrea Slonecker, author of Pretzel Making at Home, and we visit Thai Park, a market/picnic in a Berlin park that serves authentic Thai food that flies in the face of German code and culture.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 31, 2014 (originally aired)
October 30, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Tom's Tomato Soup Oct 23, 2015

This week Seattle chef Tom Douglas joins us for another installment of The Key 3. His book is The Dahlia Bakery Cookbook. Award-winning photographer Penny De Los Santos talks about what she really captures when she snaps a food photo. And we talk to Todd Selby about his unusual book, Edible Selby.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 3, 2012 (originally aired)
November 8, 2013 (rebroadcast)
October 23, 2015 (rebroadcast)

A Father's Advice Oct 16, 2015

We talk to Mexican food scholar Margarita Carrillo Arronte, author of Mexico: The Cookbook, about what modern Mexican food is really made of, Chez Panisse chef Cal Peternell dreamed up Twelve Recipes, a book to teach his adult sons how to cook, and Lynne tastes her way through the best and worst of vegetable stock.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 17, 2014 (originally aired)
October 16, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Tasting the Dirt Oct 02, 2015

Mario Batali joins us with his ode to the American farmer, America Farm to Table. We talk about the cider-drinking trend with Amy Traverso, author of The Apple Lover’s Cookbook, the Sterns give us a tutorial on Canada’s poutine, and we learn to make a ginger bug with Jennifer McGruther, author of The Nourished Kitchen.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 3, 2014 (originally aired)
October 2, 2015 (rebroadcast)

The Whole Farm Sep 18, 2015

This week we talk to chef Dan Barber about ethical eating. His book is The Third Plate: Field Notes on the Future of Food. We meet Von Diaz, a woman cooking her way through Cocina Criolla, the Puerto Rican Joy of Cooking, and The Kitchn’s Faith Durand brings us the best in vegetable slow cooker recipes.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 19, 2014 (originally aired)
September 18, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Home Bar Sep 04, 2015

We’ve a fresh take on home-packed lunches with Asian food authority Andrea Nguyen and her book, The Banh Mi Handbook, we get a primer in cocktails from bartenders David and Lesley Solmonson, the folks behind The 12 Bottle Bar, and we talk to Kate Krader of Food & Wine Magazine about whether today’s big-flavored foods are wrecking the American palate.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 5, 2014 (originally aired)
September 4, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Frog Legs Aug 21, 2015

We learn the art of pickling fish with Paul Lowe, author of Sweet Paul Eat and Make, and we look at the tradition of eating frog legs in Detroit with author Bill Loomis. Ari Daniel observes chemistry in the kitchen of Kimball House, and Remodelista's Christine Hanway gives us some easy kitchen updates.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 22, 2014 (originally aired)
August 21, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Female Chefs Aug 07, 2015

This week we look at why the restaurant world is still run by men with chef Amanda Cohen of New York City’s beloved vegetarian restaurant Dirt Candy. Lynne invites the authors of Cooking From the Heart: The Hmong Kitchen in America into her kitchen for a lesson in Chicken Larb and the Sterns are heading to Newport, Oregon, to Local Ocean Seafoods.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 8, 2014 (originally aired)
August 7, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Buffalo Milk Jul 24, 2015

This week we check in with the hilarious columnist Jolie Kerr about keeping kitchens clean. She is the author of My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag … and Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha. The duo behind The Perennial Plate takes us to Ethiopia for a look at the super grain teff, and we get a sense of modern Greek food with Maria Elia, author of Smashing Plates.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 25, 2014 (originally aired)
July 24, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Feeding 9 Billion Jul 10, 2015

We are looking at how we will feed the world with National Geographic magazine’s Dennis Dimick, we take on homemade boozy summer drinks with Andrew Schloss, author of Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits, and we talk to Roy Choi, the chef who went from a fancy restaurant to feeding the masses $2 tacos and jump-starting the L. A. food scene. He is author of L.A. Son: My Life, My City, My Food.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 11, 2014 (originally aired)
July 10, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Sedaris Family Dinners Jun 26, 2015

David Sedaris joins us this week with his stories about family dinners. His latest book is Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls. We look at an alternative and ancient way to bake -- on the grill -- with Paula Marcoux, author of Cooking with Fire, and learn the art of pairing beer with cheese from Steve Jones, owner of Cheese Bar in Portland, Oregon.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 27, 2014 (originally aired)
June 26, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Charred and Scruffed Jun 12, 2015

We learn some unconventional grilling techniques this week from Adam Perry Lang, author of Charred and Scruffed. Travel + Leisure magazine's Peter Jon Lindberg reports on the affordable food scene in Hawaii, and food scientist Harold McGee brings us some surprising news about the best way to thaw frozen meat.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 9, 2012 (originally aired)
June 1, 2013 (rebroadcast)
June 12, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Quinoa Quarrel May 29, 2015

This week we ask the question, “Who owns the world’s superfoods?” It’s the battle over quinoa with journalist Lisa Hamilton, we hear the story of wine entrepreneur Jess Jackson of Kendall-Jackson Vineyard Estates from the author of A Man and His Mountain and the duo from the award-winning Perennial Plate takes us to Argentina for the tradition of mate.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 6, 2014 (originally aired)
May 29, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Fried and True May 15, 2015

We are talking about fried chicken this week with Lee Brian Schrager and Adeena Sussman, authors of Fried & True: More than 50 Recipes for America’s Best Fried Chicken and Sides, Food & Wine Magazine’s Ray Isle explores a re-imagined wine bottle and we look at rice through a Persian cook’s eyes with Louisa Shafia, author of The New Persian Kitchen.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 23, 2014 (originally aired)
May 15, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Mindfulness May 01, 2015

We are looking at mindfulness in the kitchen this week with Dan Harris, best-selling author of 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge and Found Self-Help that Actually Works -- A True Story. We talk to the Martha Stewart of Australia, Donna Hay, chef Ronna Welsh tells us how to reduce waste in the kitchen, and the Sterns fill us in on Arkansas fried pies.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 9, 2014 (originally aired)
May 1, 2015 (rebroadcast)

True Chef Apr 17, 2015

It's a look at the real world of the professional kitchen with chef April Bloomfield of New York City's The Spotted Pig and The Breslin, The Perennial Plate heads to South Africa to learn about biodynamic wines, and historian Frederick Douglass Opie takes us on a musical journey through the South's chitlin' circuit.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 25, 2014 (originally aired)
April 17, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Ramen Slurp Apr 03, 2015

This week it’s a look at real ramen with Ivan Orkin, author of Ivan Ramen: Love, Obsession and Recipes from Tokyo’s Most Unlikely Noodle Joint, the Sterns are in North Garden, Va., at Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie, we talk to Gustavo Arellano of the syndicated Ask a Mexican! column about the latest in American-Mex cuisine, and David Rosengarten of davidrosengarten.com is just back from Sicily and brings us a primer in capers.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 4, 2014 (originally aired)
April 3, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Tasting in the Dark Mar 20, 2015

We’re looking at the world of wine tasting with an unusual guide, Hoby Wedler, the blind host of the Tasting in the Dark seminars at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Chef Daniel Patterson of San Francisco’s famed Coi talks about the philosophy behind the vegetable emphasis on his menu, and could cactus be the next kale? We check in with Modern Farmer’s Sam Brasch.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 21, 2014 (originally aired)
March 20, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Shucked Mar 06, 2015

This week we play another round of Stump the Cook with Top Chef's Padma Lakshmi. We meet Erin Byers Murray, author of the memoir Shucked: Life on a New England Oyster Farm, and we look at low-alcohol wines with Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl, author of Drink This: Wine Made Simple.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 18, 2012 (originally aired)
February 16, 2013 (rebroadcast)
March 6, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Chickenization Feb 20, 2015

Investigative journalist Christopher Leonard takes us inside the meat industry with his book The Meat Racket: The Secret Takeover of America’s Food Business, wine expert Joshua Wesson brings us his picks of wines to pair with charcuterie, and we look at the food from Macau with the duo behind Chicago’s Fat Rice.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 21, 2014 (originally aired)
February 20, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Toro Bravo Feb 06, 2015

This week it’s a very private look at the restaurant business with chef John Gorham of Toro Bravo in Portland, Ore., the duo from The Perennial Plate take us into the jungles of Mexico for an inside view of cacao, we look at the history and origins of culinary diplomacy, and get a lesson in Italian pasta from the author of Sauces & Shapes: Pasta the Italian Way.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 7, 2014 (originally aired)
February 6, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Zero Gravity Jan 23, 2015

We take a look at regional Thai food with chef Andy Ricker, author of Pok Pok, chef Jenn Louis of Lincoln Restaurant in Portland, Ore., brings some inspiration for winter salads, and what exactly is a meal like in space? Astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield, author of An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, fills us in.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 24, 2014 (originally aired)
January 23, 2015 (rebroadcast)

No Props Jan 09, 2015

World-renowned chef René Redzepi of Copenhagen’s Noma joins us with a conversation about his latest book, A Work in Progress, Katie Workman of The Mom 100 Cookbook takes on picky kids, and we talk to Michael Anthony, chef of New York City's Gramercy Tavern, about bringing chefs' tricks into the home kitchen.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 10, 2014 (originally aired)
January 9, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Isaac's Vinaigrette Jan 02, 2015

Fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi is featured in our series The Key 3. Jane and Michael Stern are eating classic Mexican in Mesilla, N.M., and we talk to Crescent Dragonwagon about her latest book, Bean by Bean.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 17, 2012 (originally aired)
March 16, 2013 (rebroadcast)
January 2, 2015 (rebroadcast)

Duck, Duck, Goose Dec 26, 2014

We are taking on the Christmas goose with Hank Shaw, author of Duck, Duck, Goose, master baker Alice Medrich takes on chocolate with her book Seriously Bitter Sweet, Jane and Michael Stern bring us the best in holiday pies, and Nathan Myhrvold of Modernist Cuisine talks about what it takes to capture the best food photos.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 20, 2013 (originally aired)
December 26, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Winter Food to Warm the Soul Nov 28, 2014

This week it's a look at the Russian tradition of zakuski with Diana Henry, author of Roast Figs Sugar Snow: Winter Food to Warm the Soul. Iconoclast chef David Chang of Momofuku fame joins us with the method behind the madness of his inspired fusion cuisine. Jane and Michael Stern are eating sweets in Salt Lake City's The Lamb, and Food & Wine's Ray Isle joins us with his short list of the bottles every wine lover should taste.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 4, 2009 (originally aired)
December 4, 2010 (rebroadcast)
November 28, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Turkey Confidential 2014 Nov 27, 2014

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 27, 2014

No Pumpkin Pie? Nov 21, 2014

Adam Rapoport of Bon Appétit joins us this week to give us a head start on preparing the Thanksgiving feast, we talk to journalist Elizabeth Royte about her article for National Geographic on how we waste food, and actor and cook Stanley Tucci joins us with his cookbook The Tucci Table.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 21, 2014

The Celebrity Chef Nov 14, 2014

We are having a conversation with the original star chef, Jacques Pepin, we talk to Ina Lipkowitz, author of Words to Eat By: Five Foods and the Culinary History of the English Language, and we turn to Indian chef Vikas Khanna to learn about his culinary and broadcast journey in India.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 1, 2011 (originally aired)
September 29, 2012 (rebroadcast)
November 14, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Old Vines Nov 07, 2014

This week it’s surprising cooking techniques from Andrew Schloss, author of Cooking Slow, we have a conversation with Food & Wine magazine’s Ray Isle about protecting America’s historic grapevines, and we talk to New York Times columnist David Tanis about his book One Good Dish.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 1, 2013 (originally aired)
November 7, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Turbot Soufflé Oct 24, 2014

Chef Daniel Boulud talks to Dorie Greenspan about his book Daniel: My French Cuisine, we look at the basics of cooking with coconut oil with culinary nutritionist Tricia Williams, and Jane and Michael Stern bring us the best in non-chain steak houses.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 18, 2013 (originally aired)
October 24, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Salt Block Cooking Sep 26, 2014

It’s a look at the newest in culinary exotica, salt block cooking, with Mark Bitterman, author of Salt Block Cooking, and we go behind the scenes of cookbook production with recipe tester Ian Knauer.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 21, 2013 (originally aired)
September 26, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Buttermilk Sep 12, 2014

This week we’re looking at buttermilk with Diane St. Clair, author of The Animal Farm Buttermilk Cookbook, we talk to the duo behind The Perennial Plate about their latest travels in Italy and we look at the changing face of sushi in the states with Trevor Corson, author of The Story of Sushi.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 7, 2013 (originally aired)
September 12, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Homemade Ice Cream Aug 29, 2014

This week we're cooling off with homemade ice cream from ice cream maven Jeni Britton Bauer, author of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at Home. Andrea Nguyen, author of Into the Vietnamese Kitchen, shares her recipe for cool Vietnamese noodle salads. Susan Glasser, former editor in chief of Foreign Policy, talks about the ways in which food is used as a political tool from the story "Eat, Drink, Protest," which appeared in Foreign Policy's food issue (Glasser is now editor of Politico). The Wall Street Journal's Katy McLaughlin explains her story on edible fashion. Jane and Michael Stern visit Nick's Kitchen in Huntington, Indiana.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 6, 2011 (originally aired)
July 21, 2012 (rebroadcast)
August 29, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Foodelectric Aug 15, 2014

William Sitwell, author of A History of Food in 100 Recipes, joins us, we look at the Indian tradition of chutneys with chef Vikas Khanna and check in with film director Wayne Wang about his latest project, a documentary on the life of legendary Chinese restaurateur Cecilia Chiang.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 24, 2013 (originally aired)
August 15, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Eating Wild Aug 01, 2014

Jo Robinson, author of Eating on the Wild Side, explains why eating five fruits and vegetables a day may not be enough, fruit expert David Karp of the Los Angeles Times tells us about a surprising new variety of table grape and we dive into summer entertaining with humorist Charles Phoenix.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 10, 2013 (originally aired)
August 1, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Heirloom Yogurt Jul 18, 2014

Sandor Katz, author of the masterful Art of Fermentation, joins us with the guidelines for yogurt making, we get a basic guide to tequila from Lucinda Hutson, author of Viva Tequila! Cocktails, Cooking and Other Agave Adventures, and we learn how to train our wine taste buds with Megan Krigbaum of Food & Wine magazine.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 27, 2013 (originally aired)
July 18, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Bouchon Bakery Jul 04, 2014

We get a master lesson in pie crust from chef Thomas Keller and pastry genius Sebastian Rouxel, authors of Bouchon Bakery, Jane and Michael Stern bring us the very best in extremely hot road food and Mexican chef Roberto Santibañez looks at the Middle Eastern influences on modern day Mexican food.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 13, 2013 (originally aired)
July 4, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Lucinda's Meatloaf Jun 20, 2014

We are meeting up with Lucinda Scala Quinn, author of Mad Hungry Cravings, for another round of Key 3, and we talk with award-winning writer and Texan Robb Walsh about whether or not Tex-Mex is an actual cuisine. He is the author of The Hot Sauce Cookbook.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 29, 2013 (originally aired)
June 20, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Smoke Jun 13, 2014

We're taking our Weber to a more primal state this week with Tim Byres, author of Smoke: New Firewood Cooking, and we get a recipe for Japan's delicious pancake, okonomiyaki, from The Washington Post's food columnist David Hagedorn.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 22, 2013 (originally aired)
June 13, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Family Table May 30, 2014

We take a look at the latest trend in sustainable meat -- goat -- with chef Jesse Griffiths, author of Afield: A Chef's Guide to Preparing and Cooking Wild Game and Fish. The Sterns are at Big W's Roadside Bar-B-Q in Wingdale, N.Y., and we talk to Bruce Feiler, author of The Secrets Of Happy Families, about the surprising news on what is really important about family dinner.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 8, 2013 (originally aired)
May 30, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Adobo Road May 16, 2014

This week we talk to spice merchant Lior Lev Sercarz, owner of La Boîte à Epice in New York, we take a look Filipino food with Marvin Gapultos, author of The Adobo Road Cookbook, and turn to the duo behind The Perennial Plate to learn about their food travels in Spain.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 25, 2013 (originally aired)
May 16, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Salt Sugar Fat May 02, 2014

This week we talk to award-winning journalist Michael Moss about the food giants that decide what we eat. He is the author of Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us. Chopped's Ted Allen has advice on how to get out of our food ruts and we look at the stirrings of a movement in the wine world, natural wine.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 11, 2013 (originally aired)
May 2, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Shared Meals in Blue Zones Apr 18, 2014

Dan Buettner, author of Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way, tells us about the significance of the shared meal among the world's happiest people. Jane and Michael Stern are tracking down the very best in deli rye and we talk to Dana Bowen about celebrating Easter in Sicily.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 23, 2011 (originally aired)
April 18, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Raghavan's Dal Apr 11, 2014

We’re heading to India for this week’s Key 3 with Raghavan Iyer, author of the best-selling 660 Curries. Bee Wilson, author of Consider the Fork: A History of How We Cook and Eat, brings the stories from our tabletops.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 27, 2013 (originally aired)
April 11, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Saliva the Superhero Mar 28, 2014

This week it’s a look at saliva with America’s funniest science writer, Mary Roach, author of Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Trail. The Sterns are at the Blue Scorcher Bakery Café in Astoria, Ore., and we learn which salts are really worth the money with salt merchant Mark Bitterman, author of Salted: A Manifesto on the World's Most Essential Mineral.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 6, 2013 (originally aired)
March 28, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Beer Profiles Mar 14, 2014

Greg Engert's profiling system divides beer into seven categories. Award-winning writer and cook Deborah Madison is here with the missing puzzle piece for vegetable cooking -- the plants themselves -- with her book Vegetable Literacy. We turn to the duo from The Perennial Plate, an online documentary series dedicated to socially responsible and adventurous eating.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 23, 2013 (originally aired)
March 14, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Artisan Bread Mar 07, 2014

Jeffrey Hertzberg, the best-selling co-author of The New Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day, joins us with the newest take on bread making for the home cook, we look at Muslim-Chinese cuisine with Jason Wang of New York City's Xi'an Famous Foods, we head to Tallahassee, Fla., with the Sterns to Olean's Cafe for first-rate soul food and hear about how vegetarians are taking on the congressional lunchroom.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 7, 2014

Meat-Eaters Feb 28, 2014

We're talking to Smithsonian paleoanthropologist Briana Pobiner about the origins of meat-eating. Food scientist Harold McGee explains the nuances of rice wine vinegar, and we get the lowdown on real Southern cooking in Chicago with Garden & Gun magazine’s Julia Reed.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 9, 2013 (originally aired)
February 28, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Dinner with Churchill Feb 14, 2014

We're looking at legendary gourmand and politician Winston Churchill with Cita Stelzer, author of Dinner with Churchill: Policy-Making at the Dinner Table. And Jane and Michael Stern join us with tales from eating on the road; this time, it's the Stockholm Pie Company in Stockholm, Wis.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 23, 2013 (originally aired)
February 14, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Nigellissima Jan 31, 2014

Nigella Lawson joins us this week with her new book Nigellissima: Easy Italian-Inspired Recipes. And we meet up with Joe Warwick, who has compiled a guide of chefs' favorite restaurants worldwide, Where Chefs Eat.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 9, 2013 (originally aired)
January 31, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Polish Revival Jan 17, 2014

This week journalist Anne Applebaum, author of The Polish Country House Kitchen, joins us with tales of food and life in Poland, and we head to Kansas City for an Austrian-Germanic take on the cocktail with the bartender from Grunauer.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 26, 2013 (originally aired)
January 17, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Eating Bugs Jan 03, 2014

We talk with Britain's exuberant gastronaut Stefan Gates about his BBC documentary on bug-eating called Alien Nation. New York City restaurateur Eddie Huang of BaoHaus explains the art of the Asian bun. His memoir is Fresh Off the Boat. And chef Charles Phan of San Francisco’s The Slanted Door gives us a primer on the Vietnamese noodle soup pho. His latest book is Vietnamese Home Cooking.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 5, 2013 (originally aired)
January 3, 2014 (rebroadcast)

Christmas Cheese Dec 27, 2013

Opinionated cheesemonger Steve Jenkins brings us his annual cheese picks for the holidays. We check in with writer Junot Diaz about the Dominican food of his childhood. He is the author of the award-winning book This Is How You Lose Her. And Sally Schneider of The Improvised Life has inspiring thoughts on making small tables large and beautiful for next to nothing.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 22, 2012 (originally aired)
December 27, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Lizz's Fettuccine Dec 13, 2013

This week we talk about eating on the road with rapper and poet Dessa. We head into Lynne's kitchen with comedian Lizz Winstead for another round of The Key 3. Winstead's new collection of essays is Lizz Free or Die. And we talk to Dr. Andrew Weil about what we really should be worrying about when we worry about what we eat.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 8, 2012 (originally aired)
December 13, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Simple Times Nov 29, 2013

Amy Sedaris is stopping by with some gift-giving help from her hilarious book Simple Times: Crafts For Poor People. Jane and Michael Stern are at Hartley's Pork Pies in Fall River, Mass., and Mexican cook Fany Gerson introduces us to the unusual sweets of Mexico with her book My Sweet Mexico.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 11, 2010 (originally aired)
December 3, 2011 (rebroadcast)
November 29, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Turkey Confidential 2013 Nov 28, 2013

Turkey Confidential is our annual live call-in show. Thanks to our guests: Mario Batali, Pati Jinich, Ted Allen and Michael Pollan. If you don't see enough Thanksgiving recipes below, here are all of them.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 28, 2013

Swanksgiving Nov 22, 2013

It’s our get-ready-for-the-big-feast broadcast with best-selling author Mollie Katzen, author of The Heart of the Plate. Mollie takes on the vegetarian feast while Food & Wine’s Ray Isle deals with the wine, Mexican chef Pati Jinich, author of Pati’s Mexican Table, bring us her Mexican way with a turkey (swaddled in banana leaf), and Cheryl Day of Back in the Day Bakery in Savannah, Ga., covers the pies.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 22, 2013

All Gone Nov 15, 2013

It's our annual get-ready–for-the-feast broadcast with writer and comedian Mo Rocca; journalist Alex Witchel, author of All Gone: A Memoir of My Mother’s Dementia. With Refreshments; and David Leite, of Leite’s Culinaria, takes on the carving knife.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 17, 2012 (originally aired)
November 15, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Purple Citrus and Sweet Perfume Sep 27, 2013

This week, we meet up with celebrity chef Silvena Rowe, author of Purple Citrus and Sweet Perfume. Jane and Michael Stern have uncovered the West Indies Salad, and fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi plays Stump the Cook.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 3, 2011 (originally aired)
September 1, 2012 (rebroadcast)
September 27, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Road Trip: New Orleans Sep 14, 2013

This week is a road trip to New Orleans. Guests include Leah Chase of the legendary Dooky Chase's Restaurant; journalist Lolis Eric Elie; WWNO's Poppy Tooker, host of Louisiana Eats!; and mixologist Chris McMillian. Plus, Jane and Michael Stern escort us around the annual Roadfood Festival.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 22, 2012 (originally aired)
September 14, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Bill's Fried Oysters Aug 31, 2013

Southern chef Bill Smith, of Crook's Corner in Chapel Hill, joins us for the next installment of The Key 3. Jesse Griffiths helps us examine our relationship with hunting, and we take a look at an unusual find in the wine world: orange wine.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 15, 2012 (originally aired)
August 31, 2013 (rebroadcast)

The Juice Aug 17, 2013

Jay McInerney joins us with his latest wine book, The Juice. Tracie McMillan has gone undercover in the American food industry, and we look at the vegetarian traditions in Morocco with Jeff Koehler.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 25, 2012 (originally aired)
August 17, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Julia's Birthday Aug 03, 2013

We celebrate Julia Child's birthday this week, listening to some early Splendid Table interviews with the grand lady. Ted Allen joins us as our celebrity stumpmaster in another round of Stump the Cook, and David Leite returns with a fresh look at a European favorite, Nutella. Chinese chef and scholar Ken Hom gives us a culinary tour of China.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 11, 2012 (originally aired)
August 3, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Sally's Herb Salt Jul 20, 2013

We're back with another episode of our Key 3 series, interviews with chefs and good cooks about the three recipes they think other good cooks should know. This week it's Sally Schneider of The Improvised Life. The Sterns are in Michigan eating boozy cakes made by monks at The Jampot, and John Schlimm has some recipes for the vegan griller.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 28, 2012 (originally aired)
July 20, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Camp Cooking Jul 06, 2013

This week Lynne plays Stump the Cook with chef Mario Batali. Authors Mike Faverman and Pat Mac take on dining in the great outdoors with their book Ultimate Camp Cooking. And Jane and Michael Stern have tracked down the very best in corned beef hash.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 25, 2011 (originally aired)
June 2, 2012 (rebroadcast)
July 6, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Andrea's Turnip Soup May 18, 2013

We have another installment in our series The Key 3, interviews with chefs and good cooks about the three recipes other good cooks should know. This week it's award-winning chef Andrea Reusing of Lantern in Chapel Hill, N.C. Jane and Michael Stern are at The Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, Texas, and we hear about the Vietnamese tradition of monthly rice from journalist Claudia Kolker.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 19, 2012 (originally aired)
May 18, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Cinco de Mayo May 04, 2013

Mexican chef Pati Jinich, host of PBS's "Pati's Mexican Table," joins us with her take on authentic Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Jane and Michael Stern are at Eckl's Beef & Weck in Orchard Park, N.Y. And we talk to food activist and MacArthur Fellow (Genius Award recipient) Will Allen about his book, The Good Food Revolution.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 5, 2012 (originally aired)
May 4, 2013 (rebroadcast)

The Ghostwriter Apr 20, 2013

We meet up with JJ Goode, a culinary ghostwriter, Jane and Michael Stern are back from New Orleans with fresh finds, and we talk to Wine & Spirits editor Tara Q. Thomas about Greek wines.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 21, 2012 (originally aired)
April 20, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Lidia's Ziti Apr 13, 2013

This week, it's another installment of our series The Key 3, conversations with good cooks about the three recipes they think are essential. Lidia Bastianich takes us into the kitchen of Felidia in NYC to teach us her key pasta recipes. Also, Jane and Michael Stern are at The Red Truck Bakery in Warrenton, Va., and Hank Shaw teaches us to harvest spring trees.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 14, 2012 (originally aired)
April 13, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Seasonal Seafood Mar 30, 2013

National Geographic explorer Barton Seaver joins us with his take on seasonal seafood. He is the author of For Cod and Country. Tea merchant Bill Waddington introduces us to the newest category of teas just discovered in China: dark tea. And Jane and Michael Stern are at the Sweet Water Cafe in Marquette, Mich.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 31, 2012 (originally aired)
March 30, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Asian Tofu Mar 02, 2013

This week, we talk to Andrea Nguyen about her latest book, Asian Tofu. Jane and Michael Stern are on the Eastern Shore of Virginia at the Exmore Diner. We get a smell tour of Seattle with researcher Victoria Henshaw, and we talk to Renee Shepherd of Renee's Garden about the newest in culinary seeds.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 3, 2012 (originally aired)
March 2, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Andy's Steamed Fish Feb 02, 2013

This week in The Key 3, it's Thai food expert Andy Ricker. Jane and Michael Stern are at Sylvan Park in Nashville, Tenn. We take on homemade mustards with Los Angeles Times reporter Noelle Carter, and we look at the food world through its knives with Allegra McEvedy, author of Bought, Borrowed & Stolen.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 4, 2012 (originally aired)
February 2, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Olive Oil Jan 12, 2013

This week it's a look at the sometimes scandalous world of olive oil with Tom Mueller author of Extra Virginity. Legendary vegetarian cook Anna Thomas brings us her take on steaming bowls of green soup for the winter months. Her book is Love Soup. We talk with Christian DeBenedetti about his book The Great American Ale Trail, and play another round of Stump the Cook with Modern Family's Ty Burrell.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 7, 2012 (originally aired)
January 12, 2013 (rebroadcast)

Holiday Nostalgia Dec 29, 2012

British food writer Nigel Slater, author of Tender, joins us with his take on the holiday meal; Edward Behr has a new book, The Art of Eating Cookbook; and Andrew Schloss, author of Homemade Soda, brings some non-alcoholic suggestions for the holiday.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 24, 2011 (originally aired)
December 29, 2012 (rebroadcast)

Homemade Gifts Dec 15, 2012

Childhood nostalgia comes full circle with pastry chef Christina Tosi and her new book, Momofuku Milk Bar. Food Stylist Annie Rigg joins us with her charmingly British take on homemade gifts. Her book is Gifts From the Kitchen. John Moe takes on techy food gifts. And Jane and Michael Stern have declared Los Angeles as the best city for 24-hour eating.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 17, 2011 (originally aired)
December 15, 2012 (rebroadcast)

The Brisketeer Dec 01, 2012

This week, Markus Bachmann of Sonor Wines explains how he uses music in the fermenting process. We talk to Stephanie Pierson, author of The Brisket Book; we visit a beer stock exchange in Washington, D.C.; and Jane and Michael Stern head to Lafayette, La.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 10, 2011 (originally aired)
December 1, 2012 (rebroadcast)

Ruhlman's Twenty Nov 24, 2012

This week chef and journalist, Michael Ruhlman joins us with his new book Ruhlman's Twenty, 20 Techniques, 100 Recipes, A Cook's Manifesto. Jane and Michael Stern are at Steve's Pig and Ox Roast in Lackawanna, N.Y., and Diana Henry, author of Plenty: Good Uncomplicated Food for the Sustainable Kitchen brings us the latest in vegetable cookery from the British Isles.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 12, 2011 (originally aired)
November 24, 2012 (rebroadcast)

Turkey Confidential 2012 Nov 22, 2012

Thanks again to Marcus Samuelsson, Rick Bayless, Ina Garten and Peter Sagal for joining us live on Thanksgiving morning.

In addition to the recipes featured below, several other menus were referenced.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 22, 2012

God in a Cup Nov 10, 2012

We take a look at the specialty coffee movement with Michaele Weissman, author of God in a Cup. Britain's Diana Henry, author of Plenty: Good, uncomplicated food for the sustainable kitchen joins us with her take on where to look for flavor inspiration. And Andy Crouch, author of Great American Craft Beer: A Guide to the Nation's Finest Beers and Breweries, introduces us to "session beer."

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 13, 2010 (originally aired)
November 10, 2012 (rebroadcast)

The Appetites of Insects Oct 13, 2012

New York Times columnist Melissa Clark brings us new ideas for fall vegetables from her book Cook This Now. Also, the appetites of insects with Marlene Zuk, author of Sex on Six Legs. And Jane and Michael Stern have found the pinnacle of cafe coffee in Iowa.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 15, 2011 (originally aired)
October 13, 2012 (rebroadcast)

Beef Stew: The French Way Sep 08, 2012

Award-winning writer Dorie Greenspan, author of Around My French Table, teaches us the French way with beef stews and Lynne shares her favorite tomatoes. Janet Hurst brings her take on homemade cheese, Jane and Michael Stern are eating famous Rhode Island chicken dinners, and we turn to pasta with Domenica Marchetti, author of The Glorious Pasta of Italy.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 17, 2011 (originally aired)
September 8, 2012 (rebroadcast)

Mark Twain: Tastemaker Aug 18, 2012

This week, we are reintroduced to one of America's greatest tastemakers: Mark Twain. Andrew Beahrs, author of Twain's Feast, joins us. We'll figure out something to do with all that zucchini your friends have been bringing over, and Jane and Michael Stern have found freshly shucked clam pizza at Zuppardi's Apizza in West Haven, Conn.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 28, 2010 (originally aired)
August 18, 2012 (rebroadcast)

Tomatoland Aug 04, 2012

We look at the surprising politics of Florida's winter tomatoes with investigative journalist Barry Estabrook, author of Tomatoland. Jane and Michael Stern take on the South's favorite cocktail accompaniment, pimento cheese. And Francis Lam, the features editor at Gilt Taste, joins Lynne to talk about how to do great things with what we usually throw out.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 20, 2011 (originally aired)
August 4, 2012 (rebroadcast)

The Japanese Grill Jul 14, 2012

This week, we're looking at home brewing with William Bostwick. Also: Japanese grilling with Tadashi Ono and Harris Salat, grilling wines with Ray Isle, and we go into the world of a flavor scientist.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 30, 2011 (originally aired)
July 14, 2012 (rebroadcast)

The Rebirth Of Spain Jul 07, 2012

We look at the rebirth of Spanish food post-Franco with culinary historian Claudia Roden, author of The Food of Spain. Jane and Michael Stern are at the Buckhorn Tavern in San Antonio. Restaurateur Andy Ricker of Pok Pok introduces us to Asian drinking vinegars.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 23, 2011 (originally aired)
July 7, 2012 (rebroadcast)

Finding the Forgotten Feast Jun 30, 2012

This week, we're hunting and gathering at water's edge with Hank Shaw, author of Hunt, Gather, Cook. Also, wine entrepreneur Joshua Wesson brings us his favorite bottles to sip with hot dogs, and Sally Schneider of The Improvised Life tells us how to get the most from the season's fresh cherries.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 2, 2011 (originally aired)
June 30, 2012 (rebroadcast)

Picnic Packing Jun 16, 2012

Food writer Melissa Clark has some ideas about what to pack for a picnic. Singer Sheryl Crow brings her new book, If It Makes You Healthy. Jane and Michael Stern collect their timeless roadfood finds, and we check in with the boys behind The Dinner Party.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 11, 2011 (originally aired)
June 16, 2012 (rebroadcast)

Pipianes May 26, 2012

Chef Roberto Santibañez, author of Truly Mexican, introduces us to the Mexican world of pipianes. Sally Schneider discusses her short list of favorite blogs, and Jane and Michael Stern have found first-rate Mexican food at a gas station in Dallas.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 21, 2011 (originally aired)
May 26, 2012 (rebroadcast)

Honey Bees May 12, 2012

This week, Lynne is out of the studio and into the world of honey bees with researcher Marla Spivak. Travel + Leisure Magazine's Peter Jon Lindberg has unearthed good food in unlikely places, and British horticulturalist Jekka McVicar brings us her pick of unusual culinary herbs to grow in your back yard.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 28, 2011 (originally aired)
May 12, 2012 (rebroadcast)

London's Ottolenghi Apr 28, 2012

This week, we meet Britain's latest culinary phenomenon, columnist and restaurateur Yotam Ottolenghi, author of the vegetarian best-seller Plenty: Vibrant Dishes from London's Ottolenghi. Jane and Michael Stern are taking on a classic: a fish boil in Door County, Wis. Food & Wine Magazine's Ray Isle explains the beauty of wine blends, and we meet a historian who has put together the first African-American heritage seed collection.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 7, 2011 (originally aired)
April 28, 2012 (rebroadcast)

Somalian Bizbaz Apr 07, 2012

This week, we go into the kitchen of Somali chef Jamal Hashi. John Moe, host of the Marketplace Tech Report, looks at the world of culinary apps. And Jane and Michael Stern take us to New Jersey for pork rolls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 9, 2011 (originally aired)
April 7, 2012 (rebroadcast)

Elizabeth David Mar 24, 2012

This week, Ruth Reichl takes a look back at Britain's culinary groundbreaker Elizabeth David. Jane and Michael Stern are at The Southern Kitchen in New Market, Va., and our wine guy Joshua Wesson brings his short list of wines that are sure to become your BFFs.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 26, 2011 (originally aired)
March 24, 2012 (rebroadcast)

Schnapps Mar 10, 2012

This week, New York Times columnist Matt Gross explains why he has fallen in love with schnapps. We're talking to Hal Herzog, author of Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat, about our sometimes puzzling relationship with meat. And Diana Henry, author of Plenty, brings us a decidedly British take on leftovers.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 5, 2011 (originally aired)
March 10, 2012 (rebroadcast)

The Art of Charcuterie Feb 25, 2012

This week, we meet up with chef Gabrielle Hamilton, author of Blood, Bones & Butter. Jane and Michael Stern are eating at Flip's BBQ in Wilmington, N.C. We learn to corn our own beef, just in time for St. Patrick's Day, with John Kowalski of the Culinary Institute of America. And veterinarian Gary Weitzman, author of The Art Of Charcuterie and animal adviser for WAMU's The Animal House, tells us what we really need to be feeding our pets.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 26, 2011 (originally aired)
February 25, 2012 (rebroadcast)

Eels Feb 11, 2012

We look at the food life of Thailand with David Thompson, author of Thai Street Food. Then, it's the mysterious eel with James Prosek, author of Eels, An Exploration, From New Zealand To The Saragasso, of the World's Most Mysterious Fish. And Gilt Taste's Francis Lam teaches us to make Ginger Milk Pudding.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 19, 2011 (originally aired)
February 11, 2012 (rebroadcast)

Nordic Cuisine Jan 28, 2012

This week, we meet Nordic chef Rene Redzepi, author of Noma, Time and Place in Nordic Cuisine. The Sterns are at Hathaway's Coffee Shop in Cincinnati, and Jenna Woginrich gives advice on raising egg-laying chickens in the city.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 29, 2011 (originally aired)
January 28, 2012 (rebroadcast)

How Pleasure Works Dec 31, 2011

This week we're looking at why we find things pleasurable with Paul Bloom, author of How Pleasure Works, The New Science of Why We Like What We Like. Jane and Michael Stern are at The Orange Inn in Laguna Beach, CA, and tea authority Bill Waddington introduces to the first brand-new strain of tea ever developed, Ruby 18.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 8, 2011 (originally aired)
December 31, 2011 (rebroadcast)

The Lost Art of Real Cooking Nov 26, 2011

This week we're talking with Ken Albala author of The Lost Art of Real Cooking. Jane and Michael Stern are eating at Menches Brothers in Uniontown, OH. And Melissa Clark, author of In The Kitchen With a Good Appetite brings us her take on autumn pie-making; plus we'll hear the latest on international tipping from Travel & Leisure's Mark Orwoll.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 2, 2010 (originally aired)
November 26, 2011 (rebroadcast)

Thanksgiving '11 Nov 19, 2011

It is time for our annual "get ready for the feast" broadcast with chef Richard Hetzler of The Smithsonian's Mitsitam Café in the National Museum of the American Indian. Wine writer, Heather John Fogarty gives us a little guidance on wine for the holiday table and Jennifer McLagan author of Odd Bits, brings us advice on giblets and other parts of our turkey. Jane and Michael Stern are at The Farmer's Kitchen in Atlantic, Iowa.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 19, 2011

The Study of Ginger Nov 05, 2011

We're meeting up with Smithsonian Curator of Botany, John Kress, a man devoted to the study of ginger. Jane and Michael Stern are eating low country pizza at The Old Firehouse Restaurant in Hollywood, South Carolina and Joan Nathan, author of Quiches, Kugels and Couscous, brings us a look at Jewish food in France.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 23, 2010 (originally aired)
November 5, 2011 (rebroadcast)

Plays With Food Oct 29, 2011

British chef and maverick, Stefan Gates plays with his food and brings glow-in-the-dark jello to parties. Gates teaches us the art of the interactive meal with his new book, The Extraordinary Cookbook: How to Make Meals Your Friends Will Never Forget.

Mexican chef, Pati Jinich, host of PBS's "Pati's Mexican Table" shares the traditional celebration of The Day of the Dead. Roadfood experts, Jane and Michael Stern bring us a Chicago classic from Hot Doug's Encased Meat Emporium. And, from the darkside, Joel Levy covers poison from his book Poison: A Social History.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 29, 2011

A Food Lover's Tour of Vietnam Oct 22, 2011

This week we're taking a food lovers tour of Vietnam with Peter Jon Lindberg, Editor-at-Large of Travel & Leisure Magazine. Jane and Michael Stern are at Metompkin Seafood in Mappsville, Virginia, and Dorie Greenspan, author of Around My French Table, joins us with a very French take on the side dish. Also on the show, food in a war zone, a cake for every state in the nation, and Lynne's answers to your kitchen questions.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 16, 2010 (originally aired)
October 22, 2011 (rebroadcast)

Salted Oct 08, 2011

This week we talk with Mark Bitterman author of Salted, A Manifesto on the World's Most Essential Mineral, with Recipes. We get a look at the world of a wine importer—with boutique importer Terry Theise—author of Reading Between the Wines and the Sterns are back in Santa Fe at Bobcat Bite.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 6, 2010 (originally aired)
October 8, 2011 (rebroadcast)

Four Fish Sep 24, 2011

This week we're looking at the last of the world's wild food — fish — with Paul Greenberg author of Four Fish. We'll get some outside-of-the-box thinking on how to deal with small kitchen and dining spaces from Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, author of Apartment Therapy's Big Book of Small Cool Spaces. And Jane and Michael Stern have found first-rate baked goods at Waves of Grain Bakery in Canon Beach, Oregon.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 25, 2010 (originally aired)
September 24, 2011 (rebroadcast)

The Truth About Wine Sep 10, 2011

This week we get some modern day wine truths from Matt Kramer author of Matt Kramer on Wine. We'll look at some of the world's most bizarrely set restaurants with JD Rinne of Budgettravel.com, we deconstruct and reinvent ratatouille with Gilt Taste's Francis Lam, a botanist breeds a tomato for Lynne, and the Sterns are eating hotdogs at Texas Lunch & Hubba in Port Chester, NY.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 18, 2010 (originally aired)
September 10, 2011 (rebroadcast)

Extreme Tourism Aug 27, 2011

We're taking a look at the world of extreme tourism with Chuck Thompson, author of To Hellholes and Back. We also dive into the world of self-publishing with the creators of Canal House Cooking; and Lukas Volger, author of Veggie Burgers Every Which Way shares a few alternatives to processed frozen veggie burgers.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 21, 2010 (originally aired)
August 27, 2011 (rebroadcast)

Daring Pairings Aug 13, 2011

Evan Goldstein author of Daring Pairings joins us with a fresh take on pairing food and wine. Also on the show, a new cooking technique for getting the most from summer vegetables, the trivia challenge, and Lynne's answers to your kitchen questions.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 31, 2010 (originally aired)
August 13, 2011 (rebroadcast)

Sweet Maria's Jul 16, 2011

We meet up with Tom Owens, the founder of the cult-status coffee website Sweet Maria's, journalist John Willoughby introduces us to the allure of dried Persian limes; and the Sterns are eating whitefish livers at Maggie's in Bayfield, WI.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 24, 2010 (originally aired)
July 16, 2011 (rebroadcast)

Medium Raw Jul 09, 2011

This week we meet up with the irascible Anthony Bourdain, author of Medium Raw, A Bloody Valentine To The World of Food and The People Who Cook. Jane and Michael Stern are eating boudin sausage at T Boy's Slaughterhouse in Mamon, Louisiana and Indian food authority Julie Sahni brings us the Indian art of the marinade.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 17, 2010 (originally aired)
July 9, 2011 (rebroadcast)

International Barbecue Jun 18, 2011

We're getting an international take on the grill from the unstoppable Steve Raichlen author of Planet Barbecue, Jane and Michael Stern are at a Seattle classic, 13 Coins, and we learn which beers stole the show with Robin Goldstein author of The Beer Trials.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 26, 2010 (originally aired)
June 18, 2011 (rebroadcast)

The Art of Food Styling Jun 04, 2011

This week, Lynne guides us through the world of food styling with one of the masters, Delores Custer, author of Food Styling: The Art of Preparing Food for the Camera. Jane and Michael Stern are eating Polish Boys in Cleveland, Food & Wine magazine's Ray Isle has some wine suggestions for summer sipping, Susan Loomis tells us about "pistachio music," Sheila Bowman tells us which seafood to avoid, and as always, Lynne answers your kitchen questions.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 5, 2010 (originally aired)
June 4, 2011 (rebroadcast)

All Things Teriyaki May 14, 2011

This week historian John T Edge tells us about his on-going reporting for the New York Times called United Tastes, Jane and Michael Stern have found the ultimate hangover cure in New Orleans, a dish called Ya-Ka Mein. We meet a PHD candidate studying "coziness" and we get a take on the 5 Stages of Grief—"pea" grief that it is, from Emily Franklin, author of Too Many Cooks.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 14, 2011

American Modern Apr 30, 2011

This week, we're talking tradition with one of the last remaining limburger cheese producers; and how to keep Asian culinary traditions at home as well as in the restaurants. Interior designer and author of American Modern, Thomas O'Brien walks us through his vision of what a kitchen should be. Also on the show, The Dinner Party Download guys bring back the ice breaker, The Sterns go back to Milwaukee for some hoppel poppel, and we'll check in with Daniel Delaney, who is discovering the world's best street food, one bite at a time.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 1, 2010 (originally aired)
April 30, 2011 (rebroadcast)

Chinese Food in America Apr 16, 2011

We're looking at the advent of Chinese food in America with Andrew Coe, author of Chop Suey, A Cultural History of Chinese Food in the United States. Jane and Michael Stern are in North Charleston, South Carolina for low country soul food at Bertha's Kitchen, and Sally Schneider, creator of The Improvised Life website teaches us to improvise with miso.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 10, 2010 (originally aired)
April 16, 2011 (rebroadcast)

Food Supply of the Future Apr 02, 2011

We're pondering the food supply of the future with Raj Patel author of The Value of Nothing, Jane and Michael Stern are at The White Hut in Springfield, MA, and we ask the question – why are there no famous female chefs?

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 24, 2010 (originally aired)
April 2, 2011 (rebroadcast)

Mexican Jewish Traditions Mar 19, 2011

We're looking at Mexican–Jewish food traditions with Chef Patricia Jinich, of PBS's Pati's Mexican Table, New York Time's columnist Melissa Clark introduces us to her very suave and very easy recipe for Shrimp Bisque, Jane and Michael Stern are at Cupcake Royale in Seattle, WA and Steve Almond, author of Candyfreak: A Journey Through the Chocolate Underbelly of America wants us to consider endangered candy!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 27, 2010 (originally aired)
March 19, 2011 (rebroadcast)

The Alabama Project Mar 12, 2011

Chef Scott Peacock joins us this week with his series The Alabama Project, conversations with some of Alabama's oldest residents. Jane and Michael Stern are at Du-par's in Los Angeles, Fred Plotkin reports on the 150th anniversary of the Republic of Italy and we get a quick primer on sugaring from Tim Herd, author of Maple Sugar from Sap to Syrup.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 12, 2011

Dinner Conversation Mar 05, 2011

This week we're getting advice for lubricating the family dinner conversation from Daniel Menaker author of A Good Talk; The Story and Skill of Conversation. Jane and Michael Stern have found Orson Welles sized pies at Royer's Round Top in Texas and we look at the up and coming cheesemakers with James Norton author of The Master Cheesemakers of Wisconsin.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 6, 2010 (originally aired)
March 5, 2011 (rebroadcast)

Drink This Feb 12, 2011

We get a clear-eyed view of the wine world this week with Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl author of Drink This: Wine Made Simple. Chef Patrice Olivon introduces us to the gentle art of the soufflé, and Indian food authority Monica Bhide, author of Modern Spiceexplains the Indian art of spice blends.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 9, 2010 (originally aired)
February 12, 2011 (rebroadcast)

The Elements of Life Jan 22, 2011

Award winning author Su-Mei Yu introduces us to the ancient Thai tradition of looking at "food as medicine". Her new book is, The Elements of Life, A Contemporary Guide to Thai Recipes and Traditions for Healthier Living. Jane and Michael Stern are in Tucson at the Tucson Tamale Company and National Geographic's Keith Bellows brings us their list of "food journeys of a lifetime".

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 16, 2010 (originally aired)
January 22, 2011 (rebroadcast)

Ad Hoc at Home Dec 31, 2010

We have some advice for the home cook from chef Thomas Keller—his new book is Ad Hoc at Home. We get advice for throwing a party Southern style from Matt and Ted Lee, authors of Simple, Fresh Southern. Master baker Rose Levy Beranbaum gives us a primer on keeping cakes—her newest book is Rose's Heavenly Cakes. Jane and Michael Stern are at Pico de Gallo in Tucson, AZ.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 11, 2009 (originally aired)
December 31, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Cuban Christmas Dec 25, 2010

Chef Douglas Rodriguez joins us with a Cuban take on the Christmas feast. The legendary Paula Wolfert joins us with her book Mediterranean Clay Pot Cooking. And we have a tale of a childhood gingerbread house gone mad from Augusten Burroughs, author of You'd Better Not Cry: Stories for Christmas. Emeril Lagasse brings us holiday recipes inspired by his mother.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 18, 2009 (originally aired)
December 25, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Nigella's Kitchen Dec 18, 2010

This week Nigella Lawson is stopping by with her new book, Nigella Kitchen, Recipes From the Heart of Home. Food & Wine Magazine's Anthony Giglio introduces us to the bubbly wines of Italy. Sally Schneider, creator of The Improvisational Cook is back with her annual list of homemade food gifts and the Sterns are at Garcia's Kitchen in Albuquerque, NM.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 18, 2010

American Iconoclasts Nov 27, 2010

This week it's a show of American iconoclasts starting with winemaker Randall Grahm of Boony Doon Vineyard. His latest book is Been Doon So Long, A Randall Grahm Vinthology. We then meet the true originator of the no-knead bread technique, Jim Lehey of New York City's famed Sullivan Street Bakery. His book is My Bread, The Revolutionary No-Work, No-Knead Method.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 7, 2009 (originally aired)
November 27, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Thanksgiving '10 Nov 20, 2010

This week we'll get you ready for the Thanksgiving feast with chef Eric Ripert, author of Avec Eric. Grace Young brings us the very American story of Chinese immigrants in the Mississippi Delta. Her latest book is Stir-Frying To the Sky's Edge. And we get stuffing strategy from the New York Time's Melissa Clark, author of In the Kitchen with a Good Appetite.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 20, 2010

The New Portugese Table Oct 30, 2010

We discuss the cuisine of Portugal with David Leite author of The New Portuguese Table. Jane and Michael Stern have found stellar Creamed Chipped Beef at The Breakfast Shoppe in Severna Park, MD, plus we check in with the Hungry Scientist society, and we'll get a few tips for traveling on the cheap from the frugal traveler.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 10, 2009 (originally aired)
October 30, 2010 (rebroadcast)

School Lunch Oct 09, 2010

This week we have a look at school lunch programs, from a lunch lady's eyes. Our guest is Jean Ronnei of the St. Paul, MN public schools. Mario Batali addresses the issue of family meals, and the Sterns are eating soul food in the Arizona desert at Mrs. White's Golden Rule. Plus, we get a guide to making simple cured meats at home from Karen Solomon author of Jam It, Pickle It, Cure It and Other Cooking Projects.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 3, 2009 (originally aired)
October 9, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Catching Fire Sep 11, 2010

What makes man, man and an ape an ape? According to Richard Wrangham it is not one's ability to fashion tool, but rather the ability to cook. He is the author of Catching Fire, How Cooking Made Us Human. The Sterns are in LA eating a French Dip at its origin, Philippe's French Dip Restaurant, and there is a new movement sweeping across America group canning sessions.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 26, 2009 (originally aired)
September 11, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Asian Pickle Sep 04, 2010

We're looking at the art of the Asian pickle with Alex Hozven creator of the Cultured Pickle Shop in Berkely, CA, the Sterns are visiting Moonlight BBQ in Owensboro, KY, Fred Plotkin teaches us how to take an eaters vacation without a rental car, and Amy Stewart author of Wicked Plants: A Book of Botanical Atrocities introduces us to the darker side of Mother Nature.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 12, 2009 (originally aired)
September 4, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Soaked, Slathered, and Seasoned Aug 14, 2010

What does a chef consider the most important tool in the kitchen? Chef and writer Daniel Patterson has a surprising answer for all of those who love to cook. He is the author of Aroma. Jane and Michael Stern are looking at the phenomenon of the "slider" and Elizabeth Karmel author of Soaked, Slathered and Seasonings, fills us in on the latest developments in outdoor grilling.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 15, 2009 (originally aired)
August 14, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Cooking Green Aug 07, 2010

This week we have lessons in greening your kitchen with Kate Heyhoe, author of Cooking Green: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint in the Kitchen. New York Times columnist Melissa Clark gives us a lesson in blended summer soups, and cheesemonger Steve Jenkins explains the real cost of artisan cheeses. The Sterns are dining at (probably) the best delicatessen in America, and Lynne answers your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 1, 2009 (originally aired)
August 7, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Hmong Kitchen Jul 10, 2010

We're in Lynne's kitchen to learn about one of our most elusive immigrant cuisines, that of the Hmong people of Southeast Asia. Our guides are the authors of Cooking From the Heart: the Hmong Kitchen in America. Jane and Michael Stern are eating pancakes near the fountain of youth at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill in De Leon Springs, FL, and we get the perfect summer sauce from Michael Ruhlman, author of Ratio: The Simple Codes Behiond the Craft of Everyday Cooking.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 11, 2009 (originally aired)
July 10, 2010 (rebroadcast)

In Defense of Food Jul 03, 2010

We're talking to food activist Michael Pollan, author of In Defense of Food about the intersection between sustainable foods, and our real life pocketbooks. Jane and Michael Stern have been researching the green chile cheeseburger in New Mexico and we look at the origins of the American potato chip with Dirk Burhans author of Crunch, A History of the Great American Potato Chip.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 18, 2009 (originally aired)
July 3, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Supper for a Song Jun 19, 2010

Lynne guides us on a tour of resourcefulness of all kinds. British food writer Tamasin Day-Lewis, author of Supper for a Song, shares her rather militant stand on how and why to cook at home, an adoring newlywed finds a cheaper alternative for his bride's breakfast, and we hear the story Remembering Smell how Bonnie Blodgett's loss of smell changed everything she knew about food and taste. Also on the show, a roundup of indoor composters, the trivia challenge, and Lynne's expert advice on your kitchen conundrums.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 19, 2010

Move a Little, Lose a Lot Jun 12, 2010

The Mayo Clinic's Dr. James Levine is convinced that we are moving animals, not sitting animals and that is the key to keeping our weight in check, He is the author of Move A Little, Lose A Lot. The Sterns have met the happy cows behind the divine ice cream at Woodside Farm in Delaware, and we learn the art of the grown-up popsicle from Karen Solomon author of Jam It, Pickle It, Cure It.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 13, 2009 (originally aired)
June 12, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Where Our Food Comes From May 29, 2010

This week, Lynne talks with Ethnobiologist, conservationist and farmer Gary Nabhan about the story of a profound visionary who set out to end famine, and the price he paid. Gary's latest book is Where Our Food Comes From: Retracing Nikolay Vavilov's Quest to End Famine. James Villas, the southern gentleman of the food world, stops by to talk about his new book, Pig: King of the Southern Table, Ian Cheney talks about truck farming, the Sterns tell us about Sacramento's Squeeze Inn, and Lynne answers your kitchen questions.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 29, 2010

Life on the Wedge May 22, 2010

Lynne takes us deep into the issues facing independent cheese producers with Gordon Edgar, author of Cheesemonger, A Life on the Wedge. She also discusses local dairies and small-scale farming with Tracey Ryder. Also on the show, the Sterns have found first-rate seafood at Sting Ray's in Cape Charles, VA, Sally Schneider re-uses her kitchen cabinets, and Scott Hule tells us why it's not so bad to break a wineglass. And of course, a healthy dose of Lynne's expert advice on your kitchen questions.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 22, 2010

Billionaire's Vinegar May 15, 2010

This week we've a modern wine mystery with Benjamin Wallace author of The Billionaire's Vinegar: The Mystery of the World's Most Expensive Bottle of Wine. Jane and Michael Stern are noshing donuts at Round Rock Donuts in Round Rock, TX, Sally Schneider author of The Improvised Life website introduces us to the allure of Orange Flower Water, and David Rosengarten, the man behind the opinionated Rosengarten Report talks about how gazpacho is made on its home turf of Spain.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 30, 2008 (originally aired)
May 15, 2010 (rebroadcast)

All Things Teriyaki May 08, 2010

This week historian John T. Edge tells the story of Seattles obsession with all things teriyaki, Jane and Michael Stern have found the ultimate hangover cure in New Orleans a dish called Ya-Ka Mein and we get a take on the 5 Stages of Grief, "pea" grief that it is, from Emily Franklin, author of Too Many Cooks.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 8, 2010

Vegan Soul Kitchen Apr 17, 2010

This week it's Bryant Terry, author of Vegan Soul Kitchen, Jane and Michael Stern are at M & M Cigar Store in Butte, MT, Michael Ruhlman explains the culinary codes behind every successful recipe. He is the author of Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking, and we hear a story of grieving and revival at the farmer's market with Suzanne Pirret, author of The Pleasure is All Mine.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 2, 2009 (originally aired)
April 17, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Handmade Knives Apr 03, 2010

This week we're meeting up with one of the world's master blade smiths, Bob Kramer, the Sterns are at Pizzeria Lauretano in Bethel, CT, and we look at the new world of edible landscapes with Rosalind Creasy, author of Rosalind Creasy's Recipes from the Garden.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 25, 2009 (originally aired)
April 3, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Hogs and Hominy Mar 20, 2010

It's a look at America's soul food with Frederick Opie, author of Hog and Hominy, Jane and Michael Stern are getting a two-for-one deal on corned beef at McBob's in Milwaukee, WI, and Food & Wine Magazine's Ray Isle tells us where to look for the best global wine values.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 11, 2009 (originally aired)
March 20, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Buffalo Hunt Mar 13, 2010

We're exploring the mind and ethics of the hunter with Steve Rinella, author of American Buffalo, In Search of a Lost Icon, we get advice on kitchen cleanup music with Tom Moon, author of 1,000 Recordings To Hear Before You Die and we meet bean-obsessed Steve Sando, author of Heirloom Beans.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 28, 2009 (originally aired)
March 13, 2010 (rebroadcast)

A Trip to Mexico Feb 27, 2010

We're taking you on an eating trip to Mexico City this week. Lynne and our managing producer, Sally Swift, recently returned from a week of total culinary immersion. We have it all: the tastes, the sounds and the generosity of local experts, including a lesson in authenticity from Diana Kennedy as she opens her Mexican eco house to us. It's an hour you won't want to miss!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 28, 2009 (originally aired)
February 27, 2010 (rebroadcast)

The Price of Food Feb 20, 2010

How do restaurateurs get us to eat what they want us eat? We'll find out with William Poundstone author of Pricesless: The Myth of Fair Value (and How to Take Advantage of it). We'll check-in with the Sterns, who are at The Cove in Crisfield, MD; and we look at the lure of ice fishing with Greg Breining author of A Hard Water World: Ice-Fishing and Why We Do It.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 20, 2010

Yolele Feb 13, 2010

This week we're being introduced to the lush foods of Senegal with Pierre Thiam, author of Yolele: Recipes from the Heart of Senegal. Jane and Michael Stern are at Sahagún in Portland, OR, and we learn the art of cooking on your car engine with Bill Sheller, author of Manifold Destiny.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 14, 2009 (originally aired)
February 13, 2010 (rebroadcast)

The World is Fat Feb 06, 2010

This week we're looking at how other countries deal with their obesity issues with Barry Popkin author of The World is Fat. Jane and Michael Stern are at B & W Bakery in Hackensack, NJ, and we learn about the link between a Korean soap opera and the rise of Korean court food in Asia with Debra Samuels, author of The Korean Table.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 7, 2009 (originally aired)
February 6, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Irish Cuisine Jan 30, 2010

We're looking at the country cooking of Ireland with award-winning writer Colman Andrews. And this week, the Sterns are introducing us to the cousin of the Po'Boy in New Orleans.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 30, 2010

Stumptown Coffee Jan 23, 2010

This week we learn the art of cupping with Portland's legendary Stumptown Coffee; Joshua Wesson introduces us to the world's iconic grapes, and we play a round of "Stump the Cook" with Stumpmaster Christopher Kimball of Cook's Illustrated.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 24, 2009 (originally aired)
January 23, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Jancis Robinson Jan 02, 2010

This week we meet the woman behind the wine guide considered by most to be the most comprehensive ever published. England's Jancis Robinson, author of The Oxford Companion to Wine. Jane and Michael Stern are visiting Dave's Carry-Out in Charleston, SC, and Gourmet Magazine's John Willoughby introduces us the restaurants of Istanbul.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 10, 2009 (originally aired)
January 2, 2010 (rebroadcast)

Christmas Past and Present Dec 25, 2009

What does a world-class chef cook for the family Christmas? This week we meet up with Grant Aschatz of Chicago's famed Alinea, Jane and Michael Stern are at the Silvermine Tavern in Norwalk, CT, Sally Schneider, author of The Improvisational Cook, teaches us the easy way to make homemade chocolates, Martha Holmberg, author of Puff introduces us to simplest of fancy ingredients, puff pastry, and mixologist Dale DeGroff, author of The Essential Cocktail joins us with his take on holiday imbibing.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 20, 2008 (originally aired)
December 25, 2009 (rebroadcast)

Heston Blumenthal Nov 28, 2009

This week we have British chef Heston Blumenthal author of Further Adventures in Search of Perfection. Jane and Michael Stern are at Singleton Seafood Shack in Mayport, Fl. We talk with Chef Vitaly Paley, author of The Paley's Place Cookbook, and Jenn Garbee, author of Secret Suppers: Rogue Chefs and Underground Restaurants in Warehouses, Townhouses, Open Fields and Everywhere in Between.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 15, 2008 (originally aired)
November 28, 2009 (rebroadcast)

Happy Thanksgiving Nov 21, 2009

This week for Thanksgiving we meet up with Chef Marcus Samuelsson for a new take on the turkey. His latest book is New American Table. Historian Andy Smith reminds us of the real origin of Thanksgiving Day, and Lynne takes on the great feast ... vegetarian style.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 21, 2009

The Real Price of Food Nov 14, 2009

We talk to Paul Roberts author of The End of Food, about global food prices. Jane and Michael Stern authors of 500 Things To Eat Before It's Too Late, are at Famous Fourth Street Delicatessen in Philadelphia, PA, and Shirley Corriher, author of BakeWise, The Hows and Whys of Successful Baking, brings us some practical baking advice as we head into high baking season.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 8, 2008 (originally aired)
November 14, 2009 (rebroadcast)

Mad Hungry Oct 31, 2009

This week, we talk about feeding a bunch of guys with Lucinda Scala Quinn, author of Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys; and we're learning about the relationship between food and gangster movies with Rebecca Epstein. Plus, Lynne talks with Andrea Nguyen, who shares her techniques for mastering Asian Dumplings. The Sterns are eating huge portions at Rocky & Carlo's Restaurant in Chalmette, LA. Plus your calls, our weekly trivia question, and a rousing edition of Stump the Cook!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 31, 2009

Pok Pok Oct 24, 2009

This week we go into the kitchen with Andy Ricker, the man behind Portland's legendary Thai restaurant Pok Pok. Jane and Michael Stern are noshing kolaches in West, Texas, and wine authority Josh Wesson suggests some smooth sips for rough times.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 1, 2008 (originally aired)
October 24, 2009 (rebroadcast)

Marcella and Victor Hazan Oct 17, 2009

This week we're catching up with Italian food authorities Marcella and Victor Hazan. Marcella's latest project is her autobiography, Amarcord, Marcella Remembers. Jane and Michael Stern are eating Czech food at Belgrade Gardens outside of Akron, OH, and Harold McGee, author of the seminal On Food and Cooking explains the remarkable link between extra-virgin olive oil and ibuprofen.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 4, 2008 (originally aired)
October 17, 2009 (rebroadcast)

Oregon Pinot Noir Sep 19, 2009

This week we are meeting a winemaking legend, David Lett of Oregon's famed Eyrie Vineyard, Jane and Michael Stern are eating ice cream at Ici in Berkeley, CA and New York City food authority Mike Colameco introduces us to Izakayas, Japanese drinking places.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 20, 2008 (originally aired)
September 19, 2009 (rebroadcast)

Heirloom Tomatoes Sep 05, 2009

This week it's all things tomato with Amy Goldman author of The Heirloom Tomato: From Garden to Table, Jane and Michael Stern are at the Formica Brothers Bakery in Atlantic City, NJ, and writer David Leite, editor of the Web site Leite's Culinaria takes on the Toll House Cookie.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 13, 2008 (originally aired)
September 5, 2009 (rebroadcast)

Craig Claiborne Aug 29, 2009

Historian John T. Edge take a look back at one of America's great food treasures, Craig Claiborne, the Sterns share their pick of great public markets on both coasts and wine writer Paul Lukacs from Wine Review Online introduces to the wines of Priorat.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 29, 2009

Summer Fruits Aug 22, 2009

This week it's the domestic goddess of the British Isles, TV star and author Nigella Lawson talking those oh-so-evocative summer fruit dishes of England - from fools to flummeries to an unusual take on raspberry jam. Nigella's latest book is Nigella Express. It's burnt ends sandwiches at LC's Bar-B-Q in Kansas City, Missouri for Jane and Michael Stern. Wine wizard Joshua Wesson says we need to be putting a chill on some of those reds. He'll tell us which ones. Chad Ward, author of An Edge in the Kitchen: The Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Knives, has advice for getting the best knives for your money, and Dave Broom has some surprises from the World Whisky Awards.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 23, 2008 (originally aired)
August 22, 2009 (rebroadcast)

The Food Life Aug 08, 2009

This week we're meeting one of the pioneers in America's artisan cheese movement, our very own Steve Jenkins author of The Food Life: Inside the World of Food with the Grocer Extraordinaire at Fairway. Jane and Michael Stern are at Halibut in Portland, OR and we look at the Southern way with picnics, with Jean Anderson author of A Love Affair with Southern Cooking: Recipes and Recollections.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 16, 2008 (originally aired)
August 8, 2009 (rebroadcast)

The Fruit Hunter Jul 25, 2009

This week's guest claims that without fruits we'd still be swinging from trees eating bugs. Fruit-obsessed journalist Adam Leith Gollner joins us for a look at the fruit leggers and their stories as told in his book The Fruit Hunters: The Story of Nature, Adventure, Commerce and Obsession. The Sterns experience a religious moment at the church of heavenly barbecue - Louie Mueller's in Taylor, Texas. Wine maverick Joshua Wesson talks cool wines for steamy days, and food scientist Harold McGee, author of On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen, explains what's really going on with those color-enhanced steaks in the meat case.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 26, 2008 (originally aired)
July 25, 2009 (rebroadcast)

Smoke Grilling Jul 04, 2009

This week we're celebrating the Fourth of July and the start of high summer. Gourmet magazine's John Willoughby talks smoke roasting, a much-ignored technique worthy of revival for its easy and succulent results. John's latest book, Grill It!: Recipes, Techniques, Tools, co-authored with fellow grilling guru Chris Schlesinger, is hot off the press. The Sterns feast on only-in-America fried clams and onion rings at Champlin's Seafood Deck in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Sally Schneider, author of The Improvisational Cook, has ideas for summer coleslaw. Gary Nabhan, co-author of Renewing America's Food Traditions, looks at America's endangered foods, and David Rosengarten, creator of The Rosengarten Report newsletter, talks burger bliss.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 28, 2008 (originally aired)
July 4, 2009 (rebroadcast)

Terroir Jun 27, 2009

All those people talking about a wine's "terroir", meaning the place the grapes come from. Can we really taste it? We get the scientific last word from Harold McGee author of the seminal On Food and Cooking. Jane and Michael Stern are at Woodyard Bar-B-Que in Kansas City, KS, and novelist Nicole Mones tell us about the time in Chinese culinary history which she used as a framework for her latest novel, The Last Chinese Chef.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 2, 2007 (originally aired)
May 24, 2008 (rebroadcast)
June 27, 2009 (rebroadcast)

Spices And The Medieval Imagination Jun 20, 2009

This week it's the seeds and bark that changed the planet. We're talking spices, the stuff of wonderment and avarice in the medieval world with Paul Freedman, author of Out of the East: Spices and the Medieval Imagination. It's a St. Augustine, Florida special for Jane and Michael Stern at Saltwater Cowboy's. We talk with Peter Shafer, our Gastrosexual for the month of June. Tea purist Bill Waddington, proprietor of St. Paul's TeaSource, has summer in a glass iced teas for the lazy at heart, and culinary improv artist Sally Schneider has a brief on the wallflower of the farm stand the beet.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 12, 2008 (originally aired)
June 20, 2009 (rebroadcast)

Reflections of a Wine Merchant Jun 06, 2009

This week it's the making of a wine merchant with Neal Rosenthal, one of the wine world's most respected importers. We'll hear the story of how he learned his craft and much more. His book is Reflections of a Wine Merchant.

It's world class chili with the Sterns at Joe Roger's Chili Parlor in Springfield, Illinois; and we're eating on the cheap abroad with Anya Von Bremzen. Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones, has secrets for flourishing well into our tenth decade, and we'll hear about a new kind of eatery in Denver named So All May Eat.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 21, 2008 (originally aired)
June 6, 2009 (rebroadcast)

The Warmest Room in the House May 30, 2009

This week it's a look at the American kitchen—from the sanitized scientific outpost of yesteryear to today's family-oriented center of cherry cabinets, granite countertops and culinary toys galore. Our guest is Steven Gdula, author of The Warmest Room in the House: How the Kitchen Became the Heart of the Twentieth-Century American Home. Who but the Sterns would have found a snack cake worth a journey? It's the Twinkie of Michael's dreams at Bette's Oceanview Diner in Berkeley, California.

Wine expert Joshua Wesson is back and he's talking Grüner Veltliner, the centerpiece of Austria's wine industry. Greg Patent tells how he tracked the great recipes of America's immigrant families while researching his latest book A Baker's Odyssey. He shares a recipe for Fatayar, a Lebanese lamb and onion pie.

Professor of German Chris Wickham fills us in on Food in the Arts, a symposium of academics from around the world at the University of Texas at San Antonio. We'll hear the story of New Orleans jazz man Kermit Ruffins and his band called the BBQ Swingers, and Lynne shares the seafood websites that keep her in the loop about environmental and health concerns and fish that's okay to eat.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 23, 2008 (originally aired)
May 30, 2009 (rebroadcast)

A Slurper's Quartet May 23, 2009

This week it's a look at the noodle foursome that's the heart of Japan's beloved noodle cuisine: udon, somen, soba and ramen. Our guide is Chef Takashi Yagihashi, author of Takashi's Noodles. He talks noodle cooking, noodle etiquette, and the Japanese way with noodles that may even outflank Italy.

Jane and Michael Stern are forking into some of the most sublime banana cream pie anywhere at Betty's Pies on Minnesota's North Shore.

Indian food expert Raghavan Iyer has the fastest, lustiest breads you'll ever make. Forget the oven; for this quick bread you need to fire up your grill. Raghavan's latest book is 660 Curries: The Gateway to Indian Cooking.

American Public Media commentator and dad John Moe tells of a little experiment in dinner table politics. Parents of picky little eaters will want to tune in!

Brendan Newnam takes an off-center approach to the dinner party and it all starts with a joke. Then poet Nikki Giovanni reads her poem "So Enchanted with You" from her book Bicycles: Love Poems.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 23, 2009

Isaac Mizrahi May 16, 2009

This week, it's a fashionista in the kitchen. We'll talk with designer Isaac Mizrahi, who has some strong opinions about cookbooks and some "issues" with entertaining.

For the Sterns it's the cream of the cremas (and pastries) at Crema in Portland, Oregon. Produce maven Russ Parsons talks how to find the ever-elusive great strawberry, Lettie Teague is back with new trends in house wines, we'll play a new round of Stump the Cook with celebrity stump master Christopher Kimball, and Richard Wiles has a shoppers guide for avoiding pesticides in produce.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 7, 2008 (originally aired)
May 16, 2009 (rebroadcast)

The Cork Controversy May 09, 2009

This week we're looking at the wine cork controversy with journalist George Tabor, author of To Cork or Not to Cork: Tradition, Romance, Science and the Bottle for the Wine Bottle. Jane and Michael Stern are taking us to upstate NY to raise our "hot dog consciousness" at Ted's in Tonawanda, NY, and the Wine Spectator's Matt Kramer introduces us to his favorite white wine, reisling.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 31, 2008 (originally aired)
May 9, 2009 (rebroadcast)

660 Curries Apr 18, 2009

Today we are learning how to build a curry with award-winning teacher Raghavan Iyer, author of 660 Curries. Jane and Michael Stern have found pecan pie worth the trip at the Texas Pie Company in Kyle, TX. Joshua Wesson brings us wines for the picnic basket and we look the misunderstandings behind MSG with The New York Time's Julia Moskin.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 18, 2008 (originally aired)
April 18, 2009 (rebroadcast)

Islamic Kitchens Apr 04, 2009

This week it's a look at the golden age of Islamic food and conquest with guest Charles Perry, historian of Arab cuisine. Mr. Perry authored the foreword to Medieval Cuisine of the Islamic World: A Concise History with 174 Recipes.

It's clam chowder Rhode Island style for Jane and Michael Stern at Kitchen Little, just over the border in Mystic, Connecticut.

Baking authority Dorie Greenspan talks the one and only Paris macaroon a local obsession and leaves us a recipe for Chocolate Macaroons.

Lynne and Mannaging Producer Sally Swift bring us round two of "Back to the Table" with the basic rules of the stir-fry.

Kim Adams, one of seven Detroit area wine crazies who created the website Gang of Pour has a beginner's guide to making your own vinegar from leftover wine.

Professor Henry Petroski chats about the toothpick, the latest ordinary object to catch his attention and the focus of his latest book, The Toothpick: Technology and Culture; and, as always, the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 1, 2008 (originally aired)
April 4, 2009 (rebroadcast)

The Queen of Fats Mar 21, 2009

This week it's a look at the fat we hear so much about—Omega-3—and why it's gone missing from our diet. Science writer Susan Allport joins us with ideas for replacing this endangered "good" fat. She is the author of Queen of Fats: Why Omega-3s Were Removed from the Western Diet and What We Can Do to Replace Them.

The Sterns claim the folks at Skylight Inn Bar-B-Q in Ayden, North Caroline make the world's best and purest whole-hog barbecue. We'll have a report. Russ Parsons of the Los Angeles Times is back talking the glory of spring peas, including the overlooked fresh fava. He shares a recipe for Sugar Snap Pea Soup with Parmesan Cream from his book How to Pick a Peach.

It's a look at the battle for Barolo with Food & Wine magazine's Lettie Teague. Experts are turning themselves inside out over the controversy. Lettie tells all. Freelance writer Julie Hauserman has a tale of little nippers and an addiction, and software developer Thunder Parley talks life as the in-house critic for Google's eighteen employee restaurants and cafes.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 22, 2008 (originally aired)
March 21, 2009 (rebroadcast)

Buyology Mar 14, 2009

This week it's a look at why we buy. What drives us to purchase nonsense, even when we're watching every penny? Branding consultant Martin Lindstrom examined this behavior with neuroscientists at Oxford University. The findings convinced him that mysterious forces we aren't even aware of propel us to open our wallets for things we don't need or want. His book is Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy.

The Sterns have been wandering the Louisiana bayous, where they found great eats at Mosca's, a vintage Italian roadhouse in Avondale. Wine maverick Josh Wesson gives American Riesling its due. It's the perfect wine for how we eat today. We check in with Chef Gabrielle Hamilton at Prune in New York City. She shines at her restaurant stove, but feeding two toddlers at home is another story.

Then it's to the opposite coast and Portland, Oregon where little money gets you brilliant feasting at the city's food carts; and New York Times reporter Julia Moskin reveals the hottest new cooking tool you'll never find on the equipment sites and in the cookware stores.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 14, 2009

Bananas and Politics Mar 07, 2009

This week it's a different look at the seemingly simple and innocent banana. It's played a role in building regimes, toppling governments, partnering with the CIA and even gave Elvis his legendary grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich. Our guest is Dan Koeppel, author of Banana: The Fate of the Fruit that Changed the World.

The Sterns have found five-star Mexican food at Rosita's in the small Great Plains town of Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

Sally Schneider is back talking savory ideas for lemons. Try her recipe for Risotto with Dry Sherry and Lemon from her book, The Improvisational Cook.

Reporter Guy Hand tells of the morphing of the tater tot. From the ridiculous to the sublime, it's the story of what happened to those crispy little nuggets that started out as cattle feed in the Pacific Northwest and ended up in trendy bars all across America.

Lynne and Christopher Kimball of Cook's Illustrated fame play another round of Stump the Cook with Chris from St. Louis.

Professor Jessica Harris, the first scholar-in-residence to hold the chair endowed by Ray Charles at Dillard University, talks about the musician's great generosity, how he loved to eat, and his support of African-American culture.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 15, 2008 (originally aired)
March 7, 2009 (rebroadcast)

Service Included Feb 21, 2009

This week it's a peek into the life of a waiter at one of the world's most demanding restaurants. It's a profession and high craft, and not for the faint of heart. Our guest is Phoebe Damrosch, former waiter at Chef Thomas Keller's acclaimed Per Se in New York City. Phoebe tells all in her book Service Included: Four-Star Secrets of an Eavesdropping Waiter.

The Sterns are at Grove Café in Ames, Iowa, where they're forking up pancakes true to their name-huge, pan-size disks of thick and fluffy deliciousness.

Cheesemonger Steve Jenkins is back with a look at the cheeses of the Pyrenees. Improvisational cook Sally Schneider talks the theory and practice of meat loaf and shares her recipe for Lamb Meat Loaf with Cumin, Coriander and Fennel.

Pierre Laszlo, Professor Emeritus of chemistry at the University of Liege in Belgium, tells the story of what happened when a group trying out Utopia in California wrote a letter to the USDA. Professor Laszlo wants us to try his recipe for Tarte au Citron from his latest book, Citrus: A History.

Streit Matzo, the last family-owned matzo factory in the country is moving from its long-time home on New York's Lower East Side. Fourth-generation family member Aaron Gross explains why.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 16, 2008 (originally aired)
February 21, 2009 (rebroadcast)

Stock Making with Michael Ruhlman Jan 31, 2009

This week it's the one recipe that can make all the difference: stock. Author Michael Ruhlman guides us through the steps to creating that essential elixir that, when well made, can turn a new cook into a good cook, or a good cook into a great one. His recipe for Basic Brown Veal Stock gets us started. Michael's new book is The Elements of Cooking: Translating the Chef's Craft for Every Kitchen. Jane and Michael Stern chomp down on the "Pastraminator" at the All-Star Sandwich Bar in Cambridge, Massachusetts. One person says yams, another says sweet potatoes, one of them is wrong.

Los Angeles Times food and wine journalist Russ Parsons, author of How to Pick a Peach cracks the confusing codes behind yams and sweet potatoes and leaves us his recipe for Sweet Potato Puree with Hazelnut Soufflé Top. Historian Ken Albala talks beans-all 18,000 varieties in all their confounding glory. Ken is the author of Beans: A History. Zak Rosen celebrates 100 years of Faygo pop, the beloved quirky beverage from Motown. Susanna Short, author of Bundt Cake Bliss, talks the come-back gâteau and shares her recipe for Pine Nut and Chili Bundt with Chili Glaze.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 26, 2008 (originally aired)
January 31, 2009 (rebroadcast)

Locavore Nation Jan 17, 2009

We are taking a look at our Locavore Nation project. 15 adventurous souls took on the challenge to eat a sustainable, local diet for a year. We will weigh in with the results. Locavore novelist Barbara Kingsolver, author of Animal, Vegetable. Miracle: A Year of Food Life joins us for a commentary on the results.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 17, 2009

Padma Lakshmi Dec 27, 2008

Our guest this week is Padma Lakshmi, host of TV's reality show, "Top Chef." Her famous line is "please pack your knives and go." Padma packed her knives, cooked her way around the world, then came home to write her new book Tangy Tart Hot Sweet: A World of Recipes for Every Day. Her food, including Two Hens Laughing, is some of the most alluring to come along in some time.

Great smoked fish lured Jane and Michael Stern to Duluth, Minnesota (in the winter, no less) and the Northern Waters Smokehaus. Also in Duluth, the Damiano Center is feeding hundreds of folks every day with perfectly good food that stores, restaurants and farmers throw away. It's the kind of good-news story we love.

Zoe Francois and Jeff Hertzberg stop by to tell us how we can make our own artisan bread in five minutes a day (no kidding). Five-Minute Artisan Bread is from their book Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery that Revolutionizes Home Baking.

Christopher Kimball of Cook's Illustrated fame is back for another round of Stump the Cook, and David Wallechinsky, author of The New Book of Lists, reveals the one he claims isn't yet complete.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 15, 2007 (originally aired)
December 27, 2008 (rebroadcast)

Meat: A Love Story Dec 13, 2008

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 13, 2008

Robert Parker Jr. Dec 06, 2008

This week it's the story behind the wine world's most revered and feared critic. One bad review from him can take a wine down. He's Robert Parker, Jr. and his power is both rare and absolute. We'll find out what shapes and informs his legendary palate. Look for the 7th and latest edition of his classic Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide in bookstores now.

Who but the Sterns would go for apple pancakes with potato pancakes on the side? They're at the Northside Grill in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Christopher Kimball of America's Test Kitchen stops by with this year's crop of top kitchen gadgets just in time for holiday gifting.

Food scientist to the pros and award-winning author Shirley Corriher is back and she's talking cookie control - what we need to know for successful baking that no one else tells us. Her wonderful book, BakeWise: The Hows and Whys of Successful Baking, is hot off the press.

Tea merchant Bill Waddington shares some interesting tea customs, and Hillary Carlip (www.hillarycarlip.com), author of A la Carte: The Secret Lives of Grocery Shoppers, lets us in on an unusual kind of culinary collectible.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 6, 2008

Cooking with Joshua Bell Nov 29, 2008

This week it's a cooking lesson with a virtuoso. Violinist Joshua Bell has received every accolade imaginable in his career, including a Grammy for his stunning performance in the soundtrack of the Academy Award-winning film The Red Violin. Now he's creating his first home and he wants to learn to cook. He and Lynne met up at the stove in his New York City kitchen where Tagliatelle with Caramelized Oranges Almonds was the lesson of the day.

The Sterns are in Cleveland where they're eating Wiener Schnitzel and Dobos Torte at Balaton. Sally Schneider, author of The Improvisational Cook, returns with a cold weather cooking technique you will love.

Food scientist Harold McGee, author of the seminal On Food and Cooking, explains those ever more confounding scientific contortions coming out of restaurant kitchens these days. And We'll hear from the United States Oyster Shucking Champion.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 10, 2007 (originally aired)
November 29, 2008 (rebroadcast)

Happy Thanksgiving! Nov 22, 2008

This week it's Jeff Henderson, "Chef Jeff" of the Chef Jeff project on The Food Network, Jane and Michael Stern are at Enstrom's Toffee in Grand Junction, CO. And we visit with Dorie Greenspan author of Baking, From My Home to Yours, and Gourmet magazine's John Willoughby.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 22, 2008

Pork & Sons Oct 25, 2008

This week we have a homage to all things porcine, and the story of family life in a rural French village from French chef Stéphane Reynaud, author of Pork & Sons, Jane and Michael Stern have found the "krunkest" fish in Nashville at Eastside Fish, and Kim Marcus of The Wine Spectator brings us up to date on the wines of Portugal.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 3, 2007 (originally aired)
October 25, 2008 (rebroadcast)

Axis of Evil Oct 18, 2008

This weeks it's the intersection of food and international relations with Chris Fair, author of Cuisines of the Axis of Evil and Other Irritating States: A Dinner Party Approach to International Relations. Jane and Michael Stern are eating cream puffs at Butler's Donuts in Somerset, MA and Gourmet Magazine's John Willoughby brings us their picks of America's legendary restaurants.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 18, 2008

Living in a Foreign Language Oct 11, 2008

This week we peek at the fantasy life of a house in Tuscany with Michael Tucker, author of Living in a Foreign Language, A Memoir of Food, Wine and Love. Sally Schneider author of A New Way to Cook gives us a fresh take on pears, and Seattle chef Tom Douglas explains the trials and tribulations of becoming a "gentleman" farmer.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 3, 2007 (originally aired)
October 11, 2008 (rebroadcast)

The House of Mondavi Sep 27, 2008

This week we talk to journalist Julia Flynn Siler author of The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty. Jane and Michael Stern are at Kumback Lunch in Perry, OK. David Rosengarten looks at the origins of ramen noodles. And for an interpretation of an epicurean's take on happiness we turn to philosopher and historian Jennifer Michael Hecht, author of The Happiness Myth: Why What We Think is Right is Wrong.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 8, 2007 (originally aired)
September 27, 2008 (rebroadcast)

Sowing for the Apocalypse Sep 06, 2008

We're looking at global seed banks with journalist John Seabrook, author of The New Yorker article, Sowing For the Apocalypse. Jane and Michael Stern are at Short Sugar's BBQ in Reidsville, NC, wine wit Joshua Wesson takes us to Italy's premier wine event, Vin Italy, and Jill Carle, co-author of College Cooking: Feed Yourself and Your Friends, has ideas for breaking out of the popcorn and noodle cup rut.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 15, 2007 (originally aired)
September 6, 2008 (rebroadcast)

Who Is Responsible for Protecting Our Food? Aug 09, 2008

This week we're talking to distinguished nutritionist and food activist Marion Nestle about who should really be responsible for our food supply. She is the author of What To Eat. The Stern's are at Standard Baking on the Portland, ME waterfront and Sally Schneider author of the award-winning The Improvisational Cook gives us a new view of the kitchen staple, the egg.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 9, 2007 (originally aired)
August 9, 2008 (rebroadcast)

Sushi Aug 02, 2008

We're taking a look at sushi-what we never knew about it, that the way we eat it is probably all wrong, and that its birthplace in not Japan. Our guest is journalist Trevor Corson, author of The Zen of Fish: The Story of Sushi, from Samurai to Supermarket. The Sterns are in Colorado where they're tucking into cinnamon rolls the size of dinner plates at Johnson's Corner in Loveland.

Middle Eastern food authority and historian, Claudia Roden, brings us something new to grill: kafta, the ground meat kebabs that every country in the region makes its own. She leaves us her recipe for Moroccan Kebabs from her beautiful new book Arabesque: A Taste of Morocco, Turkey, & Lebanon. Whisky maker John Glaser of Compass Box Whisky Company has been dubbed a maverick by the trade for his new-style blends of Scotch. He stops by with samples for Lynne.

French chef and national treasure Jacques Pépin talks the small simple things he's created over a lifetime of cooking that make sensational eating. He leaves us his recipe for Fromage Fort from his latest, and perhaps most personal, book, Chez Jacques: Traditions and Rituals of a Cook. Carolin Young, author of Apples of Gold in Settings of Silver: Stories of Dinner as a Work of Art, fills us in on her Paris walking and dining tours; and, as always, the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 30, 2007 (originally aired)
August 2, 2008 (rebroadcast)

Jose Andres Jul 19, 2008

This week we meet the charming Spanish wunder chef Jose Andres, host of PBS's Jose's Made in Spain. The Sterns are in Sacramento, CA eating Squeeze Burgers at The Squeeze Inn, and Lynne puts veggie burgers to a taste test in her kitchen.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 19, 2008

Hiking Man Jul 05, 2008

This week we talk to journalist Dave Plotnikoff about his hike from the Mexican border to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail and the food that ended up being the touch point of the trip. He is the author of "Hungry Man" from the July 2007 issue of Saveur Magazine. Jane and Michael Stern are eating planked whitefish and ice cream "Thunderclouds" at Juilleret's in Harbor Springs, MI, and Russ Parsons, author of How to Pick a Peach explains the rules about produce and the refrigerator.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 21, 2007 (originally aired)
July 5, 2008 (rebroadcast)

The Cheese Nun Jun 14, 2008

This week we have the story of Mother Noella Marcellino who found her calling in a Benedictine abbey and the cheese caves of France. The Stern's are at Clanton's in Vinita, OK eating chicken fried steak. Wine wit Josh Wesson introduces us to the delicious and overlooked sparkling red wines of summer. Marian Burros of The New York Times recommends sources for grass fed beef, and attorney Cameron Stracher, author of Dinner with Dad: How I Found My Way Back to the Family Table, tells the tale of what happens when a working dad takes over dinner for a year.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 17, 2007 (originally aired)
June 14, 2008 (rebroadcast)

Philippine Kitchens May 10, 2008

We are looking at the foods of the Philippine's this week with Amy Besa, author of Memories of Philippine Kitchens: Stories and Recipes from Far and Near, Jane and Michael Stern are at Prince's Hot Chicken Shack in Nashville, TN and Sally Schneider author of the award-winning The Improvisational Cook gives us a cooking lesson for spring.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 26, 2007 (originally aired)
May 10, 2008 (rebroadcast)

Educating Peter May 03, 2008

We're looking at the education of a wine rookie with Lettie Teague and her student, movie critic Peter Travers. Lettie is the author of Educating Peter, How I Taught a Famous Movie Critic the Difference Between Cabernet and Merlot or How Anybody Can Become and (Almost) Instant Wine Critic. Jane and Michael Stern are in the Mississippi Delta at Rhoda's Famous Hot Tamales and we look at the advent of a new dining trend, one-pot meals served in private homes.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 28, 2007 (originally aired)
May 3, 2008 (rebroadcast)

Honolulu, Hawaii Apr 19, 2008

This week it's a special one-hour program recorded in Hawaii. Aloha! This week we're bringing you a special one-hour program recorded in Hawaii. It's a look at the food and culture of Honolulu and its island of Oahu that few tourists see. You won't want to miss this show.

Famed chef Alan Wong gets us started with a short history lesson, laying out the role immigrants played in the origins of island foods. Then we're off on a whirlwind tour around the island of Oahu, sharing ideas for where to eat and where to shop along the way. We'll talk the local food revolution with farmer Dean Okimoto, visit the Honolulu Fish Auction, tour Chinatown with Joan Namkoong, author of Food Lover's Guide to Honolulu, and stop for shrimp and shave ice on Oahu's north shore.

Keona Mark tells how a native organization is taking taro beyond the infamous poi, and we'll eat from high to low. Along the way we gathered recipes to share, including Hamakua Springs Tomato, Beet and Avocado Salad from the legendary Alan Wong's Restaurant, and a Korean Marinade from Yummy Korean Barbecue in Honolulu's Makai Market.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 17, 2007 (originally aired)
April 19, 2008 (rebroadcast)

Emilia-Romagna; Part 2 Apr 12, 2008

We're still celebrating! This week it's Part Two of our 10th anniversary special recorded in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. This is the region of Italy that Italians consider their culinary jewel, the land of prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Enjoy A Holiday Feast from Ferrara, a menu of recipes handpicked by Lynne for wonderful holiday celebrations.

Learn more about this beautiful country in Lynne's Go-To Guide to Emilia-Romagna and enjoy Lynne's memories and thoughts of Villa Gaidello. (See photos of Lynne in Italy in a slideshow as well.)

Join us for this very special broadcast of intimate armchair travel with one of Italy's greatest fans, Lynne Rossetto Kasper.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 15, 2005 (originally aired)
October 21, 2006 (rebroadcast)
March 3, 2007 (rebroadcast)
April 12, 2008 (rebroadcast)

Emilia-Romagna; Part 1 Apr 05, 2008

This week we're celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Splendid Table® with the first of two shows recorded in Lynne's beloved Emilia-Romagna. This is the region of Italy that Italians consider their culinary jewel, the land of prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Lynne takes us behind the scenes as no one else can - into balsamic attics and kitchens of legendary country restaurants. She takes us to a town where people still set a place at table for the composer Verdi and his music spills out into the street.

Lynne's Go-To Guide to Emilia-Romagna takes us from a salumeria in Parma to a barrista in Bologna, stopping along the way for a pasta class and a visit with an eel fisherman. A Rustic Celebration Supper from the Hills of Parma and Piacenza features a menu and recipes for a casual celebration supper selected by Lynne.

Join us for this very special broadcast of intimate armchair travel with one of Italy's greatest fans, Lynne Rossetto Kasper.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 8, 2005 (originally aired)
October 14, 2006 (rebroadcast)
April 5, 2008 (rebroadcast)

Thomas Jefferson on Wine Mar 29, 2008

Thomas Jefferson was the first American to make a serious study of wine. He not only collected and drank it, he toured vineyards, learned first hand, and took copious notes. John Hailman, author of Jefferson on Wine, spent 30 years studying the writing of a man way ahead of his time. He joins us this week with the fascinating story.

The Sterns take a detour from road food to feast on old time San Francisco seafood at Sam's Grill in the financial district. Hide the Velveeta and dump that block of mozzarella. The always-opinionated Steve Jenkins is back with new finds that will get us out of a cheese rut.

We have a story of newlyweds that asks an interesting question: can true love overcome Spam? Christopher Kimball plays another round of Stump the Cook, and we'll talk eating and emotion (as in popcorn at the movies.) Lynne shares recipes for Easter Lamb with Red Wine and Black Olives and Soffritto of Tomato and Fresh Herbs with Penne and, as always, takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 24, 2007 (originally aired)
March 29, 2008 (rebroadcast)

Climbing the Mango Trees Mar 08, 2008

This week it's a story of growing up in Delhi, told by Indian food authority and actress Madhur Jaffrey. She came of age at a wrenching time in India's history, in a large family both privileged and conflicted. It's all evoked through Madhur's taste memories and chronicled in her new book, Climbing the Mango Trees: A Memoir of a Childhood in India. Her recipe for Everyday Cauliflower is from the book.

The Sterns are in upstate New York, noshing on Sauceburgers, "Michigans," and fries at McSweeney's in Plattsburgh. Food and Wine magazine's Senior Editor, Ray Isle, stops by to sort through the glut of American Pinot Noir on the market these days and picks the best buys.

Former home-cook-turned-chef at New York City's Prune, Gabrielle Hamilton, tells a story which begins, "It's All Fun and Games Until ..." excerpted from How I Learned to Cook: Culinary Educations from the World's Greatest Chefs. Tune in to find out what happens next. Judith Hoffberg, creator of the International Edible Books Festival, reveals how you can eat your own words and everyone else's, too, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 17, 2007 (originally aired)
March 8, 2008 (rebroadcast)

The Seventh Daughter Feb 09, 2008

This week it's a look at the life of a culinary innovator. Cecilia Chiang was a pioneer in bringing regional Chinese food to America with the opening of The Mandarin, her San Francisco restaurant. It became a culinary landmark and Cecilia became a leader in the city's food community. Her book, The Seventh Daughter: My Culinary Journey from Beijing to San Francisco tells her story. Cecilia's recipe for Lion's Head, a Shanghai specialty, is from the book.

It could be the ultimate corned beef sandwich for Jane and Michael Stern at Tucson's Feig's Kosher Foods. Baking authority Dorie Greenspan is back from "Chocolate University" and stops by with tips for a chocolate tasting. She leaves us her recipe for Gooey Chocolate Cakes from her fabulous book, Baking: From My Home to Yours.

Tea expert Bill Waddington joins Lynne for a tasting of new old teas—two varieties treasured in China but unknown here. Ethan Lowry has the scoop on Urban Spoon, a wonderfully innovative source for good eats in cities across the country. And, as always, the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 9, 2008

United States of Arugula Feb 02, 2008

Those tangibles of the American food revolution — take-out sushi at the gas station, salads of organic baby lettuces and obscure herbs, star chefs, restaurants as Mecca — are no coincidence according to our guest David Kamp, author of The United States of Arugula: How We Became a Gourmet Nation. He believes a parade of freewheeling originals — from Julia Child to Michael Pollan — led us out of the culinary dark ages. We have the story.

The Sterns unveil a transcendental sweet potato pancake at Nashville's Pancake Pantry. Deborah Krasner talks culinary vacations and what you need to know before you hand over the credit card. Her new book The New Outdoor Kitchen: Cooking Up a Kitchen for the Way You Live and Play is due out in February.

It's the New York City burger war with Mike Colameco, our go-to guy in the Big Apple. Singer Alex Kapranos of the Franz Ferdinand band takes us on tour for a look at a rocker's road food. He's the author of Sound Bites: Eating on Tour with Franz Ferdinand.

Eli Winkleman tells the story behind Challah for Hunger, a national student organization addressing humanitarian issues in a unique way. Lynne shares her Homage to California Cuisine: Garlic Bread, Green Bean and Tomato Salad and a recipe for Carrots with Apricots and Pistachios. And the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 13, 2007 (originally aired)
February 2, 2008 (rebroadcast)

Veganomicon Jan 19, 2008

This week we're cooking and eating the vegan way with our guest Isa Chandra Moskowitz, author of Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook. It's less about tofu and more about dynamite vegetables and inventive cooking. Her recipe for Asparagus Quiche with Tomatoes and Tarragon is a delicious introduction.

For Jane and Michael Stern it's that great southern triumvirate—biscuits, ham and sweet tea—at the Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. David Rosengarten takes us to Hyderabad, the Indian city where the rich and regal food of the north meets up with the zing and zap of the cuisines of the south.

Aaron Woolf, director of King Corn, tells the back story behind the new feature documentary about two guys from Boston, one acre of corn, and the subsidized crop that drives our fast-food nation. We'll meet up with Laura Solorio, the first of the 15 "locavores" to participate in our year-long project called Locavore Nation. James Villas, the southern gentleman of the food world, stops by to talk one of those guilty pleasure foods—bacon—and leaves us his recipe for Bacon and Peanut Butter Chocolate Truffles from his new book The Bacon Cookbook.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 19, 2008

Sex, Sleep, Eat, Drink, Dream Jan 12, 2008

Science writer Jennifer Ackerman joins us this week for a scientific take on how our bodies use food and drink. What really controls our appetite and hunger? We'll have some answers. Jennifer's new book is Sex, Sleep, Eat, Drink, Dream: A Day in the Life of Your Body. The Sterns' fondness for prison gift shops led them to some great hush puppies and shredded pork sandwiches at Hocutt's Carolina Barbecue. It's right across from the Big House in Moundsville, West Virginia.

Culinary improviser Sally Schneider, author of The Improvisational Cook takes the intimidation out of the soufflé. Her cheese soufflé recipe is a step-by-step guide to perfect results. Wine writer Natalie MacLean is always game for a new wine experience. When she became a restaurant sommelier for a night she came away with some good tips to share. Natalie is the author of Red, White, and Drunk All Over: A Wine-Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass.

Professor Steven Kaplan, a man who has French bakers shaking in their shoes, stops by to talk French bread. We'll hear about an oyster shell recycling program from Sabrina Varnum of the North Carolina Department of Marine Fisheries, and, as always, Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 12, 2008

Mindless Eating Jan 05, 2008

This week we take a look at what controls our eating. Is it real hunger or something more complex? We'll have answers from our guest, Brian Wansink, director of the Cornell University Food and Brand Laboratory. His new book is Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think. It's an endangered species for the Sterns — an old-time American chili parlor that's alive and well at Mike's Chili Parlor in Seattle.

Food writer Francine Maroukian shares her idiosyncratic approach to building a cookbook library and shares some favorite titles from her own shelves. Then Lynne weighs in with some sources to check when starting or adding to a cookbook collection. That brilliant culinary trickster, Chef Michel Richard, has tips that make the new kitchen technology doable for home cooks. The recipe for Low Carb-O-Nara is from Chef Richard's book Happy in the Kitchen: The Craft of Cooking, the Art of Eating.

Celebrity Stump Master Christopher Kimball returns for another round of Stump the Cook, we have a report on bottled waters, and the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 6, 2007 (originally aired)
January 5, 2008 (rebroadcast)

Nora Ephron Dec 29, 2007

Writer and Director Nora Ephron, author of the best-seller I Feel Bad About My Neck, joins us this week with observations on life and the American food scene, including a provocative take on how the duo of the birth control pill and Julia Child shaped the social history of the late 20th Century.

The Sterns report that the endangered chicken in a pot bubbles proud and free at the Chutzpah in Fairfax, Virginia. Sally Schneider, author of The Improvisational Cook, has her usual effortless take on great hors d'oeuvres, including her recipe for Pancetta Tartines. It's gifts for wine geeks from a master geek himself, The Wine Spectator's Matt Kramer. His latest book is Matt Kramer's Making Sense of Italian Wine.

Fred Plotkin, our pleasure activist and author of Italy for the Gourmet Traveller, talks Vienna, the perfect winter destination, and lines up the must-do coffeehouses. We'll take a look at the new nanny nutrition dilemma, and, as always, Lynne takes your calls

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 16, 2006 (originally aired)
December 29, 2007 (rebroadcast)

December 22: Happy Holidays! Dec 22, 2007

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 22, 2007

The Tenth Muse Dec 08, 2007

This week it's a look at the pivotal cookbooks of our time with Judith Jones, the woman who brought them to print. She didn't set out to edit cookbooks. Then she discovered Julia Child, Marcella Hazan and a clutch of other "greats." The rest is history. Judith's recipe for Frenchified Meatloaf is from her latest book, The Tenth Muse: My Life in Food.

Jane and Michael Stern stop by with their report on Lupie's in Charlotte, North Carolina. They say the squash casserole is worth a trip.

Consummate cookbook author and baker Dorie Greenspan simply cannot resist testing kitchen gadgets. It's led to some great stocking stuffers. Gail Monaghan, author of Lost Desserts, takes a look at antique desserts. Her recipe for Red Wine Jelly is a stunner no one has seen for at least a century.

We have the story of Will Scott, one of California's last African American farmers, and the chef who carries on his cultural and culinary traditions at Farmerbrown restaurant in San Francisco. Author and photographer Melanie Dunea tells us about a perfect gift for all the chef groupies on your holiday shopping list: her book titled My Last Supper: 50 Great Chefs and Their Final Meals and, as always Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 8, 2007

December 1: Cheese Essentials Dec 01, 2007

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 1, 2007

Cradle of Flavor Nov 24, 2007

When our guest, Saveur magazine executive editor James Oseland, was 19, he spent a summer in Indonesia. He returned home but his heart and appetite stayed behind. After 23 years of exploring the region, James has written Cradle of Flavor: Home Cooking from the Spice Islands of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. He joins us for a look at an enchanting cuisine and a world of new flavors and traditions. The recipe for Beef Rendang is from his new book.

Extra crispy fried chicken has Jane and Michael Stern clucking at Price's Chicken Coop in Charlotte, North Carolina. Wine maverick Josh Wesson claims boxed wines rock and so do ones in cans! He shares his picks. Dorie Greenspan brings us a baking pro's prime secret: goodies you never knew you could make ahead and freeze. Cocoa-Buttermilk Birthday Cake comes from Dorie's latest must-have book, Baking: From My Home to Yours. Joanna Pruess, author of Seduced by Bacon: Recipes & Lore About America's Favorite Indulgence, reviews the lush new bacons showing up in the market and shares an intriguing recipe for Pecan-Brown Sugar and Bacon Ice Cream.

Seth Kugel reports on the New York City Pushcart Awards. He writes the "Weekend in New York" column for The New York Times and is co-author of Nueve York: The Complete Guide to Latino Life in the Five Boroughs.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 11, 2006 (originally aired)
November 24, 2007 (rebroadcast)

Happy Thanksgiving Nov 17, 2007

This week it's our annual Thanksgiving show. We're bringing you a line up of experts for a look at why we eat what we eat on this day. Chef Jonathan Waxman, author of A Great American Cook, tells how he and his little daughter lay out the feast. His recipe for Apple and Chicken Liver Mousse is to die for and guaranteed to keep hungry relatives at bay while the turkey cooks.

It's an early morning carbo-loaders dream breakfast for Jane and Michael Stern at the Kozy Korner Café and Bar in Winnett, Montana.

Deborah Madison, author of Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone, is back with a Vegetarian Thanksgiving Feast that will knock anyone's socks off. For turkey eaters, Lynne's Fast and Crisp Roast Turkey Scented with Apple and Basil fills the bill.

Those sweet potatoes with marshmallows that appear on many holiday tables may trace their beginnings back to an ancient Arab medical handbook according to Yale history professor Paul Freedman, author of Food: The History of Taste. He joins us for a look at what shaped our tastes for this holiday.

We have a post-punk Thanksgiving for vegans; and Mary Murray Bosrock, author of Asian Business Customs & Manners: A Country-by-Country Guide gives a lesson in etiquette from across the sea.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 17, 2007

Hooked Oct 27, 2007

This week it's the story of an illegal fish and two ships stalking each other in the waters off Antarctica. Our guest, Bruce Knecht, author of Hooked: Pirates, Poaching and the Perfect Fish, shares the saga of one of the longest and most dangerous sea chases in history.

Jane and Michael Stern tuck into corned beef sandwiches of iconic proportions at Jake's in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Food & Wine magazine's senior editor Ray Isle wants us to stash the Margarita mix and rinse out the good glasses because he's bringing us the latest status tequilas—the ones you drink straight up.

Scholarly hedonist Fred Plotkin has us eating and sipping our way through Santiago, Chile, and then it's another round of Stump the Cook with Stumpmaster Christopher Kimball. Are we ready for wines with names like Fat Bastard, Hair of the Dingo, White Trash White and The Laughing Magpie? Peter May, author of Marilyn Merlot and the Naked Grape, celebrates unusual wines from around the globe.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 4, 2006 (originally aired)
October 27, 2007 (rebroadcast)

Café Pasqual Oct 20, 2007

This week we're off to Santa Fe for a visit at a destination restaurant that never lost its heart. After 20 years Café Pasqual still shines, the food is still dynamite, and the service is still a hoot. Our guide is the woman who makes it all happen: restaurateur Katharine Kagel. She shares a seasonal recipe—Sugar Pumpkins Filled with Vegetable Stew in Chipotle Cream Sauce—from her book, Cooking with Café Pasqual's: Recipes from Santa Fe's Renowned Corner Café.

It's Code 10 Chili at Noon Break in Cody, Wyoming for our road food duo, Jane and Michael Stern. Anya Von Bremzen, author of The New Spanish Table, has the scoop on the mother of all paprikas: Spain's smoky-rich pimenton. Anya's recipe for Smokey Mashed Potatoes from Extremadura highlights this luxurious spice.

Commentator Julie Hauserman tells how Florida has finally put her tax dollars to work—in the kitchen. Beer historian Alan Eames, author of The Secret Life of Beer, claims the Halloween witch was a beauty, a healer, and she made beer. What a gal! Alan tells all. We have the story of pasta, Holy Communion and the eye of artist Lisa Venditelli, and Lynne brings us her Short Apple Cooking Guide.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 28, 2006 (originally aired)
October 20, 2007 (rebroadcast)

The Connoisseur's Guide to Sushi Sep 29, 2007

This week it's everything sushi—the things you didn't know you need to know, like what should not be in your soy sauce, and the big clue to whether the sushi maker is a master or not. Our guide is Dave Lowry, author of The Connoisseur's Guide to Sushi: Everything You Need to Know About Sushi Varieties and Accompaniments, Etiquette and Dining Tips and More. It's burgoo and mutton barbecue for Jane and Michael Stern. They're dining at George's in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Paris food critic Daniel Young takes us to the City of Lights for a look at where the locals go every night: the bistros, brasseries, and wine bars. Choucroute Garnie with Salmon is from his latest book, The Bistros, Brasseries, and Wine Bars of Paris. Sylvan Brown, co-author of The Slow Food Guide to San Francisco and the Bay Area: Restaurants, Markets, Bars, has advice about where to eat in the City by the Bay.

Our refrigerator game, Stump the Cook, is back with Lynne and Christopher Kimball, our celebrity stump master. Lynne has some new Italian wines to try—winners of the Gambero Rosso® Three Glasses Award for 2006, and we'll hear about Marshmallow Peeps and Peep Research currently underway.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 15, 2006 (originally aired)
September 29, 2007 (rebroadcast)

Donuts Sep 22, 2007

Food historian John T. Edge joins us this week with a dissertation on the little ring of dough that became a patriot, a movie star, and stirred up some good old American ingenuity. The recipe for Zingerman's Roadhouse Donuts is from John's new book, Donuts: An American Passion.

It's dynamite food in the midst of New Mexico's chile fields for Jane and Michael Stern. They're eating the incredible chile rellenos at Chope's in La Mesa. Food & Wine magazine's Lettie Teague talks true Chablis, the French gem nobody knows.

We'll hear from Dr. David Bedford, one of the creators of the award-winning Honeycrisp apple about what makes this luscious variety so sought after. Keeping to the theme, Lynne shares her recipe for an Apple Citron Turnover that makes the most of these gems called one of the 25 innovations that changed the world.

Russ Parsons, columnist for the Los Angeles Times, tells all about the fresh fig. This fruit can make you blush! His article, "Seduction By Fig," appeared in the September 6, 2006 issue of the newspaper. To find it, go to latimes.com and search for "Seduction By Fig." We'll hear from Will Sillin, an artist who brought Julia Child to a cornfield and, as always, the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 23, 2006 (originally aired)
September 22, 2007 (rebroadcast)

Marion Nestle Sep 01, 2007

It's back-to-school time and the question facing every parent in America: the lunch box issue. How do you pack healthy food that the kids will actually eat? Consumer rights warrior and mom Marion Nestle has answers. Marion's new book is What to Eat: An Aisle-by-Aisle Guide to Savvy Food Choices and Good Eating.

The Sterns report from Barberton, Ohio, where they're eating a Hungarian feast at Al's Corner Restaurant. And all for six dollars! Wine wizard Josh Wesson has us "thinking pink" with his recommendations for lush rosés.

Chef Mai Pham talks grilling Vietnamese style. It's all about bright, zingy flavors and fast cooking. She leaves us her recipes for Green Papaya Salad with Shrimp and Vietnamese Rice Noodles with Grilled Pork.

Tom Beller, author of How to Be a Man: Scenes from a Protracted Boyhood, tells of an adolescent epiphany on the streets of New York, and we have the scoop on the very clever and very cool new dinnerware from Orikaso.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 26, 2006 (originally aired)
September 1, 2007 (rebroadcast)

Extreme BBQ Aug 25, 2007

This week we're grilling with all-American ingenuity, or what our guest, Dan Huntley, calls "contraption cooking." It's all about a special league of cooks who have cobbled together brilliant and often wacky cooking rigs. Dan leaves us his recipe forPyro's Burnt Endsfrom his bookExtreme Barbecue: Smokin'Rigs and Real Good Recipes.

The Sterns are eating soul food with local preachers at Niecie's in Kansas City, Missouri. Karan Feder takes us back to the 1950s when Liberace, that era's king of bling, was playing outrageous excess to the hilt and cooking the same way. The recipe for In Italian, Zucchini Means Italian is from Karan's book Joy of Liberace: Retro Recipes from America's Kitchiest Kitchen.

Journalist Scott Huler lampoons the always prolific zucchini and Lynne offers her recipe for Crisp Fried Zucchini Flowers as an antidote to that summer garden excess. It's street food paradise in Penang, Malaysia with reporter Maria Bakkalapulo and Dan Barber, chef and co-owner of Blue Hill in New York, talks new technology for farmers.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 25, 2007

Fred Plotkin's Italy Aug 18, 2007

We're off to Italy this week with Italian food and culture authority Fred Plotkin. He takes us to the luscious and evocative region of Marche, an area little known to Americans where the charm rivals Tuscany but you aren't likely to run into your neighbor. The recipe for Scampi al Prosciutto is from Fred's book, Italy for the Gourmet Traveler.

It's Chicago but no hot dogs for the Sterns. This time they're tucking into chicken with 18 soulful vegetables at Feed. That master chef of the herb garden, Jerry Traunfeld, is back and he's talking herbal cocktails. His refreshing Sage Rush is from his latest book, The Herbal Kitchen: Cooking with Fragrance and Flavor.

Cynthia Zarin shares a vacation memoir of trying to blend a family over the broken fantasy of an island in Maine. Stump Master Christopher Kimball presides over a new round of "Stump the Cook," we have the scoop on a new perfume that will have you smelling like a cheese tray, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 5, 2006 (originally aired)
August 18, 2007 (rebroadcast)

August 11: Artisan Cheese Aug 11, 2007

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 11, 2007

August 4: Jasper White's Summer Shack Aug 04, 2007

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 4, 2007

July 28: The Cowboy Cookbook Jul 28, 2007

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 28, 2007

Robbing the Bees Jul 14, 2007

This week it's the wonder and biology of honey and the bees that make it. Journalist and beekeeper Holley Bishop, a woman who fell for bees the way one might fall for a puppy, tells the story. Holley is the author of Robbing the Bees: A Biography of Honey, the Sweet Liquid Gold that Seduced the World. Her Berry Striped Pops are the perfect icy snack for these dog days of summer.

The Sterns are in Seattle where Jane says they've found "the best doughnuts in the world" at Top Pot Doughnuts. Wine Maverick Josh Wesson talks France's unsung whites. The good news is the bargain prices.

It's a look at bottled water with New York Times reporter Julia Moskin. We want to know why we're spending nine billion dollars a year for what comes out of the tap virtually free. We join the Sterns in Seattle for adventures you can have on a tank of gas. Our guide is Hsiao-Ching Chou, food editor of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

It's the art and technique of competitive eating with many-times champ and hip hop artist Eric Badlands Booker. His latest cd is "Hungry and Focused II." Lynne shares her recipe for cool and refreshing French Greens and Melon Salad with Fresh Goat Cheese and takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 22, 2006 (originally aired)
July 14, 2007 (rebroadcast)

Dr. Ernst Loosen Jul 07, 2007

This week it's contemporary food's most friendly wine: Riesling. We're in Germany on the fruity, classy little gem's home turf with our guest, award-winning Riesling master Dr. Ernst Loosen.

The Sterns are multi-tasking in El Paso, eating Huevos Rancheros and Menudos while watching their car go through the cycle at H & H Car Wash. Smart cook Sally Schneider turns dross into gold with her smart saves for so-so vinegars. She leaves us her ideas for Vinegar Improvisations and a recipe for Peppery or Bitter Greens with Seasonal Fruits and Roasted Nuts

American food historian, Andy Smith, takes us back to the birth of lunch. It was all about being a worker or a woman. Otherwise, you did "dinner."

We have another round of our wildly popular refrigerator game, Stump the Cook, with guest Stump Master Christopher Kimball. Larry Wu, consumer strategist for Iconoculture, talks "conscientious consumption." He claims it drives our choices in the market. Lynne has recipes for A Classic Pesto of Genoa, and an Old Time Bar Lunch Sandwich in honor of Andy Smith's discussion of the beginnings of lunch in America. And in the second half of the show, the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 8, 2006 (originally aired)
July 7, 2007 (rebroadcast)

Monterey Bay Aquarium Jun 23, 2007

This week we journey to Monterey, California for an in-depth look at one of the culinary world's biggest issues: healthy and sustainable seafood. It's politics at the grass roots level as we examine how the fishing industry is influenced by what chefs choose to serve in their restaurants. The show was recorded live at the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Cooking for Solutions weekend.

Be sure to check out Jennifer Dianto's Seafood Watch program at the aquarium. It's a valuable resource for making choices about seafood that are healthy for our oceans.

Dr. Steve Palumbi, a marine biologist at Stanford University, has put together a short video of him and Lynne taking DNA samples from supermarket fish to find out what's really in the package.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 24, 2006 (originally aired)
June 23, 2007 (rebroadcast)

How to Eat a Peach May 19, 2007

Can you remember the last time you ate a peach so perfectly sweet, juicy and delicious it knocked your socks off? Probably not. In fact, why does most of our produce have so little flavor? For answers we turn to Russ Parsons, award-winning food and wine journalist for theLos Angeles Times. Russ has been tracking American agriculture for 20 years and explains what it means to farm for flavor. He leaves us a recipe forSugar Snap Peas and Shrimp with Chive Mayonnaisefrom his latest book,How to Pick a Peach: The Search for Flavor from Farm to Table.

At last, the Sterns have found a Belgian waffle worthy of Michael's endorsement. Cheers are going up at Beside the Point Café in Akron, Ohio.

Master griller John Willoughby, co-author of Let the Flames Begin, wants us to forget marinating and go for last-minute spice pastes. He says they're faster and better. His recipe for EZ-Style Adobo Pork Ribs with Molasses-Chile Barbecue Sauce proves his point.

Travel & Leisure magazine's critic Anya Von Bremzen picks the best new restaurants in eight global food capitals. For the full list read her article "From Tokyo to Las Vegas" in the April 2007 issue of the magazine. Anya's latest books are The New Spanish Table and The Greatest Dishes: Around the World in 80 Recipes.

Spice hunter Nirmala Narine is back and this time she's talking turmeric. It lends its brilliant yellow color and pungent flavor to Goan Vindaloo Fish Curry from her book Nirmala's Kitchen: Everyday World Cuisine.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 19, 2007

Encyclopedia of Junk Food May 12, 2007

This week it's a scholarly look at junk food and fast food through the eyes of American food historian Andrew Smith. He tells how it all started and claims that between the Erie Canal and Ben Franklin our destiny had nowhere else to go. Mr. Smith is the author ofThe Junk Food Encyclopedia.

The Sterns report from beautiful Manchester, Vermont where they're feasting on a curious mix of goodness called Wild Turkey Hash at Up for Breakfast.

Lynne talks spring lamb and new potatoes in her simple and luscious recipe for Ninth-Night Lamb, a dish she first tasted at a guest farm in Italy's Puglia region.

Food & Wine magazine's Senior Wine Editor Ray Isle shares some little known tips for finding Good Wines for $10 and Under.

Botany professor Dr. Peter Gail wants us to rethink the vegetable garden—as in weeds are good! Dr. Gail leaves us his recipe for Dandelion Flower Cookies, just one of many from his repertoire.

We'll have another round of our popular refrigerator game, Stump the Cook, with Lynne and celebrity Stump Master Christopher Kimball, and Molly Sullivan steers us to a good time in Vegas. She's a co-author of Las Vegas Little Red Book: A Girl's Guide to the Perfect Vegas Getaway.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 12, 2007

Hunger May 05, 2007

"Hunger is a country we enter every day, like a commuter across a friendly border," says nature writer Sharman Apt Russell. She joins us this week with a look at the subject through a new prism—hunger as art, hunger as power, and hunger as revelation. Ms. Russell's book is Hunger: An Unnatural History. The Sterns dine on succulent Italian roast pork sandwiches at Tony Luke's in Philadelphia.

Darryl Beeson, American editor of www.wineontheweb.com, roams the globe reporting on wine, spirits, food and travel. He stops by to talk good values among the wines of Texas. It's a look at sustainable meat with Bill Niman, a rancher who turned a wild piece of coastline into a sustainable model. The recipe for Grilled Pork Tenderloin Salad is from The Niman Ranch Cookbook.

It's flying Fritos or any other snack of your dreams from Washington, D.C.'s unique solution for midnight cravings: www.dcsnacks.com. Reporter Jule Gardner has the story. Nigel White, secretary of the British Cheese Board, reports on a study the Board has dubbed "Cheese and Dreams," and, as always, Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 27, 2006 (originally aired)
May 5, 2007 (rebroadcast)

The Way We Garden Now Apr 21, 2007

This week it's vegetable gardening for the horticulturally challenged. Gardening expert Katherine Whiteside, author of The Way We Garden Now, stops by with short cuts to instant gratification (hard labor is not for her) and a recipe for Rhubarbaritas.

Mike Colameco, host of Colameco's Food Show on New York's PBS Channel 13, is back with tips for picnics in New York City. Keeping to the theme, Lynne shares a recipe for Roasted Asparagus Potato Salad.

Self-described pleasure activist Fred Plotkin, author of Italy for the Gourmet Traveler, returns to the show to talk what we don't know about Helsinki: the unforgettable seafood, the strawberries, those intriguing Fins!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 21, 2007

The Insatiable Critic Apr 14, 2007

She's sensual, iconoclastic, and hungry. In the late 1960's she blew the lid off stuffy food writing with her restaurant reviews for New York, the smartest magazine in town. She's Gael Green, a critic like no other and the woman who led the pack in a dining revolution. Gael joins us this week to share memories from her new autobiography, Insatiable: Tales from a Life of Delicious Excess. The recipe for Danish Meat Loaf is from the book.

For the Sterns it's classics with a Texas twist at Houston's Avalon Diner. The pharmacy lunch counter is a favorite genre for our dining duo and the setting soothes Jane's hypochondria! It's a rhubarb revelation for our favorite improviser, Sally Schneider. She says discoveries happen when you let yourself go in the kitchen. Her recipe for Rhubarb Confit with Rhubarb Syrup for Improvising is quintessential springtime fare.

Kai Ryssdal, host of Marketplace and a former resident of China, talks going back after ten years and eating in the new China. Are our kitchens making us fat? Some architects claim they are! We'll take a look at the latest patsy for our weight woes. A new exhibition at the Cooper-Hewitt museum in New York City takes a look at feeding desire, and Lynne shares a favorite springtime recipe, Roasted Asparagus and Spring Potato Salad.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 13, 2006 (originally aired)
April 14, 2007 (rebroadcast)

Fred Kirschenmann Apr 07, 2007

Fred Kirschenmann of The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture joins us this week to talk why America lost touch with her food source—the farm—and looks at the resurrection taking place, right now, on farms across the land. The Sterns are at the final stretch of the famed Route 66 in Stroud, Oklahoma.

Our wine wizard Josh Wesson is back and this time he's debunking all those wine myths, starting with sulfites. Bee scientist Dennis Van Englesdorf joins us to investigate the mystery of the vanishing honeybees and the impact on crop pollination.

Gourmet magazine's John Willoughby, author of Let the Flames Begin, has ideas for Easter lamb and ham, new party cuts to try, and a recipe for Mensaf (Lamb in Spiced Yogurt Sauce with Rice and Bread.) Stanley Feder of Simply Sausage, Inc. tells of cooking paella for 3,000 in Spain. It's a story that gives new meaning to cooking for a crowd.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 7, 2007

Judith Jones Mar 31, 2007

This week we're going inside the process of how exceptional cookbooks are brought to life. Our guide is Judith Jones, often called the cookbook editor's editor. Forty-some years ago she discovered Julia Child. In the ensuing decades Judith's influence changed the American cookbook forever and her authors became a "who's who of food."

It's camp for the Sterns—roadfood style—at Mike Linnig's Fish Camp in Louisville, Kentucky. Our master of the wine bargain, Joshua Wesson, talks second labels, the hidden deals from world-class vineyards. We'll take a look at the delicious and the deadly when we go to the Fungus Festival in Santa Cruz, California.

New York Times writer Kim Severson brings us chocolate with a passport; and Mark Kurlansky, author of The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell, talks the bivalve mollusk's golden age in New York City.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 8, 2006 (originally aired)
March 31, 2007 (rebroadcast)

What to Drink With What You Eat Mar 10, 2007

This week it's a look at how the pros decide what to drink with nearly every food you can imagine. Our guest, Karen Page, author of What to Drink With What You Eat, talked with expert chefs and sommeliers to find out what goes with everything from apples to veggie burgers. She takes us beyond wines and waters to coffee, soda and even vinegar!

The Sterns are in Tampa, Florida where they swooned over the Cuban sandwiches and ropa viejo at La Teresita. Lynne ponders the potential spiritual and ecumenical ramifications of Pope-approved Fish Snackers from KFC.

Who knew that cauliflower of all things would become the latest darling of cutting edge chefs? Amy Scattergood, staff writer for the Los Angeles Times, joins us with a report. Not to be outdone, Lynne came up with a recipe for Roasted Cauliflower with Fresh Sage and Rosemary that takes this often overlooked member of the cabbage family to new heights.

Dr. Richard Schulze talks Carolina Gold Rice, the huge cash crop of the 1800's (extinct by the 1900's) and what brought it back. Dr. Schulze is the author of Carolina Gold Rice: The Ebb and Flow History of a Lowcountry Cash Crop.

Spice hunter Nirmala Narine looks at the herb you never actually eat — the bay leaf — and shares her recipe for Turkish Lamb Kebabs. Nirmala is the author of In Nirmala's Kitchen: Everyday World Cuisine. Gyro artist Bill Swislow tells a story of culinary collecting of a different sort, and, as always, the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 10, 2007

Wine Style Feb 24, 2007

This week Mary Ewing-Mulligan puts wine where she thinks it belongs: it's all about taste. Mary claims quality is second to flavor, geography is more important than the grape, and a number on the bottle can help us match a wine to a menu. Mary's new book is Wine Style: Earthy Whites to Powerful Reds: Using Your Senses to Explore and Enjoy Wine.

The Sterns have found the ultimate babka and bagels of their dreams in Montreal. Who knew? Vegetable gardening expert Jack Staub shares new ideas for gardeners and mail order seed sources. How about sweet little pocket melons, super lush tomatoes and day-glo lettuce for your garden this year? Jack is the author of 75 Exciting Vegetables for Your Garden.

Julie Hauserman fills us in on the Florida tomato fight that's all about appearance over flavor. Our very popular refrigerator game, Stump the Cook, is back with Lynne and Stump Master Christopher Kimball! We return to the MIT Media Lab for dinner plates you toss when you're finished eating ... and make new ones whenever you want.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 4, 2006 (originally aired)
February 24, 2007 (rebroadcast)

Tamales Feb 10, 2007

Imagine Mexico without tacos or tamales. Imagine Mexican intellectuals trying to eliminate corn from the country where it was born. History professor Jeffrey Pilcher, author of Que Vivan Los Tamales: Food and the Making of Mexican Identity, joins us this week for a look at a national identity crisis.

The Sterns tuck into a weird-but-delicious chow mein sandwich at Evelyn's Drive-In in Tiverton, Rhode Island. Seattle's famed Herbfarm chef Jerry Traunfeld returns to the show to talk the next herb in the spotlight: shiso. His recipe for Shiso Crab Cocktail is from his latest book, The Herbal Kitchen: Cooking with Fragrance and Flavor.

Gourmet magazine's John Willoughby reports on the best place in the world for a protein high: the meat palaces of Argentina. His article appears in the May 2006 issue of Gourmet. When famed restaurateur Mario Batali took his chefs to Italy for five days of non-stop eating and research, dining morphed into hard work. Bob Sloan, author of The Tailgating Cookbook: Recipes for the Big Game reads an excerpt from the article "Mario's Excellent Adventure: 5 Days in Bologna, 62 Courses" which appeared in the April 2006 issue of Gourmet.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 22, 2006 (originally aired)
February 10, 2007 (rebroadcast)

Perfuming Our Food Feb 03, 2007

Natural scent expert Mandy Aftel, co-author with Chef Daniel Patterson of Aroma, The Magic of Essential Oils in Food and Fragrance, joins us this week to talk about perfuming our food. With scent accounting for most of what we taste, the idea seems logical. A delicious example of scent meets taste is Rose and Ginger Soufflé.

Jane and Michael Stern experience the outrageous sandwiches at Blue Ash Chili in Cincinnati, Ohio.

We'll hear the story of two chefs, an exalted restaurant, and a trial by tragedy from Chef Eric Ripert of the famed Le Bernardin in New York. Chef Ripert shares the recipe for Warm Snapper with Ginger Oil from A Return to Cooking, his book with co-author Michael Ruhlman.

When a lab geek takes on liquid nitrogen and ice cream something is bound to happen. We have the story. Washington Post Bureau Chief T. R. Reid has advice for eating cheap in Japan, and we'll hear about eating out in our jammies at Cereality.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 22, 2005 (originally aired)
February 11, 2006 (rebroadcast)
February 3, 2007 (rebroadcast)

Washoku Jan 27, 2007

Japanese culinary scholar Elizabeth Andoh talks washoku, the philosophical and spiritual heart of traditional Japanese home cooking. It's a concept of possibilities and transformations and a side of Japanese food few outsiders know. Elizabeth leaves us her recipe for Fried Eggplant with Crushed Green Soybeans from her book Washoku: Recipes from the Japanese Home Kitchen.

The Sterns report from Cattlemen's in Oklahoma City where it's all about beef—from the horns to all parts south. Our bargain-hunting wine maverick Josh Wesson is back with more cheap wines. Just how low can we go?

Seattle chef Thierry Rautureau brings us kitchen Zen—a peaceful stop-by-step guide to Butter-Poached Scallops on Celeriac Purée, a showstopper dish from his book Rovers: Recipes from Seattle's Chef in the Hat. NYU grad student Matty Sallin fills us in on a kinder, gentler way to wake up in the morning: his Wake n' Bacon alarm clock, and the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 4, 2006 (originally aired)
January 27, 2007 (rebroadcast)

Bones Jan 20, 2007

Check out the grocery meat case these days and there's rarely a bone in sight. We're talking flavor-enhancing bones that give cuts of meat ambrosial succulence. Food writer Jennifer McLagan wants to change this trend of boneless everything so she wrote Bones: Recipes, History & Lore. Her recipe for Beer-Glazed Beef Ribs is serious and delicious finger food.

Jane and Michael Stern report on a couple making nothing but one exquisite loaf of bread at Wave Hill Bakers in Wilton, Connecticut. Sally Schneider is back with the Italian shortcut to crispy chicken. All you need is a brick and a bird. Crisp, Brick-Fried Chicken with Rosemary and Whole Garlic Cloves is the peerless result. Our New York City food guy, Mike Colameco, weighs in on Gotham's classic seafood restaurants.

Gourmet magazine's John Willoughby investigates induction stovetops. Is it a case of "worth the cost," or "why bother?" We have the story on "scent kits" for wine lovers and, as always, Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 28, 2006 (originally aired)
January 20, 2007 (rebroadcast)

Cooking in Southwest France Dec 30, 2006

Paula Wolfert, the culinary scholar and author who brought cassoulet, roast garlic and confit to America, joins us to talk about the updating of her groundbreaking classic, The Cooking of Southwest France. Her recipe for Chicken Breasts in Garlic Wine comes from the area around Agen, located halfway between Bordeaux and Toulouse.

The Sterns are visiting the Museum of Taxidermy and eating a stellar breakfast at Lisa's in Greybull, Wyoming. The always-curious Peter Mayle is back in Provence and this time he's making bread. He tells all in his new book, Confessions of a French Baker: Breadmaking Secrets, Tips, and Recipes.

We'll take you to Portland, Oregon, where Andina is the Rose City's restaurant of the year. The story behind the fabulous food is especially fascinating. On a recent visit, Lynne was intrigued by the unusual and delicious chicha Morada.

Finally, Ben Davis of Portland's Grand Central Bakery explains why late-night drivers are stealthily pulling up to the back door of the city's restaurants.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 10, 2005 (originally aired)
December 30, 2006 (rebroadcast)

The Kitchen Diaries Dec 23, 2006

Britain's beloved columnist Nigel Slater joins us this week to reflect on cooking at home. He talks a kinder, gentler English Christmas and shares his Christmas Day Roast Goose, Juniper Sauce and Apple and Lemon Purée from his latest book, The Kitchen Diaries: A Year in the Kitchen with Nigel Slater.

The Sterns report from Las Cruces, New Mexico, where they're digging into warm tortilla chips with "Christmas" sauce and stacked enchiladas at Nopalito. Cheese expert Steve Jenkins says skip the cookies and leave a plate of cheese for Santa this year. Steve's picks and go-with sips will put Santa is a very good mood indeed

Amy Sedaris, author of the hysterical I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence, has entertaining tips, including how to make money at your parties! She leaves us her recipe for Cluster Haven's Pepper Mill Cheese Ball. Beer historian Alan Eames shares a curious Norwegian fairytale about a young woman brewmaster and her journey with a large barrel of Christmas ale, and the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 23, 2006

The Vietnamese Kitchen Dec 09, 2006

This week our guest, Andrea Nguyen, takes us to Vietnam for a look at the culture and lore behind a cuisine that began 4,000 years ago with a prince from the sea. Andrea leaves us her recipe for Chicken and Cellophane Noodle Soup from her gorgeous book, Into the Vietnamese Kitchen: Treasured Foodways, Modern Flavors.

The Sterns' penchant for prison gift shops led them to some great hush puppies and shredded pork sandwiches at Hocutt's Carolina Barbecue. It's right across from the big house in Moundsville, West Virginia. We have the obscure but excellent in holiday mail order gifts from Francine Maroukian, author of Chefs' Secrets: Insider Techniques from Today's Culinary Masters; then, we flip to inside a food mail order warehouse — Zingerman's — where the rush reins and it's all about controlled chaos.

Ray Isle, senior wine editor for Food & Wine magazine, reports in with his favorite wines and spirits of 2006, including a knockout red for $7.00! Dan Oko ponders the doggie bag dilemma (the original commentary appeared in the November/December issue of Mother Jones), and Lynne shares some olive oil picks, passes along the recipe for Ernie Crippin's Lefse, and takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 9, 2006

A Hedonist in the Wine Cellar Dec 02, 2006

This week novelist and wine critic Jay McInerney joins us to talk "wine characters" he loves. From the brilliant to the beguiling to the outrageous, it's a look at those folks who are making wine fascinating right now. Jay's latest book is A Hedonist in the Wine Cellar: Adventures in Wine.

Jane and Michael Stern are dining at Hamburger King in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where great burgers with a theme song all their own are the order of the day. Master baker Dorie Greenspan gives us a master class in cookies and chocolate just in time for holiday baking. You'll want her World Peace Cookies, Grandma's Sugar Cookies and Café Volcano Cookies on your table this year. Dorie's latest must-have book is Baking: From My House to Yours.

We go to Bali for the story of how a legendary spice center is struggling with modern times. New York Times columnist Marion Burros talks the latest in grass fed beef. We'll hear about this year's gift for the wine geek who has everything: Custom Curling's corkscrew with royal connections and, as always, Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 2, 2006

Susanna Foo Nov 25, 2006

Award-winning chef Susanna Foo shook up the traditionalists at her Philadelphia restaurant by marrying international cooking techniques and American ingredients. The result is delicious food that's fresh, light and approachable while staying true to Chinese culinary traditions. An example is Mandarin Potato Salad with Cellophane Noodles from her new book, Susanna Foo Fresh Inspiration: New Approaches to Chinese Cuisine.

At the White River Fish Market in Tulsa the Sterns prove that great fresh fish in the middle of the Great Plains isn't an oxymoron. Josh Wesson has the dirt on biodynamic wines. It's the new wave in winemaking that's all about stewardship of the land and environmentally aware production practices.

We'll meet David Ansel, a guy with a big pot and a bike named Old Yellow who became the Soup Peddler of Austin. He leaves us his recipe for Bouktouf from his new book, The Soup Peddler's Slow & Difficult Soups: Recipes and Reveries.

Stump the Cook is back! The popular segment from a few years back has Lynne trying to turn five things from your fridge into a great dinner dish. Who will win? Jim Leverentz, owner of Leeners, talks things fermented and preserved, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 12, 2005 (originally aired)
November 25, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Turkey Confidential 2006 Nov 23, 2006

Lynne is here when you need her the most, just a phone call or e-mail away. Don't miss one of the liveliest call-ins of the year. It's Thanksgiving triage at its best. Guests include Chris Kimball of Cook's Illustrated magazine and PBS's America's Test Kitchen, our regular wine wit Joshua Wesson, Seattle Chef Tom Douglas and many more.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 23, 2006

Setting the Table Nov 18, 2006

Thanksgiving opens the season for hospitality. Between now and January we'll carve turkeys, swap cookies, light candles and be terribly social. There's no better guide to the art of hospitality than restaurateur Danny Meyer. Every night for twenty years he's entertained guests at his eleven eateries in New York City. He joins us with tips to get us through the season with style and grace. Danny's new book is Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business.

It's a cross-country trek for Jane and Michael Stern as they search for the best pies from coast to coast. Sally Schneider weighs in with a guide for sides. She leaves us her recipe for Root Vegetables and/or Potatoes with White Wine and Shallots from her new book, The Improvisational Cook.

Neurologist and synesthesia expert Dr. Richard Cytowic brings us the magical side of feasting when he explains The Man Who Tasted Shapes. The term "Indian corn" takes on new meaning when a long lost little ear finds the way home to its native Abenaki Nation. We have the story. Finally, it's Lynne's annual update in her quest for the ultimate roast turkey. This year's entry is Fast and Crisp Roast Turkey Scented with Apple and Basil.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 18, 2006

Julie & Julia Oct 07, 2006

At 29, our guest Julie Powell was stuck in a mind numbing job and feeling defeated, aimless and depressed. In one eureka (some would say deranged) moment she decided that her salvation may lie in cooking her way through Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. She set out on August 25, 2002; a year later she emerged, battered but with her psyche intact and her soul renewed. Her book, Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes and 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen, is the chronicle of her journey as well as a tribute to Julia. Julia Child's Leek and Potato Soup is a classic.

It's divine lemon ricotta pancakes and homemade peanut butter for the Sterns at Hell's Kitchen in Minneapolis. Beer guy Steven Beaumont talks his favorite innovative beers from wild and wacky brewers who like to fly outside the flock. We'll head out to an Iowa farmhouse where a French woman cooks to her own drummer. It's communal suppers with a message at Simone's Plain and Simple.

Tea authority Bill Waddington warms us up with the forgotten teas: neither green nor black, they're oolongs. If tea isn't for you, warm up with an haute take on the ultimate comfort in a cup: Mocha Voodoo from Hot Chocolate by Michael Turback.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 29, 2005 (originally aired)
October 7, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Judgment of Paris Sep 30, 2006

This week it's a French moment back in 1976 that turned the tide for California wine. Our guest is former Time magazine correspondent George Taber, author of Judgment of Paris. He reports on that moment when the earth moved in the Napa Valley. The Sterns are eating at Harmon's Lunch, a monomaniacal luncheonette in Falmouth, Maine with a two-item menu; and Lynne reports on her own "Sterns' moment" at Polehna's Meat Market in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Gourmet magazine's John Willoughby has tasty ideas for that wunderkind of the Pacific - the coconut - including a recipe for Fish Masala. We'll go to Decorah, Iowa for a look at real grassroots biodiversity in practice at Seed Savers Exchange. New Orleans journalist Pableaux Johnson, author of Eating New Orleans: From French Quarter Creole Dining to the Perfect Po'Boy, talks food folks and a culinary heritage surviving Katrina.

Lynne shares the recipe her luscious Fresh Heirloom Tomato Soup with Cream and the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 24, 2005 (originally aired)
September 30, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Home Coffee Roasting Sep 16, 2006

This week it's bliss and total control for coffee lovers. We're talking home coffee roasting with Kenneth Davids, author of Home Coffee Roasting: Romance and Revival. He has tips and sources for home coffee roasters for the truly java obsessed.

The Sterns report from Billings, where they're eating fabulous beef burritos at Sarah's and shopping the city's first-class saddle makers. Quince lover Sally Schneider reveals the one thing you need to know to enjoy the most sensual fruit in the market and leaves us her recipe for Sweet and Savory Quinces in White Wine and Honey.

San Francisco Chronicle food writer Olivia Wu tells us everything we need to know about buying shrimp - what to avoid and what to scoop up - and shares her recipe for Steamed Spot Prawns with Ginger & Scallions. Indian Master Chef Vikas Khanna turns food into visions of palette for the visually impaired. Learn about his book Ayurveda: The Science of Food & Life on www.vkhanna.com. We'll hear about sit-down dinners in farm fields across America from the folks at Outstanding in the Field, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 17, 2005 (originally aired)
September 16, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Heat Sep 09, 2006

Why would a successful New York magazine editor willingly take six months off to become a slave in a restaurant kitchen? Our guest, Bill Buford, editor of The New Yorker, answers that question in Heat: An Amateur's Adventures As Kitchen Slave, Line Cook, Pasta Maker, and Apprentice to a Dante-Quoting Butcher in Tuscany.

The Sterns are on Boston's north shore eating the local favorite, roast beef sandwiches, at Nick's Famous Roast Beef in Beverly. Lynne keeps to the sandwich theme by sharing her recipe for Last of the Tomatoes Commemorative Sandwich. Forget the rusty grill and a rickety table! Designer Deborah Krasner stops by with the latest in outdoor kitchens. Is this the next "must have" on foodies' wish list?

We're day tripping from Austin Texas with Gerald McLeod and his One Tank Wonders. Think pie happy hour and a German beer garden. The high priestess of Television Without Pity stops by with her take on the new season in food TV. Matt Richtel reports on McDonald's attempt to use drive-through order takers located in India; and, as always, the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 9, 2006

Peanut Sep 02, 2006

This week it's an often-overlooked gem that food snobs never take seriously: the great American peanut. Our guest, food writer Wendell Brock, takes us back to his roots in Georgia's peanut country for a look at the caviar of goobers. His fiery Chile Peanuts take bar snacks to a new level.

For the Sterns it's a classic 1950's style drive-in with a California twist at Taylor's Refresher in St. Helena. Stephen Beaumont talks Belgian Trappist Ales and foods to pair with them, and the music guy who cooks, Bob Duskis, has new music to grill by.

We'll hear about New York City's efforts to wipe out trans-fats in restaurants, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 27, 2005 (originally aired)
September 2, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Martha's Vineyard Aug 19, 2006

This week it's the classic summer place: Martha's Vineyard. It always tempts vacationers to stay, and some move in. Our guest, Vineyard native and local chef, Tina Miller, talks what it's like to live there, the people who make the island what it is, how they live off the land and sea, and how a renaissance turn of mind is essential. The recipe for Lobster and Sweet Corn Fritters, the very essence of summer, comes from Tina's book, Vineyard Harvest: A Year of Good Food on Martha's Vineyard.

The Sterns check in from Clamp's Hamburger Stand in New Milford, where Connecticut's quintessential summer food is in full flush. Sally Schneider has ideas on how to amortize lobster, that succulent but pricey summertime treat. Her Rich Lobster Broth gets us started.

We'll check out San Francisco's Slanted Door, the first restaurant to put Vietnamese food on the city's culinary map; and the queen of televisionwithoutpity.com takes on the Food Network - the good and the so very bad.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 6, 2005 (originally aired)
August 19, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Street Food Aug 12, 2006

Have you ever wondered what food pros want to eat when they travel? Gourmet magazine's John Willoughby says it's street food. He joins us this week with his picks of the cities with prime eats, along with safety tips for eating from street food carts. A recipe for Watermelon with Fennel Salt comes from the May 2005 issue of Gourmet.

The Sterns are in summer Nirvana, tucking into lobster rolls at Red's Eats in Wiscasset, Maine. Wine guy Josh Wesson talks Hungarian wines. He thinks they're the next big thing. A chef for the Tour de France takes us into the kitchen mid-race for a look at what's involved in feeding the bodies and the psyches of fierce world-class competitors.

We have the story behind an award-winning new Web site about Crying While Eating, and, as always, Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 23, 2005 (originally aired)
August 12, 2006 (rebroadcast)

On Rue Tatin Jul 29, 2006

This week it's a look at one woman's dream job: buy a French farmhouse, renovate, and pay for it by opening a cooking school. Our guest, Susan Herrmann Loomis, is living the dream and the reality. Susan's recipe for Melon and Lime Parfait is just right for summer. It's from her latest book, Cooking at Home on Rue Tatin.

For the Sterns it's classic Jewish fare a little west of the Hudson. They report from DZ Atkin's Deli in San Diego.

New York Times columnist Marian Burros talks whole-wheat pastas. The good news is they're actually edible!

Reputed pizza maven Ed Levine, author of Pizza: A Slice of Heaven: The Ultimate Guide and Companion, reveals the results of his frozen pizza taste tests.

Chef Bob Perry tells the story behind the extraordinary food served in the dining rooms of the Kentucky Department of Parks, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 16, 2005 (originally aired)
July 29, 2006 (rebroadcast)

A History of the World in 6 Glasses Jul 15, 2006

We're looking at six mind-altering potables and their impact on human evolution with our guest Tom Standage, author of A History of the World in Six Glasses. For the Sterns, it's homemade root beer and hints of frivolity at Mug 'n' Bun in Indianapolis.

"Molto" Mario Batali joins us for at look at the Italian way with vegetables. His recipe for Pan-Roasted Turnips is from his latest book, Molto Italiano: 327 Simple Italian Recipes to Cook at Home.

Gourmet magazine executive editor John Willoughby, co-author of How to Cook Meat, talks cuts of lamb kindest to our wallets and shares his recipe for Grilled Lamb Shoulder Chops Greek Style. Michael McGarry, co-author and editor of the Scoops guides from Fancy Pants Press, reveals where you'll find the country's best ice cream, gelato, and frozen custard shops.

Lynne says brining, that culinary lifesaver, has gone astray. She puts it back on track with her Brine Time Guide. And, as always, she'll be taking your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 9, 2005 (originally aired)
July 15, 2006 (rebroadcast)

The Perfectionist Jul 01, 2006

This week it's a look at life and death in haute cuisine. Guest Rudolph Chelminski takes us into the world of French restaurant culture, where one star can literally change lives. His book, The Perfectionist: Life and Death in Haute Cuisine, tracks the life and suicide of master chef Bernard Loiseau, who committed suicide in 2003 when he heard rumors that his restaurant would lose its ranking in a leading dining guide.

For the Sterns it's the best Lemon Ice Box Pie in the country and excellent people watching at Silver Skillet in Atlanta. Keeping to the theme, Lynne shares her recipe for Stirred Lemon Ice Cream.

Steve Jenkins thinks female cheesemakers are the best, especially when it comes to goat and sheep cheeses. He reveals his favorites.

Dave Lieberman, the new kid at the Food Network, talks being young and hungry and on a budget. His recipe for Potato-Chip-Crusted Salmon is from his book, Young and Hungry: More Than 100 Recipes for Cooking Fresh and Affordable Food for Everyone.

Salvage Sister Kathleen Hackett recycles junk into the kitchen and encourages us to do the same. She is a co-author of The Salvage Sisters: Guide to Finding Style in the Street and Inspiration in the Attic. We have the scoop on the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, and the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 11, 2005 (originally aired)
July 1, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Eating Korean Jun 17, 2006

We're talking Korean food this week with Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee, author of Eating Korean, From Barbecue to Kimchi, Recipes from My Home. Korean cuisine is bold and spicy, and served in a way that lets you play with all kinds of flavor combinations. Cecilia gives us the essentials. Her recipe for Spicy Pork Ribs gets us grilling.

It's classic hot beef sandwiches and sour cream raisin pie for the Sterns at Lange's Café in Pipestone, Minnesota. Chris Kimball of Cook's Illustrated magazine shares tricks for freezing summer's bounty. It's all about knowing your freezer. He shares a recipe for Blueberry Cobbler from The New Best Recipe with a variation using frozen blueberries. Lynne continues the theme with her Hungry Woman's Simple Sorbet.

Francine Maroukian, author of Chef's Secrets: Insider Techniques from Today's Culinary Masters reveals tips and tricks from the best in the business. Mike Colamecco, our go-to guy for advice on good eats in the Big Apple, says you'll find some of the city's best food, at bargain prices, at wine bars. A Peabody Award-winning documentarian looks at the truth behind Tupperware, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 4, 2005 (originally aired)
June 17, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Frank Stitt's Southern Table Jun 10, 2006

Award-winning chef Frank Stitt put Alabama on the gastronomic map with his mecca of great eating, Highlands Bar and Grill in Birmingham. He joins us this week to talk the return of the South's culinary glory days, a renaissance in which he plays a major role. The recipe for Miss Verba's Pimiento Cheese is from his new book, Frank Stitt's Southern Table: Recipes and Gracious Traditions from Highlands Bar and Grill.

For the Sterns it's all about chicken wings at Dem Wangs in Memphis. Lynne's theory about the popularity of wings is apparent in her fabulous Mahogany Chicken Wings.

Herb expert and chef Jerry Traunfeld is back to talk fennel pollen. His recipe for Fennel Blossom Soup could result in some very ticked off bees!

We meet up with Tane Chan, the "wok woman" of San Francisco's Chinatown, who tells us how to pick the perfect wok. Find yours at her Wok Shop.

Manhattan's irreverent caterer to the stars, Serena Bass, has tips for effortless spring entertaining and shares a Spring Dinner Menu from her book, Serena, Food & Stories: Feeding Friends Every Hour of the Day.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 7, 2005 (originally aired)
June 10, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Curry Jun 03, 2006

This week Lizzie Collingham, author of Curry: A Tale of Cook's and Conquerors, joins us for a look at the history of India through its curries. She says the most popular ones each tell a different story of a significant outside influence. It's a fascinating take on how a world-class cuisine came into being. The recipe for Vindaloo is from Lizzie's book.

The Sterns are at Clementine in Los Angeles where they're swooning over the grilled cheese sandwiches and a banana cream pie that's to die for. We have new wine roads to travel in California with Wine Spectator columnist Matt Kramer. Celebrity Chef Charlie Palmer marked one Father's Day by taking his two sons into the kitchen of his multi-starred restaurant for a peek. They've been prepping the veggies ever since. Writer and Public Radio producer David Welch has the story.

Los Angeles Times writer Charles Perry has the scoop on bitters and a Prom Dress, the latest thing in the $20 cocktail genre. Lynne shares a grill recipe for Black Pepper-Honey Steak, and in the second half of the show the phone lines are open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 3, 2006

Fried Chicken with John T. Edge May 20, 2006

John T. Edge, Southern food and culture historian and director of the Southern Foodways Alliance, joins us this week and he's talking fried chicken. His recipe for Sweet Tea Fried Chicken is from his book Fried Chicken, An American Story.

The Sterns report in from Putz's Creamy Whip, an old-fashioned custard stand in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Josh Wesson stops by to talk a wine waiting to happen: Austria's Gruner Veltliner.

The Washington Post's T. R. Reid, author of The United States of Europe, was in the enviable position of being sent to Japan to research an article for Entrée magazine, a Neiman Marcus publication. He was told to eat high and expensive. We'll have a report.

Gourmet magazine's editor Ruth Reichl hits the Brooklyn hot spots with New York food maven Ed Levine. Ruth's new book is Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise.

We'll learn about "girlie wine" and, as always, Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 21, 2005 (originally aired)
May 20, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Buenos Aires Italian May 06, 2006

This week it's all things Italian but not in Italy. Instead of heading east to Rome, we're going south to Buenos Aires where the descendants of two million Italians have settled. Food writer Rich Lang is our guide.

The Sterns report from the Pacific Northwest, their favorite breakfast destination, where Michael says you'll find the paragon of waffles at Fresco Caffe in Portland, Oregon.

Steve Jenkins lines up a cheese vacation in Portugal, and Sally Schneider talks the little fish everybody loves to hate: the anchovy. Her recipe for Warm Anchovy and Olive Oil Sauce might change some minds about one of Lynne's favorite sneaky ingredients.

Chris Kimball of Cook's Illustrated magazine and America's Test Kitchen is back with the skinny on non-stick pots and pans. The latest book from the Cook's Illustrated folks is the 2005 edition of America's Test Kitchen Live!

Sam Perkins talks wine auctions, and the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 16, 2005 (originally aired)
May 6, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Andante Dairy Apr 29, 2006

We'll go inside the dairy with Soyoung Scanlon, California's new star cheese maker who has celebrity chefs kissing the hem of her apron. She follows the milk and her mood, not the market, at her Andante Dairy in Santa Rosa and it shows in her cheeses.

The Sterns cross the pond for pie and mash in London. Tune in to find out it they chose the optional eels.

Vegetarian expert Deborah Madison talks spring things for this teeter-totter time of year. Her recipe for Lemony Risotto Croquettes with Slivered Snow Peas, Asparagus, and Leeks comes from her new book, Vegetarian Suppers from Deborah Madison's Kitchen.

Margo True, Executive Editor of Saveur magazine, tells the story of the tiffinwallah, Mumbai's lunch ritual that's the envy of General Motors. Read the full story in the May 2005 issue of Saveur.

We'll hear about the back-to-basics coffee served at Deaf Dog Coffee shops, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 9, 2005 (originally aired)
April 29, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Three Guys from Miami Apr 01, 2006

This week it's Cuban Miami with Glenn, Raul, and Jorge. The "Three Guys from Miami" love to eat, they love their town, and they give us advice on where and what to eat, including airport food worth the trip. The recipe for Roast Pork is from their book Three Guys from Miami Cook Cuban: 100 Great Cuban Recipes with a Touch of Miami Spice.

The Sterns are in a time warp at Lankford Grocery and Market, a 1940's era café serving divine triple cheeseburgers. The highly opinionated cheese monger and author of Cheese Primer, Steve Jenkins has ideas for what to eat with cheese. Dill pickles are on the list! Travel & Leisure magazine's Anya Von Bremzen returns with her picks of the best new American restaurants of 2004.

Wine critic Matt Kramer talks the new California grape and the latest region to watch. His newest book is Matt Kramer's New California Wine: Making Sense of Napa Valley, Sonoma, Central Coast and Beyond. We have the story of Hamburger America, a documentary film about some of the best burgers in America and the people behind them, and, as always, Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 5, 2005 (originally aired)
April 1, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Umami Mar 25, 2006

If you've always suspected that taste goes beyond science's big four of sweet, sour, salt and bitter your instincts are right. This week we're looking at umami. It's what food types call the "fifth taste." Our guest, David Kasabian, tells us how to use this wunderkind to make everything we eat taste better. Coq au Vin Nouveau, from The Fifth Taste: Cooking with Umami by David and Anna Kasabian, demonstrates the principle.

For the Sterns it's retro burgers, fabulous hand-cut fries and malts at one of Lynne's favorite haunts: Convention Grill in the Minneapolis suburb of Edina. Anya Von Bremzen talks Spain's surprise national dish and it's not paella. It's Cocido from her latest book, The New Spanish Table.

Wine critic Matt Kramer, author of Matt Kramer's New California Wine answers the controversial question: can you actually get cheap good wines? We go to Mexico for vanilla—the most labor intensive food in the hemisphere—and stop by Cake Man Raven Confectionery, a bakery in Brooklyn that claims to be the official home of the classic Southern Red Velvet Cake—and so much more.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 25, 2006

Queenan Country Mar 18, 2006

Joe Queenan, that quirky observer of the human comedy, takes us his England this week. It's a place of people driven by good-natured insanity, where home cooking thrives, and the steak and kidney pie requires a pneumatic drill. His book is Queenan Country: A Reluctant Anglophile's Pilgrimage to the Mother Country.

Remember creamed chipped beef on toast? The Sterns tuck into the old-fashioned dish and more classic New England fare at the Blue Benn Diner in Bennington, Vermont. Wine maverick Josh Wesson talks cans, boxes and sippy straws, the next new things for serving wine. Sally Schneider returns with ideas for easy suppers starring cornbread, including her recipe for Parmigiano Cornbread.

Health authority Nina Simonds advises saying no to Botox and yes to the spice cupboard for fighting those pesky signs of aging. She shares her recipe for Fragrant Cinnamon Pork with Sweet Potatoes is from her new book Spices of Life: Simple and Delicious Recipes for Great Health.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 19, 2005 (originally aired)
March 18, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Molecular Gastronomy Mar 11, 2006

This week we take a look at the new kitchen science that has haute restaurant chefs rethinking everything, taking foods apart and putting them back together in ways we can't imagine. The instigator is our guest, chemist Hervé This, author of Molecular Gastronomy: Exploring the Science of Flavor (Arts and Traditions of the Table: Perspectives on Culinary History.) The Sterns report from Eddie's Supper Club in Great Falls, Montana, where the secret marinade is key to their renowned steaks. Then Lynne shares her Guide to Marinades, including several delicious recipes.

Cheese expert Steve Jenkins shares his latest artisan cheese finds, the ones he calls "adult candy." Mike Colamecco, our go-to guy for good eats in the Big Apple, tells us where to find the city's best hot dogs. Reporter Peter Aronson tells of the Mexican scientist who sees edible bugs saving the world's poor; and we celebrate National Potato Chip Day with the chief flavor architect of Kettle brand potato chips.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 11, 2006

A New Way to Buy Wine Feb 25, 2006

This week it's a look at a new way to buy wine and it has everything to do with knowing the importers and distributors. Neal Rosenthal of Rosenthal Wine Merchant joins us to talk wine importers and who to look for on the label. The Sterns are eating herring "cremated" and "sunnyside up" at Cypress Grill in Jamesville, NC. David Rosengarten brings order and tranquility to that baffling liquid: sake. He shares his recipe for Salted Seaweed Salad with Lemon and Freshly Grated Ginger from his latest book, David Rosengarten Entertains. John Willoughby of Gourmet magazine has ideas for what to do between meals in London. For starters, there's cooking classes, shopping, and a secret garden. The New York Times gardening columnist Ann Raver has new veggies for us to try and shares her picks of the best seed sources. We'll check in with Rick Field, the inventive pickle maker behind Rick's Picks, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 19, 2005 (originally aired)
February 25, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Australia's Food Scene Feb 18, 2006

We're off to Australia where it's summer now and the food scene is hot. Aussie star chef Bill Granger tells us where and what to eat in Sydney. His book, Bill's Open Kitchen, is full of uncomplicated and tantalizing recipes like a Glazed Duck with Pear and Rocket Salad. Before taking off for some retail therapy at the Kittery outlets, Jane and Michael Stern fuel up with the Clam-O-Rama at the Maine Diner in Wells.

Sally Schneider has a whole new concept for using dried fruit, including her method for Essential Plumped Dried Fruit. Just in time for Shrove Tuesday, global food authority and Moscow native Anya Von Bremzen joins us to talk a Blini. The recipe is from her book The Greatest Dishes: Around the World in 80 Recipes. Dr. Robert Kushner of Northwestern Medical School has the scoop on dieting dogs, and the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 5, 2005 (originally aired)
February 18, 2006 (rebroadcast)

The Breath of a Wok Jan 21, 2006

Chinese food authority Grace Young joins us this week with the story of China's famous pot and shares tips on how to achieve the perfect stir-fry. She leaves us a recipe for Chinese Broccoli with Ginger Sauce from her new book, The Breath of a Wok: Unlocking the Spirit of Chinese Wok Cooking Through Recipes and Lore.

It's old-world Eastern European fare for the Sterns at Polonez in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Andrea Immer tells us how to stock a wine closet on the cheap and shares her recipe for Coconut Milk-Curry Shrimp Soup from her new book, Everyday Dining with Wine. Patricia Schultz, author of the fascinating book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, names three places to eat before you die.

Zanne Stewart, executive food editor of Gourmet magazine, tells what it was like testing the 1,000 recipes featured in the new The Gourmet Cookbook. The Rumaki recipe is one to remember for upcoming holiday parties. We'll hear about the healthy vending machine program from Stonyfield Yogurt, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 6, 2004 (originally aired)
January 21, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Vegetable Love Jan 14, 2006

This week our guest is Barbara Kafka, one of the masterful cooks in the food profession. When Barbara digs into a subject she takes no prisoners. She's created her own short list of cookbook classics with titles like Roasting, Soup, and Microwave Gourmet, and each one is a complete education. Now, she has ideas for bringing more veggies into our lives with her new book, Vegetable Love. She leaves us her recipes for Parsnip Ice Cream and Greek Island Potatoes.

The Sterns dig into classic Dixie diner fare and sky high meringue pies at Crystal Grill in Greenwood, Mississippi. Kitchen equipment expert Dorie Greenspan has the scoop on the new silicone kitchenware. From muffin pans to rolling pins, is silicone the way to go?

For Chris Kimball of America's Test Kitchen fame, the ideal family vacation involves a tent, two kids, 4 camels, and a cook walking the desert in Morocco. Morning Edition's Kitchen Sisters talk America's hidden kitchens—the ones not in houses and restaurants—from their book, Hidden Kitchens: Stories, Recipes, and More from NPR's The Kitchen Sisters.

In honor of its 100th birthday, Ted Allen, food guy of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, talks our most overlooked appliance: the toaster. And, as always, the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 14, 2006

Inspiring Thirst Jan 07, 2006

San Francisco wine merchant and importer Kermit Lynch joins us this week with the story of how he entered the wine world through the back door and ended up a leader in the exquisite and the little known. His new book is Inspiring Thirst: Vintage Selections from the Kermit Lynch Wine Brochure.

It’s meat-and-three for the Sterns at Zarzour’s, a Chattanooga favorite so elusive it’s only listing in the phone book is under the name of the owner’s mother-in-law! Joshua Wesson cracks the code for teaming booze with stews, and Lynne shares her recipe for Emilia-Romagna Braised Pork Ribs, a luscious dish from Ferrara just right for a wintery evening.

Steve Jenkins talks bargain cheeses, and Nigel Slater, author of Toast: The Story of a Boy’s Hunger, remembers a mother straining to cook with love but always missing the mark. For winemaker wannabes we have the scoop on the Crushpad, a new idea for home winemaking, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 8, 2005 (originally aired)
January 7, 2006 (rebroadcast)

Per Se Dec 31, 2005

This week it's the mother of all kitchen tours. Thomas Keller is repeatedly named the best chef in the country. When he set out to duplicate his famed California restaurant, The French Laundry, in New York City, he dictated every design element, but for unheard of reasons. The result is Per Se, the hottest restaurant in the country right now. Chef Keller leads the tour and shares his recipe for Mussels with Saffron and Mustard from his fabulous new book Bouchon.

The Sterns are forking into classic cowboy steak at Sleepy Hollow in Oklahoma City. Wine maverick Joshua Wesson talks Mourvedre, the new muscle man grape that produces a big bruiser of a red. Sally Schneider, author of A New Way to Cook, suggests vanilla beans to rescue a dish. Her recipe for Vanilla Bean Syrup kicks up the natural flavors of fruit. We have new food games - the SmartsCo flash cards - for trivia at the dinner table, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 11, 2004 (originally aired)
December 31, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Great Food Around the World Dec 24, 2005

Today we offer our holiday special, a special guide to reveling, relaxing, and reflecting. This is a remarkable time of the year and no matter where you go, you'll find celebrations and feasting.

Chef and Mexican food expert Rick Bayless spends every Christmas in Oaxaca and he takes us inside the holiday south-of-the-border. Wine maverick Joshua Wesson advises us on whether to drink or store those wonderful gift wines we receive.

Jane and Michael Stern find a place to celebrate the holidays all year round in Frankenmuth Michigan.

Traveling around the globe we get the best of India's celebrations with actress and food authority Madhur Jaffrey. From London, Nigella Lawson talks about life, food, and Christmas dinner.

In Europe it is Christmas in Paris with Patricia Wells and of course Lynne shares Italian celebrations.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 24, 2005

Charcuterie Dec 17, 2005

This week we're talking all things salted, cured and smoked with food writer Michael Ruhlman, co-author of Charcuterie. In Europe, charcuterie is high craft, done by masters. Here, it's the latest thing in the artisan food movement. Michael has tips for making your own home-cured meats and seafood and shares his recipe for the ultimate party food: Pâté de Campagne.

The Sterns are at Becky's Diner, beloved by locals in Portland, Maine. The food is delicious and Becky makes you feel like you've come home to mom.

Wine wit Joshua Wesson suggests wines to sip with fruitcake. Can they redeem the much-maligned gateau? Dorie Greenspan brings a French twist to the holiday cookie exchange with Anise Cookies and Lemon Butter Cookies from her wonderful book, Paris Sweets: Great Desserts from the City's Best Pastry Shops

Our New York food guy Mike Colamecco returns to talk pure romance: Christmas in New York. He names restaurants and food shops that serve up holiday magic along with great food.

Robert Tinnell, author of Feast of the Seven Fishes, tells the story of the comic strip inspired by a Christmas Eve date, and, as always, the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 17, 2005

Burgundy Dec 03, 2005

Master Sommelier Andrea Immer Robinson joins us this week to talk Burgundy wine. It's the tricky but luscious older brother of Pinot Noir that the movie "Sideways" crowned the new king. Andrea's Pearl Barley Risotto with Mushrooms and Carrots pairs beautifully with Pinot Noirs from Burgundy's Côte Chalonnaise district.

The Sterns are dining with night owls and truckers at Jo Jo's Restaurant in Pittsburgh. Sally Schneider stops by with what we need to know about seasoning with nut oils. Her divine Leek "Noodles" with Crème Fraîche and Hazelnut Oil is the best introduction we know. When one more carol threatens to send you screaming from the room, World Music master Bob Duskis comes to the rescue with holiday music to entertain by. The good news is there's not a fa-la-la-la-la in the bunch!

Then we have the latest from Paris—temporary restaurants. They're open a few days then they're gone forever!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 3, 2005

Indian Home Cooking Nov 26, 2005

This week's guest could be New York's next star chef. He's Suvir Saran, author of Indian Home Cooking. His food is all about clear, singing flavors and simple, light dishes. Tomato Rasam is a fine example.

The Sterns are munching sopaipillas dipped in liquid sunshine at the Plaza Café, Santa Fe's oldest restaurant.

Steve Jenkins introduces us to lush gooey cheeses, the ones he calls the "cheeses of a lifetime."

Britain's beloved food writer Nigel Slater tells of a fragile mother-son relationship forged in the kitchen from his heartbreakingly funny memoir TOAST: The Story of a Boy's Hunger.

Sally Schneider talks winter squash and leaves us her delicious recipe for Roasted Winter Squash Slices. Finally, we'll hear about an unusual pizza unique to the upper Midwest and Fox's Pizza Den.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 9, 2004 (originally aired)
November 26, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Thanksgiving Nov 19, 2005

It's our annual Thanksgiving show and we're bringing you a banquet of recipes, stories, a cut of history, and new looks at feasting inside and outside our borders. Food authority Joan Nathan talks real American food today from home kitchens across the country. Her recipe for Braised Butternut Squash with Mustard Seeds, Chili, Curry Leaves, and Ginger is from her new book, The New American Cooking.

Who but the Sterns would find popcorn missing from the Thanksgiving table? They fill the void at Yoder Popcorn in Topeka, Indiana. Lynne has a new rule for the big feast and a whole do-ahead menu designed for one oven. It could change how you do Thanksgiving dinner from now on.

Sally Schneider is back tackling side dishes and the big pumpkin question: fresh or canned? Her delicious Cranberry-Walnut Conserve is one side dish you'll want on your table! Peter Menzel and Faith D'Aluisio tell of going inside the kitchens and lives of families from Greenland to Chad to photograph what they eat in one week. It's all documented in their book, Hungry Planet: What the World Eats.

You'll hear about a coronation feast with a spine-tingling twist from Nichola Fletcher, author of Charlemagne's Tablecloth, and one urban activist tells the political side of dumpster diving.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 19, 2005

The Hip Chick's Guide to Macrobiotics Nov 05, 2005

This week it's a blast from the past - the macrobiotic diet - with Jessica Porter, author of The Hip Chick's Guide to Macrobiotics. Jessica has a fresh take on that 1960's phenomenon.

The Sterns visit the Beacon Light Tea Room in Lyles, Tennessee. Wine wit Joshua Wesson wants us to discover the mysterious Primitivo, and Mike Colamecco, our New York food expert, tells us where to breakfast in Manhattan.

Francine Maroukian, author of Esquire Eats, has advice for the guys on how to feed friends and lovers. Start with her recipe for Double-Fired Porterhouse with Classic Steakhouse Rub.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 2, 2004 (originally aired)
November 5, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Farmer's Diner Oct 22, 2005

Tod Murphy is a man who's giving restaurant chains a run for their money. His Farmer's Diner in Barre, Vermont serves up good, cheap food from local farms. The system is a winner that could take "local" national.

The Sterns set out for breakfast in Nashville and ended up at Vandyland for ice cream sodas.

Sally Schneider shares her recipe for Real "Jell-O", and David Leite talks the hazards of being a "hired belly." Anya Von Bremzen is just back from Turkey with easy little dishes, including Turkish Braised Eggplant, and we'll hear about the "Taking America to Lunch" exhibit opening next spring at the Smithsonian's National Museum of History.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 25, 2004 (originally aired)
October 22, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Michael Bauer and the San Francisco Chronicle Oct 01, 2005

This week it's a newspaper that gets it. America is food obsessed as never before, yet newspapers across the country are slashing their food sections down to a few recipe columns off the wire amid a mass of ads. And forget local coverage. An exception is the San Francisco Chronicle food & dining page. Executive food and wine editor Michael Bauer joins us to talk the plight of the food page. The recipe for Pomegranate and Spice-Braised Pork comes from the Chronicle.

The Sterns tuck into a plate of soul food spaghetti at Ramon's in Clarksdale, Mississippi. The high priestess of wine, Andrea Immer, brings a real world take to wine issues like glasses, temperature, and what to do with that open bottle. Her latest work is Andrea's Complete Wine Course for Everyone on DVD.

Are you ready for some wattle seed or Inca Aji? Spice purveyor Nirmala Narine hunts down the truly unusual from the spice world to create her remarkable blends. Food writer Francine Maroukian talks the return of the neighborhood coffee roaster, and we have the scoop on the Healing Foods Pyramid - with wine and chocolate!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 1, 2005

Zinfandel Sep 10, 2005

We're taking a look at Zinfandel, the mystery grape swathed in controversy, its origins lost in the mists of time. Wine historian Charles Sullivan, author of Zinfandel: A History of a Grape and Its Wine, joins us to unravel its questionable past.

The Sterns have found great barbecue behind bulletproof glass at Leon's Bar-B-Que in Chicago. Dorie Greenspan gets us ready for the return of cool weather with the best in bread baking gear. Our go-to guy in New York reveals one of his secrets for great cheap eats: the city's oldest Indian neighborhood called Curry Hill.

Lynne shares her recipe for Tamarind-Glazed Pork Tenderloin Sauté, and Alice Waters, the high priestess of California cuisine and organics, reports on the latest in school lunches from Berkeley's Edible Schoolyard.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 11, 2004 (originally aired)
September 10, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Spaces for Entertaining Sep 03, 2005

This week we're creating spaces for entertaining. It's not about remodeling, it's about working with what you already have. Our guest is architect Sarah Susanka, whose latest book is Home by Design: Transforming Your House Into a Home.

The Sterns are eating Cuban sandwiches and mango milkshakes at Margon in Times Square. Cheese monger Steve Jenkins is back and wants us to try fresh summer cheeses.

Anya Von Bremzen wanders the world as a food journalist, but Spain draws her back again and again. She joins us to talk Spanish food, including the ultimate Classic Andalusian Gazpacho. We'll hear the backstory on Terroir estate coffee from George Howell, founder of Boston's Coffee Connection. Dan Lowenstein fills us in on PlayDine, a new take on family-style restaurants, and Lynne has a recipe for Iced Summer Peaches.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 24, 2004 (originally aired)
September 3, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Cooking for Kings Aug 20, 2005

This week it's a look at Antonin Carême, the world's first celebrity chef. Abandoned by his family at age nine to starve on the streets of Paris, Carême overcame impossible odds to achieve wealth, fame and an unheard of independence. In the process he reshaped French cuisine. His biographer Ian Kelly, author of Cooking for Kings, tells the story. Carême's recipe for Orange Flower and Pink Champagne Jelly takes us back to the 19th century when he cooked for kings.

The Sterns have discovered an anomaly at Burgerville, a restaurant chain in the Pacific Northwest. Christopher Kimball of Cook's Illustrated tested ice cream makers and came up with some worth having. We'll go to Seattle for an oyster dating service, and Lynne gets a lesson in pairing wines with oysters. Our man in Athens calls in with the scoop on what the athletes are eating, and we have the latest solution to cork taint - the Vino-Lok.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 21, 2004 (originally aired)
August 20, 2005 (rebroadcast)

From Curries to Kebabs with Madhur Jaffrey Aug 13, 2005

Indian food expert Madhur Jaffrey joins us this week with the tale of how curry turned global. It's all about India's caste system and Britain's lust for empire. Madhur shares her recipe for Cilantro Chicken from her latest book, From Curries to Kebabs: Recipes from the Indian Spice Trail.

Michael Stern takes on the politics of the waffle at the Blue Plate Café in Memphis, and Josh Wesson wants us to try German wines with simple labels.

Journalist Anya Von Bremzen talks the true soba noodles of Japan and names the best soba parlors in Tokyo and New York. Now is a good time to try her recipe for Chilled Zaru Soba with Dipping Sauce. We'll hear from a watermelon queen in love with petrochemicals, and Vocation Vacations has ideas for your next getaway.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 7, 2004 (originally aired)
August 13, 2005 (rebroadcast)

The Secret Life of Lobsters Jul 30, 2005

This week, our guest Trevor Corson, author of The Secret Life of Lobsters, takes a new look at endangered sea life. It's story of underwater feminism, renegade scientists, and amorous crustaceans!

The Sterns are road tripping into fried pie country where they've found a gem called Family Pie Shop.

Rick Bayless picks wines to drink with Mexican food, and shares a recipe for Garlicky Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Smoky Tomato-Chile Salsa from his book Mexico One Plate At A Time. Smart cook Sally Schneider talks how to waste nothing and be ready for anything. It's all in how you use your freezer. Keep her Fool-Proof Flaky Butter Pastry on hand for a spur-of-the-moment fruit pizza or pie. B-52 rocker Kate Piersen tells about her retro Lazy Meadow Motel in the Catskill Mountains, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 17, 2004 (originally aired)
July 30, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Summer in Provence Jul 02, 2005

We're talking living and eating in the south of France with none other than Patricia Wells, restaurant critic for the International Herald Tribune and the most prominent American authority on French food today. Patricia's new book, The Provence Cookbook, is the latest addition to her roster of titles about cooking, traveling and eating in Paris and France. She leaves us her recipe for Fresh White Beans with Garlic and Light Basil Sauce, and recommends a visit to Le Bistrot du Paradou.

The Sterns tell of the sensational hotdogs at Fido's a street cart in Portland, Oregon, and then Josh Wesson suggests wines to pair with rich, oily fish like salmon and mackerel.

Lynne reports on her visit to Armandino's Salumi and other Seattle restaurants discovered during her recent trip to the Emerald City where she partied with KUOW listeners. Finally, we'll have a report on picnicking in the nude, part of the fastest growing trend in vacationing - nude recreation!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 10, 2004 (originally aired)
July 2, 2005 (rebroadcast)

A Good Year Jun 25, 2005

Peter Mayle, author of A Year in Provence, joins us this week with a send-up of France's latest wine craze. It's all about the scams and hype that have us sniffing our wines for traces of impertinence and pencil shavings! Peter's new novel is A Good Year.

The Sterns indulge in the fabulous frozen custard at Leon's in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Josh Wesson suggests wines to pair with summer's bounty, then Mike Colameco tells us where to eat in New York City's Hell's Kitchen, a neighborhood little known to those outside the Big Apple.

Food & Wine magazine just named their picks for Best New Chefs of 2004 and we have the scoop! Then we'll have an update on what not to eat from sea and stream from the folks at the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 12, 2004 (originally aired)
June 25, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Candyfreak Jun 18, 2005

This week it's the story of a life-altering sweet tooth. Our guest, Steve Almond, author of Candyfreak, has lived his entire life for candy and surely knows more about candy history than Mars and Hershey combined. The Sterns are choosing between democracy and dictatorship at Hallo Berlin, a sausage cart on the streets of New York.

Travel writer Anya Von Bremzen reports on world food markets worth a trip. Sally Schneider talks the garlic of the moment and shares a recipe for Warm Goat Cheese Salad with Roasted Garlic. Al Sicherman reports on "the unfortunate pantry: a taste test." Citysearch brings us a new way to find good eats when we're on the road, and Lynne shares her recipe for Sweet and Pungent Sicilian Sauce.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 29, 2004 (originally aired)
June 18, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Big Bites with Linda Ellerbee May 28, 2005

Funny and frank journalist Linda Ellerbee joins us this week to talk travel, eating, and the meaning of life. She shares a recipe for Mama's Rescued Fudge Pie from Take Big Bites: Adventures Around the World and Across the Table, her recently published memoirs.

The Sterns celebrate Grilled Cheese Month at Clementine in Los Angeles where the banana cream pie is to die for! Deborah Madison stops by with a fresh take on crepes. Her recipe for Masa Crepes with Chard, Chiles and Cilantro is from her new book, Vegetarian Suppers from Deborah Madison's Kitchen.

Dr. Arthur Aufderheide, who runs the International Mummy Registry, tells a fascinating tale of exhuming the bodies of the Medici's to figure out their diet! Read a profile of Dr. Aufderheide in the May 16, 2005 issue of The New Yorker.

Jeremy Jackson, author of Good Day for a Picnic, takes summer dining al fresco beyond fried chicken and potato salad. His ideas for a perfectly packed picnic hamper include goodies like Brown Sugar Almonds for nibbling, Little Meatballs with Cherries for scooping up with pita bread, and Radler for sipping.

Food and Wine editor Dana Cowin names the epicurean magazine's picks for Best New Chefs 2005, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 28, 2005

The Accidental Connoisseur May 14, 2005

When our guest, Lawrence Osbourne, wondered if he could trust his own palate he went inside the wine world to find out. He'll tell us what he learned. His book is The Accidental Connoisseur: An Irreverent Journey Through the World of Wine.

The Sterns are getting their licks at one of America's last great ice cream factories—the Big Dipper in Prospect, Connecticut. Sally Schneider talks duck and claims it's the new steak. Try her recipe for Duck Breast with Thyme Infused Honey and Balsamic Pan Sauce. Andrew Dornenberg, co-author with Karen Page of The New American Chef, tells of a chef's ultimate sacrifice to seasonal cooking. Suquet de Rape, a Spanish fish stew, is a delicious offering from the book.

Scott Haas takes us to Tokyo for a private tea ceremony, and Marion Cunningham joins us in a tribute to James Beard's 100th birthday. Marion's charming new book is Lost Recipes: Meals to Share with Friends and Family. Her classic Chicken, Fruit and Curry Salad comes from the book.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 1, 2004 (originally aired)
May 14, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Fetzer Vineyards Apr 30, 2005

Paul Dolan, president of Fetzer Vineyards and author of True to Our Roots: Fermenting a Business Revolution, has made some unconventional changes at one of America's most successful wineries. We'll hear how this big producer is practicing what usually works only on a small scale. It could be the new way of wine. The Sterns settle a meat pie debate at Cousin Jenny's Gourmet Cornish Pasties in Traverse City, Michigan, and Lynne weighs in with her take on the meal in a crust: Pizza Rustica.

Gourmet magazine's John Willoughby talks that Asian classic, Steamed Sticky Rice, and David Rosengarten wants us to try veal breast, an inexpensive and overlooked cut. His recipe for Confit of Veal Breast is a good place to start. Mary Stuckey reports on the happy return of abalone, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 17, 2004 (originally aired)
April 30, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Cooking by Hand Apr 23, 2005

California Chef Paul Bertolli, author of Cooking by Hand, gives new meaning to "cooking from scratch." He makes his own balsamic vinegar, cures his own salami and hams and grinds his own flours. We'll learn what drives this talented artisan and owner of the award-winning restaurant Oliveto in North Berkley. He leaves us with his recipe for Boiled Chicken with Vinegar Sauce.

The Sterns are surrounded by teddy bears and scented candles as they dine on clam hash and Grape Nuts pudding at Pat's Kountry Kitchen in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

Wine maverick Joshua Wesson has traded hearty winter reds for bargain-priced spring wines from France, and Max Jacobson has an insider's guide to Las Vegas restaurants. We'll check out a new take on dinner theater in New York, and hear about what happened when one company decided to apply their salmon freezing techniques to lobster.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 3, 2004 (originally aired)
April 23, 2005 (rebroadcast)

The Botanist and the Vintner Apr 02, 2005

British journalist Christy Campbell joins us this week with the story behind the plague that threatened to destroy the world's vineyards. The fascinating account of how scientists working with vintners stopped a near disaster is documented in Mr. Campbell's book, The Botanist and the Vintner: How Wine Was Saved for the World.

The Sterns are half way between Miami and Havana, eating Cuban home-style food at El Siboney in Key West. Josh Wesson suggests wines to pair with smelly cheeses. His picks might surprise you. Chef Jerry Traunfeld is back and he's talking chervil. His recipe for lemony Chervil Avgolemono is light, fresh and perfect for spring. It's from his forthcoming book, The Herbal Kitchen: Cooking with Fragrance and Flavor.

New York food authority Mike Colamecco tells us where to find the best version of that Harlem special, Chicken and Waffles. Food historian and writer Cara De Silva previews the upcoming PBS special, The Meaning of Food, and, as always, the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 2, 2005

Sichuan Cooking Mar 26, 2005

"Our guest is BBC journalist Fuchsia Dunlop, the first foreigner invited to study at the professional chef's school in Sichuan, China. She fell in love with the spicy, hot, and unique cuisine the Chinese call "audacious cooking," and went on to pen Land of Plenty: A Treasury of Authentic Sichuan Cooking. She leaves us her recipe for Fish-Fragrant Eggplant from the book.

For the Sterns, it's French toast and Red Velvet Cake at Diana's in Charleston, and Lynne reveals her "Southern Fantasy Trip Back Seat Library!" We'll talk international beans and weenies with Anya Von Bremzen. Her recipe for Feijoada Completa is from her new book, The Greatest Dishes!: Around the World in 80 Recipes.

Wine expert Jay McInerney is back offering his opinions on the world of wine. This time he's predicting Sauvignon Blanc will cancel out Chardonnay! In a bow to the current political climate, we'll address one of the issues dividing the nation—the diet wars. And we'll hear from Murph Dawkins who, during a renovation of her St. Paul bar, discovered hidden treasure in the basement!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 20, 2004 (originally aired)
March 26, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Cooking Contests Mar 12, 2005

This week it's heartbreak, glory, and big money. We're talking cooking contests with Amy Sutherland, author of Cookoff: Recipe Fever in America. If you think the Superbowl is competitive, wait until you hear how serious cooks go for the gold!

The Sterns dine family-style at Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House in Savannah, Georgia. Food forager Ari Weinzweig delights chile heads with talk of the great pepper duo from Spain, and leaves us his recipe for Stuffed Piquillo Peppers.

Tea man Bill Waddington takes us to the new center for cutting-edge teas, then we're off to Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery where liquid refreshment isn't limited to humans.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 31, 2004 (originally aired)
March 12, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Cooking in Dixie Feb 26, 2005

This week it's the story of two Southern cooks from different generations, different places, and different races. Young chef Scott Peacock talks about his special friendship with Edna Lewis, a cook, writer, and octogenarian who is one of our national culinary treasures. Scott leaves us his recipes for Sugared Raspberries and Scott's Chicken Stock from The Gift of Southern Cooking, the book he co-authored with Miss Lewis.

The Sterns are also in Dixie, eating banana splits and dipsy doodles atElliston Place Soda Shop in Nashville. Sally Schneider talks chicories and other aggressive greens that she tames in her recipe for Bitter Greens with Seasonal Fruit and Roasted Nuts. Lynne joins in with Nonna's Sneaky Greens Soup.

New York Times food writer Amanda Hesser, author of the charmingCooking for Mr. Latte, tells of a dinner where courtship, family relations, and culinary intimidation came together. Ginger Duck is what they ate. And we'll hear from a harvester of one of the planet's most complete foods—seaweed!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 13, 2004 (originally aired)
February 26, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Winter Grilling Feb 15, 2005

Brush the snow off the Weber! Steven Raichlen is back and he's talking winter grilling. Never mind that the wind chill is 10 below. Steven's Green Lightning Shrimp, from his book BBQ USA, will warm you to your toes.

The Sterns get a jolt from the Tabasco Ice Cream at Robin's Restaurant in Henderson, Louisiana. "Bright Lights, Big City" guy Jay McInerney wants us to think Rose Champagne for Valentine's Day. It's what we'll be sipping with Lynne's Double Dark Chocolate Excess.

Tea expert Bill Waddington brings us his guide to pairing tea with food. Monique Truong takes us back to Paris in the 1920's with a peek into a very private dinner, and some marketing folks want us to smell like Bombay Sapphire Gin!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 12, 2001 (originally aired)
February 14, 2004 (rebroadcast)
February 15, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Domesticating Goat Cheese Jan 29, 2005

This week Miles Cahn, creator of Coach handbags and, ultimately, Coach Farm Goat Cheese, tells the story of trading big-city life for dairy farming in the Hudson Valley. It's a tale of one man's journey from successful businessman to being held hostage by 1,000 goats. His book is The Perils and Pleasures of Domesticating Goat Cheese.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating pancakes at Dot's Diner in Wilmington, Vermont. Josh Wesson addresses the thorny issue of the disappearing wine cork, and shares his picks of wines with screw tops.

Boston Globe food editor Sheryl Julian talks the real world of cooking today, and shares a recipe forPortuguese Chicken and Rice from her book The Way We Cook. We'll have an intriguing restaurant report from Ann Marie Ruff, and Andrea Wilson introduces us tobiodegradable utensils for take-out food.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 24, 2004 (originally aired)
January 29, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Food Fight Jan 15, 2005

Did you know that one quarter of all vegetables eaten in America are french fries? Our guest, Dr. Kelly Brownell, Director of the Yale Center for Eating and Weight Disorders and author of Food Fight, thinks huge advertising budgets have more to do with this frightening statistic than our lack of will power. But Dr. Brownell says there's hope on the horizon. He joins us for a look at some of the victories in our battle with obesity.

With much of the country in a deep freeze, we think a bowl of steaming chili is in order. The Sterns found a fabulous one at Porubsky's Grocery in Topeka, Kansas, and Lynne shares her recipe forWinter Veggie Chili. Sally Schneider talks healthy ways to cook with bacon, as in her recipe for Roasted Root Vegetable Hash. Cooper Gillespie, a charming pooch of discriminating taste, inspired his human, Susan Orlean, to penThrow Me a Bone, a collection of his favorite recipes. Susan joins us to talk the merits of cooking nutritious, tasty food, like Goldie's Meatloaf Cup Cakes, for your best friend.

We'll hear of a student's year abroad and lessons in culinary patriotism, and we get the latest from Vogue magazine—are you ready for status mints?

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 17, 2004 (originally aired)
January 15, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Raw Jan 01, 2005

We're cooking in the raw, vegan style, with renowned Chicago chef Charlie Trotter, co-author of a new book aptly titled Raw. It's stunning food using new techniques like those in his recipe for Cauliflower Soup with Balsamic Red Onions and Wilted Lettuce.

The Sterns are nibbling succulent shrimp while basking on the sunny deck at the Anchor Line in South Carolina's James Island.

David Rosengarten has hot chocolates that "will likely improve your winter by geometric proportions!"

Kitchen detective Christopher Kimball's reveals how ordinary carrots and turnips became "ravishing roots" in his recipe for Ten-Minute Root Vegetables.

Maria Bakkalupa takes us to Bali for its quintessential celebration of babies, gods and food, and New York's Mr. Cutlets, author of Meat Me in Manhattan, has advice for carnivores and Dr. Atkins' fans looking for their next meal in the Big Apple.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 10, 2004 (originally aired)
January 1, 2005 (rebroadcast)

Slow Food New York Dec 25, 2004

We're off to Manhattan's Lower East Side, one of the Big Apple's great culinary neighborhoods with our guide Ben Watson, co-author of The Slow Food Guide to New York City. From street pickles and lox to bialys and gelato, it's all about small businesses making exceptional foods in old-fashioned ways.

On the opposite coast, the Sterns are dining with Tinsel Town's power brokers and celebs at Musso and Frank Grill. Sally Schneider comes to the rescue with recipes for homemade gifts with lots of style for little work. We'll hear the story of one family's great Jell-O debacle that became a loving tradition, then we'll check in with Ralene Snow of Snow's Citrus Court for a first-hand report on California's citrus season.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 13, 2003 (originally aired)
December 25, 2004 (rebroadcast)

Christmas with Nigella Dec 18, 2004

This week it's Christmas with England's Nigella Lawson, the lustiest, yet pragmatic, cook we know. She'll talk the feast, with ideas for taking the pressure off and having some fun. She leaves us her recipes for Bread Sauce and Easy-Action Christmas Cake from her latest book, Feast.

The Sterns feast at El Farolito, an adobe hut in the middle of nowhere about 40 minutes from Santa Fe.

Andrea Immer talks dessert wines and shares her recipe for Bittersweet Chocolate-Cassis Truffles from her latest book, Everyday Dining with Wine. What could be better than nibbling truffles while sipping a late bottled vintage Port by the fire? For stuffing stockings, Chris Kimball suggests some Cook's Illustrated favorite kitchen gadgets, all mercilessly tested, of course.

Thomas Matthews recommends bottles from The Wine Spectator's Top 100 list. The good news is they're affordable! Poet Maya Angelou tells of a boy's first dish for his mom and shares the recipe for Bread Pudding from her new book, Hallelujah! The Welcome Table. And Lynne gives us the recipe for the Apple Citron Turnover that often appears on her holiday table.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 18, 2004

On Food and Cooking Dec 04, 2004

Lynne talks with Harold McGee, the man who took food science from the laboratory into home kitchens. He recently updated his classic tome from twenty years ago: On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen. He fills us in on the discoveries contained in the 21st century edition.vIt's crawfish and zydeco in the back woods of Louisiana for the Sterns. They're partying at D.I.'s in Basile.

New York Times columnist Marian Burros has holiday gift ideas from her famous annual list of the best in mail order. She leaves us her recipe for that ultimate comfort food: Macaroni and Cheese from her book Cooking for Comfort: More Than 100 Wonderful Recipes That Are as Satisfying to Cook as They Are to Eat.

Lisë Stern explains the origins of keeping kosher and shares her recipe for Perfect Potato Latkes from her book How to Keep Kosher: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Jewish Dietary Laws. Our intrepid reporter Scott Haas reports on the black market for Swiss night milk. Scott's new book is Are We There Yet?: Perfect Family Vacations and Other Fantasies. We have the backstory on this year's blockbuster food book: The Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 4, 2004

Diana Kennedy's Tamale Tour Nov 27, 2004

Diana Kennedy, one of the food world's great trailblazers, takes us on a tamale tour of Mexico. Ms. Kennedy has spent her career tracking every nuance of regional Mexican food and her books are in-depth explorations of that country's fascinating cuisine. She shares her recipe for Tamales Filled with Poblanos and Cheese from her latest book, From My Mexican Kitchen: Techniques and Ingredients.

The Sterns blazed a trail to Oregon where they're eating southern-style ribs at Reo's in Aloha. Kitchen designer Deborah Krasner talks everything about the kitchen sink. Reporter Scott Haas is stomping grapes at Sterling Vineyards while examining the psychology of California wine. We'll dig into the story behind mache—it's the newest bagged salad, it's pricey, and few have a clue about what it is; and Lynne tells of a recent visit to Restaurant Amma in New York City.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 8, 2003 (originally aired)
November 27, 2004 (rebroadcast)

Thanksgiving '04 Nov 20, 2004

It's our annual Thanksgiving show and we're doing the big bird, big time. Famed San Francisco chef Judy Rodgers, author of The Zuni Café Cookbook, shares a Thanksgiving Menu that's at once modern and homey. For those who prefer reservations on Thanksgiving, the Sterns have turkey three ways, in three states!

Josh Wesson suggests bubblies and after-dinner sippers to take along when you're a guest, then Lynne has ideas for the vegetarians at your table, including her Golden Celebration Pie of Winter Vegetables.

Julie Hauserman takes us to Florida for Thanksgiving in potluck nation. We'll hear the remarkable story of Lilla Eckford from her great-granddaughter Frances Osborne, author of Lilla's Feast: A True Story of Food, Love, and War in the Orient. And Southern novelist Pat Conroy talks about his life at the stove and shares the recipe for Cocktail Pecans from his new book The Pat Conroy Cookbook: Recipes of My Life.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 20, 2004

The Not So Big House Nov 13, 2004

Renowned architect Sarah Susanka, whose latest book is Not So Big Solutions for Your Home, believes houses should be designed for how we really live, not how we think we should live. She joins us this week with practical ideas for putting this philosophy to work in our kitchens.

Jane and Michael Stern are "pig pickin" at Sweatman's BBQ in Holly Hill, South Carolina. After tasting his way through hundreds of American artisanal cheeses, David Rosengarten thinks we're finally on an "exhilarating path from Cheez Whiz to cheese wizardry." He reports on some of his top picks. In keeping with the theme, Lynne came up with a recipe for 21st Century Mac and Cheesethat takes the beloved American classic to new heights.

Christopher Kimball has the secret to foolproof Braised Short Ribs and other slow-cooked goodies, all from his latest book, The Kitchen Detective. We'll hear how rookie restaurateurs made it big with hot dogs at Sparky's American Food in Brooklyn, and novelist Jim Crace romances steamy foods on a cold autumn night.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 4, 2003 (originally aired)
November 13, 2004 (rebroadcast)

Gourmet Institute Oct 30, 2004

We're bringing you the show we recorded live on stage at the Museum of Television and Radio in New York City to kick off the second annual Gourmet Institute weekend. Our guests include John Willoughby, executive editor of Gourmet, and Chef David Pasternak of Esca talking The Big Apple's food scene.

Bad boy Chef Anthony Bourdain and the consummate perfectionist Chef Thomas Keller team up to tell how they got started in the business. Gael Green and Ruth Reichl, two of the lustiest and smartest people in the business, talk about life as a restaurant critic, and we'll hear from Ihsan Gurdal, the man who pioneered the new craze for impeccably aged cheeses.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 30, 2004

Dining in Spain Oct 23, 2004

Spain is where to go now to experience the latest culinary evolution. In restaurants where the country's top young chefs preside over the kitchen, new meaning is given to "cutting edge," and the food looks and tastes like nowhere else. Global restaurant critic Anya Von Bremzen has been tracking the developments for a decade and joins us with a report. Her recipe for Paella Valenciana comes from her new book The Greatest Dishes!: Around the World in 80 Recipes to be published in 2004.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating turtles and the "kitchen sink" at Bridgewater Chocolate in Brookfield, Connecticut. Lynne sticks to the theme with a recipe for Chocolate Coins—tiny, intensely flavored cookies to nibble with espresso or vanilla ice cream. Equipment pro Dorie Greenspan has the scoop on new-age pressure cookers. The good news is they're no longer frightening. Beer man Steven Beaumont has the low-down on Czech lagers; and we'll revisit Dan O'Brien, a writer and rancher who's single handedly trying to balance the ecology on America's prairies. Lynne talks with Emeril Lagasse, the television superstar who's been kicking it up a notch for the last decade. His new book From Emeril's Kitchen includes his yummy recipe for Roasted Red Onions Stuffed with Thyme-Mascarpone Mousse.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 11, 2003 (originally aired)
October 23, 2004 (rebroadcast)

Excellent Kitchen Adventures Oct 16, 2004

Renowned Mexican chef Rick Bayless and his daughter Lanie join us this week with a multigenerational take on food and cooking. Their book, Rick and Lanie's Excellent Kitchen Adventures, is hot off the press. The recipes, like Moroccan Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, reflect their worldwide travels.

For the Sterns, it's a classic Wisconsin fish fry at Klinger's East in Milwaukee. Chris Kimball of Cook's Illustrated is back with what we need to know about the new coffeemakers. Bob Duskis, co-founder of Six Degrees Records, wants us rockin' in the kitchen with music to cook by, and Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible, pairs favorite wines with reality TV shows.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 16, 2004

Scandinavian Cooking Sep 18, 2004

Some of the world's most intriguing cooking comes from a place where the living hasn't always been easy. It's Scandinavia, and Norwegian food authority Andreas Viestad, author of Kitchen Light, takes us there. He shares his recipes for Spicy Gravlaks with Aquavit and an interesting "Mock" Aquavit.

The Sterns are knocking back oyster shooters with oyster burger chasers at Pacific Oyster in Bay City, Oregon.

Culinary forager Ari Weinzweig reveals the secret to selecting the best salami and ham and gives us his recipe for Spanish Salad with Oranges and Olive Oil. Ari's new book, Zingerman's Guide to Good Eating, hits bookstores soon.

The always original Calvin Trillin expounds on the wine ways of Kansas City and a little-known bond linking Mogen David with Chateau Lafite.

Christopher Kimball, editor and publisher of Cook's Illustrated magazine, tells us how to avoid dry, tasteless chicken breasts. His delicious recipe for Pan-Roasted Chicken with Mustard and Sherryillustrates his technique. Christopher's latest book is The Kitchen Detective: A Culinary Sleuth Solves Common Cooking Mysteries with 150 Foolproof Recipes.

We'll learn how to make our own garlic powder from Herrick Kimball, author of The Complete Guide to Making Great Garlic Powder, and the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 13, 2003 (originally aired)
September 18, 2004 (rebroadcast)

A History of Candy Sep 04, 2004

This week it's all about sweets. We'll take a look at the great candy civilizations—ancient India and Persia—and their contribution to our modern day sweet tooth. Our guest is Tim Richardson, author of Sweets: A History of Candy.

The Sterns are in Charlevoix, Michigan where Jane says she ate the pancake of her life at Juilleret's.

Cook and author Sally Schneider was inspired by Alice B. Toklas and the honey bee to create a luscious Nougat Ice Cream. Then screenwriter Bix Skahill brings us his unique take on sugar and family dysfunction.

Food critic David Rosengarten returns with his picks of hard ciders, and Lynne talks with Arnold Carbone, head of what they call "Bizarre and D" and Ben & Jerry's.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 6, 2003 (originally aired)
September 4, 2004 (rebroadcast)

Food, Sex, and Foraging Aug 28, 2004

This week it's food and the sexes. Naturalist Susan Allport, author of Primal Feast, examines how gender shapes food behavior for humans and other animals. It's an interesting take on food, foraging, and sex in the animal world.

The Sterns are into Hot Truck, a deeply local specialty of Ithaca, New York. Wine maverick Josh Wesson has advice for wines to drink with sweet corn. Dorie Greenspan checks out the best gadgets for saving leftover wine.

We'll hear the story of a local hero and his giant tomato, and Dave Hirschkop, author of Crazy from the Heat, tells us about his chili sauce creation that was so hot it was banned from the fiery food show.

It's tomato season, the time of year that's sheer bliss for Lynne. She's been in the kitchen concocting a Big Tomato Sweet-Sour Salad and "Drippy" Mexican Sweet Corn.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 16, 2003 (originally aired)
August 28, 2004 (rebroadcast)

Two Valleys Aug 14, 2004

This week it's class warfare in the California wine country. We'll take a look at growth and development versus local culture as new money from the Silicon Valley threatens what's left of the rural lifestyle in the Napa and Sonoma valleys. Our guest is Alan Deutschman, author of A Tale of Two Valleys: Wine, Wealth and the Battle for the Good Life in Napa and Sonoma.

Avoiding the fray, Jane and Michael Stern are in South Carolina eating Jesus crabs and flounder atFishnet Seafood on Johns Island.

Sally Schneider, author of A New Way to Cook, has been fiddling with fresh soybeans. Her recipe for Succotash is a delicious result. Then Jill Gusman, co-author of Vegetables from the Sea, introduces us to the unfamiliar realm of sea greens. Her recipe for Sea Vegetable Caesar Salad is a good way to start experimenting with veggies from the deep.

We have the scoop on the luscious argan oil from Morocco, and, as always, Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 9, 2003 (originally aired)
August 14, 2004 (rebroadcast)

Salt: The Grain of Life Jul 31, 2004

It seems that salt has taken on a life of its own these days, now that we can choose the sea we want it from and even the color. We'll take a look at this "white gold" and its relationship to power in America with our guest, Professor Pierre Laszlo, author of Salt: Grain of Life.

The Sterns are eating classic regional fare at Harry Caray's, the funky Chicago restaurant founded by the renowned broadcaster known as "the voice of the Chicago Cubs." Our beer guy, Steve Beaumont, suggests a Mid-Atlantic road trip based loosely on the theme ""follow the brew."" And Lynne reveals some of her favorite makers of Prosecco.

David Rosengarten talks the flavors of India and its world-class fare that, regrettably, we all but ignore. He'll share sources for some of his favorite products and Indian pantry staples. Try David's recipe for Pilau Rice with Saffron and Fresh Curry Leaves and Sarson Da Saag from The Turmeric Trail by Raghavan Iyer. You might become a fan of this rich and varied cuisine.

Finally, we'll hear the story of an American who tried to get a family recipe from her East Indian fiancé's clan and ended up with more family than recipe.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 2, 2003 (originally aired)
July 31, 2004 (rebroadcast)

Easy Summer Entertaining Jul 03, 2004

This week it's a guide to easy summer entertaining with Ruth Reichl, editor-in-chief of Gourmetmagazine. Ruth is an expert hostess and former caterer who believes it's all about beginnings and endings. She leaves us with the only menu we'll need for a season of successful parties: A Lazy Front Porch Supper.

Jim's B-B-Q Chicken in Candor, New York, is one of the Sterns' latest finds. They say it's like no other. For Steve Jenkins, summer entertaining means cheese suppers. There's no cooking and the accompaniments are fantastic.

Chef Jerry Traunfeld wants us to harvest those nasturtiums and pickle them like capers. Learn how with his recipe for Nasturtium Capers. British storyteller Jim Crace has an unusual way of celebrating birthdays that involves spitting, and we'll take a look at solar cooking with Jennifer Barker.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 5, 2003 (originally aired)
July 3, 2004 (rebroadcast)

The Joys of Eating Vegetarian Jun 26, 2004

This week it's the story behind Greens, the first eatery to turn vegetables into serious, fabulous eating. Today, some twenty years later, the San Francisco restaurant founded by a group of Buddhists is still going strong. Lynne talks with Chef Annie Somerville, the guiding force behind this American classic and author of Everyday Greens: Home Cooking from Greens, the Celebrated Vegetarian Restaurant. Fire up your grill and try Annie's recipe for Grilled Fingerling Potato Salad with Corn and Cherry Tomatoes.

On the other hand, the seductive aroma of sausages moved the Sterns to follow their noses to Otto's Sausage Kitchen and Meat Market in Portland, Oregon.

Dorie Greenspan returns with a guide to chips, chunks, and planks for smoking your supper. Dorie's charming new book, Paris Sweets: Great Desserts from the City's Best Pastry Shops, transports you to the City of Light without leaving home.

We'll hear a fictional tale about the Vietnamese cook to Alice B. Toklas and Gertrude Stein as Monique Truong reads from her novel, The Book of Salt.

Finally, we've news from a Minnesota ethanol plant that's taken its place among the world's great producers of premium vodka.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 26, 2003 (originally aired)
June 26, 2004 (rebroadcast)

California Cuisine Jun 19, 2004

"We're taking a look at the groundbreaking culinary revolution that blasted onto the scene in the 1970's, sending foodies of that era into fits of rapture. It was called California Cuisine and it was so new, so hot, and so chic. Our guest, California chef Jeremiah Tower, was front and center in the movement that put fresh-from-the-field, locally grown food onto restaurant dinner plates and, ultimately, our tables at home. His new book, California Dish is a memoir of that moment in time. Lynne did some reminiscing herself and came up with her homage to California Cuisine: Garlic Bread, Green Bean and Tomato Salad.

The Sterns are eating brisket and trying to ignore the glaring bulldog at Sugar's in Velarde, New Mexico. Cheesemonger Steve Jenkins has a curious diner's guide to sheep cheese, and Lynne shares a favorite recipe for Wilted Greens and Sheep Cheese Bruschetta. Chinese food expert Bik Ng leads reporter Scott Haas into the world of dim sum, and we'll hear the story of how Arnie, the Doughnut took charge of his life.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 20, 2003 (originally aired)
June 19, 2004 (rebroadcast)

Thai Food Jun 05, 2004

This week we'll hear how Buddhism and karma shape the most sophisticated cooking in Southeast Asia. Our guest, David Thompson, calls it "the cuisine that takes no prisoners." He shares a recipe for Thai Grilled Chicken from his book, Thai Food.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating Frito Pie from the Five & Dime General Store while strolling the mall in Santa Fe.

David Rosengarten reveals some extraordinary Mondavi wines, discovered while celebrating Robert Mondavi's 90th birthday and tasting his way through everything made by the renowned producer.

Travel writer Anya Von Bremzen went home to Russia and found a booming new food scene. She tells of some discoveries in Pushkin, and leaves us a recipe for True Russian Blini.

Only Calvin Trillin could turn a ride to the airport into an adventure in raw fish. It's a tale from his new book, Feeding a Yen: Savoring Local Specialties from Kansas City to Cuzco.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 7, 2003 (originally aired)
June 5, 2004 (rebroadcast)

Around the Roman Table May 22, 2004

Food historian Patrick Faas, author of Around the Roman Table: Food and Feasting in Ancient Rome, takes us back to a time when flamingo tongues were finger food and boiling water signaled a decline in your morals. Patrick leaves us with an unusual recipe for Soft-Boiled Eggs in Pine Nut Sauce.

It's decadence road food style for the Sterns as they indulge in sub sandwiches at the White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City. Sally Schneider returns to reveal the gadget she can't live without and gives us her recipe for Warm Olivada. Food writer Ted Lee tells us what he discovered when he set out to find the next big taste. Maybe it has something to do with his recipe for Berbere-and-Mulberry-Glazed Duck. Randall Graham of Bonny Doon Vineyards introduces us to a Frenchman whose wines are not about taste. And we'll hear from the only remaining maker of limburger cheese in this country.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 24, 2003 (originally aired)
May 22, 2004 (rebroadcast)

Supersize Me May 15, 2004

"We're fat, we're sick, and it's all your fault!" was the essence of a lawsuit brought by two teenagers against McDonald's. They denied it. Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock set out to find the truth by eating three meals a day for a month at the Golden Arches and documenting the process in his movie Supersize Me. He tells us what he learned.

The Sterns visit D.Z. Akins in San Diego to find out if there's sublime Jewish deli beyond New York. Josh Wesson says bargain-priced Pinot Noir isn't necessarily an oxymoron. He's found good ones under $15!

Gourmet magazine executive editor John Willoughby, co-author of How to Cook Meat, talks cuts of lamb kindest to our wallets, and shares his recipe for Grilled Lamb Shoulder Chops Greek Style. Novelist Eleanor Lipman muses about building great literary character at the table. Her latest novel is The Pursuit of Alice Thrift.

Tucker Shaw, author of Flavor of the Week, tells of photographing everything he eats in 2004. By year-end he expects to have about 2500 pictures representing the good, the bad, and everything in-between in one man's diary of a year eating in New York City.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 15, 2004

May 8: Jacques Pepin May 08, 2004

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 8, 2004

Mushrooms and Fungi Apr 24, 2004

We're taking a look at fungi, organisms that can feed you, make you crazy, take down your house, devour flesh, and save your life. Our guest is Nicholas Money, author of Mr. Bloomfield's Orchard: The Mysterious World of Mushrooms, Molds and Mycologists and an expert on fungus growth and development. In keeping with the theme, Lynne shares her recipe for Portobello "Steaks" with Holy Oil.

Jane and Michael Stern report on the exceptional produce at George and Pink's Vegetable Stand on Edisto Island, South Carolina. Joshua Wesson claims there's a link between wines and the personalities of their makers. Chef Jerry Traunfeld talks lovage, an unusual and mostly forgotten herb that's highlighted in his recipe for Steamed Mussels with Lovage. And famed clarinetist Richard Stoltzman reveals his other passion—pastry making—and gives us his recipe for Linzer Torte.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 3, 2003 (originally aired)
April 24, 2004 (rebroadcast)

The Williams in Williams-Sonoma Apr 10, 2004

Lynne talks with Chuck Williams, the creator and vice chairman of the Williams-Sonoma retail empire. Back in the 1950s, when the pressure cooker was sophisticated cookware, Chuck was promoting French copper, couscous pots, and kitchen equipment from Europe. It was all so exciting and new. Nowadays, high-quality professional gear is virtually mainstream and cooks can thank Mr. Williams for his vision.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating regional "street food" at its best: hot tamales at the crossroads of the Mississippi Delta. Sally Schneider fills us in on a rite of spring that's often overlooked: the wild and wonderful ramp. Her recipe for Pasta with Ramps highlights this assertive member of the onion family.

Steven Beaumont tracks down some fine Pacific Northwest beers in Seattle and Portland. And travel writer Anya Von Bremsen returns with a report on Tokyo's stunning new food halls. Get all the details from her article in the May 2003 issue of Food and Wine magazine. Finally, we'll have a salmon update from the folks at the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 19, 2003 (originally aired)
April 10, 2004 (rebroadcast)

Gin Craze Mar 27, 2004

The gin craze in eighteenth-century London was a 30-year reign that both elevated and devastated an era. We'll hear the story from Jessica Warner, author of Craze: Gin and Debauchery in an Age of Reason.

The Sterns are traveling New Mexico's Turquoise Highway and dining among peahens, wild turkeys, and peacocks at the San Marcos Café in Cerrillos. John Willoughby of Gourmet magazine thinks a bottle of Vietnamese fish sauce belongs in every cupboard—and it's essential in his recipe for Spicy Cabbage Salad with Chile-Rubbed Flank Steak.

Nancy Silverton, the high priestess of bread baking, has ideas for what to do with those stale loaves lurking in the pantry. Sort-Of Frisée Lardon from her new book, Nancy Silverton's Sandwich Book, is a delicious way to use the last of that $5 loaf you bought last week. Food writer David Leite tells the tale of a man and his stove. And Lynne shares her recipe for Luxury Scrambled Eggs recently featured in our newsletter, "Weeknight Kitchen.""

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 5, 2003 (originally aired)
March 27, 2004 (rebroadcast)

The Passionate Vegetarian Mar 06, 2004

We're taking a look at vegetarian meat substitutes—things with names like tempeh, seitan, and textured soy protein—that make cutting back on animal products easier for beginning vegetarians. Our guest, Crescent Dragonwagon, author of The Passionate Vegetarian, is a long-time vegan and expert chef. Her Deep December Ragoût of Seitan, Shiitakes, and Winter Vegetables is rich and hearty. Who needs beef?

Jane and Michael Stern wandered off course and are now looking for street food in Rome. Joshua Wesson suggests we look toward the heel of the boot for interesting Southern Italian wines. The Washington Post's Bureau Chief T.R. Reid takes us out to eat in Nepal. And tea merchant Bill Waddington says knowing the flushes is key to bargains in great tea. We'll have a report on the return of TV dinners (sans the foil tray) in a most unlikely setting: the ultra-luxury Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel, and, as always, Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 15, 2003 (originally aired)
March 6, 2004 (rebroadcast)

Made in Marseille Feb 21, 2004

This week it's an eater's guide to the port city of Marseille with Daniel Young, author of Made in Marseille: Food and Flavors from France's Mediterranean Seaport. Calamari, the great Marseille passion when it comes to food, is featured in Chez Etienne's Pan-Fried Calamari with Parsley and Garlic.

The Sterns are eating lobster bisque and dainty pastries at the Wenham Tea House on Boston's North Shore. Fruit geek David Karp explains the mysterious bitter almond, the strongly flavored nut that can be lethal if eaten raw! Gourmet magazine's John Willoughby takes on the lowly pot roast and elevates it to star status with his recipe for Balsamic-Braised Pot Roast with Tomatoes, Lemons, Raisins, and Black Olive-Pine Nut Relish. Commentator Julie Hauserman takes a look at the pressures of being a snack mom. And we'll hear from an artist who is examining a difficult topic.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 22, 2003 (originally aired)
February 21, 2004 (rebroadcast)

Movie Menus Feb 21, 2004

Dust off the TV trays. We're partying with Oscar and the stars! Movie buff and food historian Francine Segan shares "Best Picture Menus" to pair with this year's nominees. Penne with Saffron Cream Sauce, Three P's Salad andLemon Cake from Francine's book Movie Menus add culinary drama to Oscar night.

It's a blast from the past for The Sterns. They're eating chicken croquettes at Hob Nob Hill in San Diego. Josh Wesson suggests stick-to-your-ribs reds to go with winter stews and other hearty fare, and Lynne shares her favorite comfort food cookbooks. Reporter Scott Haas takes us to Tokyo for an unusual evening with star chef Daniel Boulud. Scott's new book, Are We There Yet?—Perfect Family Vacations and Other Fantasies, will be published in March.

We get the story behind Smirnoff Vodka and Bacardi Rum from A. J. Baime, author of Big Shots: The Men Behind the Booze, and we have a report on crime and nourishment in a British prison.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 21, 2004

Fair Trade Coffee Feb 07, 2004

This week it's global politics at the grocery store when our guests Anne Marie Ruff and Kevin Knox examine two sides of the controversial fair trade coffee issue. The Sterns will make vegetarians happy with sensational Southern veggies at Café Atchafalaya in New Orleans and a recipe for Shockingly Sweet Stewed Tomatoes. Wine wizard Joshua Wesson talks bargain Port-style wines. And techno-musician Moby tells why his music is never played in Teany, his New York City restaurant.

All that coffee talk sent Lynne straight to the kitchen to whip up a batch of her Espresso-Ricotta Cream with Espresso Chocolate Sauce. It's one of those desserts you want to eat all by yourself.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 18, 2003 (originally aired)
February 7, 2004 (rebroadcast)

Eat This Or Die Jan 03, 2004

When your career involves chowing down on things like fries cooked in bacon fat with a steak chaser, what do you do when your health hits the wall? John Hodgman, food and drinks columnist for Men's Journal, found out. He stops by to tell the funny story of how he navigated the bumpy road to healthy eating.

The Sterns, ever faithful to fats, have a bologna find in Pella, Iowa. And, to get us back on the healthy track, Sally Schneider, author of A New Way to Cook, shares ideas for quick composed soups.

It's New Delhi restaurant picks from adventurer Anya Von Bremzen of Travel & Leisure magazine; then novelist Timothy Taylor morphs chefing and sourcing into primeval adventures from his new book, Stanley Park. Finally, we'll hear from a British chef trained in classical French cuisine who's making a fortune selling deep-fried Twinkies in a Brooklyn fish and chips shop.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 11, 2003 (originally aired)
January 3, 2004 (rebroadcast)

Cooking with Fire Dec 27, 2003

This week it’s primal cooking at its most seductive—over an open fire. Our guest is William Rubel, author of The Magic of Fire. He leaves us with a recipe for Lamb Kabobs to get us started. The Sterns have found a beautiful woman who makes beautiful food at Café Poca Cosa in Tucson, Arizona.

Cheesemonger Steve Jenkins names the best cheese shops in the City of Lights. Sally Schneider, author of A New Way to Cook, tells us how to have our way with chestnuts. She leaves us with two recipes, one for Simple Roast Chestnuts, the other for Chicken Liver Pate with Golden Raisins. And we take a look at L.A.’s Ethnic Delis.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 9, 2002 (originally aired)
December 27, 2003 (rebroadcast)

Paula Wolfert Dec 20, 2003

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanza, we're here to help with guest Paula Wolfert, author of The Slow Mediterranean Kitchen: Recipes for the Passionate Cook. Paula has fabulous and imaginative do-ahead recipes that will please everyone at your holiday table.

The Sterns have escaped it all and are savoring New England hospitality atVermont's Dorset Inn.

Josh Wesson talks "grower champagnes" and offers his picks for holiday sips. Our cooking guy David Leite looks at the Christmas goose through his unique kaleidoscope, while Lynne shares the recipe for the Garlic-Stuffed Roast Goose that's a holiday favorite at her house.

We learn how to make Mock Aquavit from Scandinavian food authority Andreas Viestad, and Jerry Pozniak, a specialist in food-related stains and owner of Cameo Cleaners in New York, tells us what to do about those post-prandial red wine spots on the heirloom damask.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 20, 2003

Paris Sweets Dec 06, 2003

The baking season is here, the oven is cranked and we have recipes for you from the great bakers of Paris via Dorie Greenspan. Dorie's book, Paris Sweets: Great Desserts from the City's Best Pastry Shops brings together her best recipe finds, including Korova Cookies and the extravaganza called Opera Cake.

The Sterns take the "Mega-Bob Challenge" (and lose) at Bob's Drive-In in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Kitchen designer Deborah Krasner picks her all-time top design books, and food forager Ari Weinzweig takes us beyond olive oil to the delicate and delicious nut oils few people think to use.

Tim Richardson has the back-story on licorice, including his top picks; and we'll hear from Art Lange, the man at Honey Crisp who creates the exquisite dried fruits that are at the top of our holiday wish list.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 6, 2003

Eating Dirt Nov 29, 2003

This week we'll explore the practice of geophagy, the eating of substances like soil, chalk, and clay as a cultural custom or for dietary or subsistence reasons, with our guest Susan Allport, author of The Primal Feast: Food, Sex, Foraging and Love. Evidence of geophagy has been found at archaeological sites and still occurs in much of the world (including the United States) today. Listen in on a fascinating discussion.

Jane and Michael Stern have completed their dissertation on Philly cheese steak and report their findings. Anya Von Bremsen has returned from France with a recipe for Easy Bouillabaisse, that flavorful Mediterranean fish stew, along with a short list of the best places to eat bouillabaisse in Marseille.

Our gadget gal Dorie Greenspan suggests cooking in steamers for pure, fat-free flavor. She shares a recipe for Spiced Steamed Salmon with Chutney and Chard to get us started. Julia Alvarez, author of A Cafecito Story, tells a fable about how a cup of coffee changed a life, and Lynne takes your phone calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 7, 2002 (originally aired)
November 29, 2003 (rebroadcast)

Thanksgiving 2003 Nov 22, 2003

David Rosengarten, whose new book, It's All American Food, joins us this year for our annual Thanksgiving show. David is a gifted cook who's always looking for great flavors from little work. TheThanksgiving dinner menu he shares with us has an interesting twist and it's all very doable.

The Sterns are eating soul food amidst politicos and locals at Florida Avenue Grill in Washington, DC. Food forager Ari Weinsweig, author of Zingerman's Guide to Good Eating, wants us to set aside that bottle of balsamic and consider other vinegars.

Men's Journal columnist John Hodgeman considers the thorny issue of men and carving. Is it really true "you're not a man until you can carve?" Raghavan Iyer tells the story of a family in Bombay and a father's love in a cup of steamed milk. He leaves us his recipe for Steamed Milk with Pistachio Nuts and Almonds from his book, The Turmeric Trail: Recipes and Memories from an Indian Childhood. David Myers, owner of Redstone Meadery in Boulder, Colorado, has the scoop on mead. Not only is the ancient beverage still around, it's what they're drinking now in the Rocky Mountain state.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 22, 2003

Olive Oil: The Sequel Nov 15, 2003

This week we'll explore the often-confusing world of olive oil with Deborah Krasner. With extra-virgin oils going for $37 dollars a quart and higher, we want to know what the oil tastes like before shelling out such an outrageous sum. For her new book, The Flavors of Olive Oil: A Tasting Guide and Cookbook, Deborah taste tested 150 different oils. She'll tell us about three oils she keeps in her pantry, then leave us with a "Twelve-Minute Dinner Menu" that highlights these healthy oils.

Jane and Michael Stern discover a sausage known only in Washington, D.C., at Ben's Chili Bowl. David Rosengarten, that guy with the golden palate, talks Spanish hams and shares sources for buying these new imports. Christopher Kimball, editor of Cook's Illustrated magazine, has been taste-testing salts and finds they're not all alike. Winemaker Nan Bailey of Alexis Bailey Vineyards explains the odd process that makes Beaujolais Nouveau unique. And Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 2, 2002 (originally aired)
November 15, 2003 (rebroadcast)

The Gourmet Institute Nov 01, 2003

This week we’re bringing you a show we recorded live at The Gourmet Institute in New York City. Guests include, Ruth Reichl, editor in chief of Gourmet magazine; Gael Greene, former restaurant critic of New York Magazine; Daniel Boulud, chef/owner, Café Boulud; and the newest television star, Rocco DiSpirito, chef/owner of Union Pacific and Rocco's 22nd Street.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 1, 2003

Jamie Oliver, The Naked Chef Oct 25, 2003

Rolling Stone magazine calls Jamie Oliver, known by Food Network devotees as The Naked Chef, a "hot foodie." But there's another side to this tousled British charmer that viewers rarely see, and it's related to his new mission in life. Tune in to hear Jamie give us the scoop, then try his outrageous recipe for the World's Best Baked Onions from his new book, Happy Days with the Naked Chef.

Jane and Michael Stern are in Memphis to check out Champion's Pharmacy, a peculiar and amazing mix of herbology, voodoo, and the unusual and unique in medicine. Food writer Sally Schneider returns to talk saffron, and shares some ideas for using this lovely aromatic and pungent spice that's the world's most expensive. A good place to start is Sally's recipe for Warm Citrus and Saffron Oil Vinaigrette. We'll have Cliff's Notes for the wine lover from Jay McInerney, author of Bacchus and Me; and Gourmet magazine restaurant critic Jonathan Gold takes on the Jewish delis controversy—are the best ones in New York or Los Angeles? Then Lynne has trivia about alligator pears, raves about The Elephant Walk Cookbook, shares two recent wine discoveries, and gives us her recipe forSweet Avocado-Green Chili Ice Cream.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 26, 2002 (originally aired)
October 25, 2003 (rebroadcast)

People Who Taste Shapes Oct 18, 2003

It may occur in 1 in 200 people, it runs in families, women have it more than men, and those with it probably have a superior memory. It's synesthesia, and research neurologist Dr. Richard Cytowic will explain this fascinating peculiarity in the brain that results in the involuntary joining of two or more senses. If you think a slice of apple pie tastes like an octagon, tune in for some explanations.

Jane and Michael Stern taste the art of the soda jerk at Edgar's Soda Fountain in Elk Point, South Dakota. The folks at Cook's Illustrated magazine taste test tortilla chips, and reporter Scott Haas has a lesson in mixology from the bartender at the Hemingway Bar in the oh-so-chic Ritz Paris. Tea merchant Bill Waddington returns to talk flushes, the key to buying premium tea while saving money. We'll get the low-down on the first national standards for organic products. And Lynne shares her recipe for Chicken in Chile, Garlic and Vinegar Sauce, a make-ahead dish that's perfect for a fall supper.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 12, 2002 (originally aired)
October 18, 2003 (rebroadcast)

Cultural History of Chocolate Sep 27, 2003

For some of us, a bit of fine, luxurious chocolate can soothe our stress or brighten a dreary day. But how many of us know that our Godiva bar started out as a goopy white substance from the insides of an ugly cacao pod? Maricel Presilla, author of The New Taste of Chocolate: A Cultural and Natural History of Cacao, shares some history and cultural lore about our antidote of choice and leaves us with two recipes: Kekehi Cacao-Chile Balls and Maya-Mediterranean Chocolate Rice Pudding.

Jane and Michael Stern are sampling smoked eel and other delicacies from The Eel Man of the Delaware Valley; and winemaker Randall Graham of Bonny Doon Vineyards talks "wine of the prostitute" and Strawberry Fizz. Cheese expert Steve Jenkins offers alternatives to Brie; and we'll go to New Orleans for the return of a Sunday classic.

We'll hear how an adult-ed class teamed up with salsa to change the lives of a group of Mexican women in California's Anderson Valley. The "salsa ladies" collectively wrote Secrets of Salsa: A Bilingual Cookbook to tell their inspiring story and share recipes like Potato and Carrot Salsa.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 28, 2002 (originally aired)
September 27, 2003 (rebroadcast)

The Politics of Food Aug 23, 2003

This week we're looking at where our health and nutrition information comes from with Dr. Marion Nestle, professor and chair of New York University's Department of Nutrition and Food Studies. Dr. Nestle has served as nutrition advisor to the USDA and the FDA and is the author of Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health. She suggests some Internet sites that offer help in determining who is funding the health and nutrition research we hear about in the news.

It's conch chowder and picadillo for Jane and Michael Stern at Dennis Pharmacy Luncheonette in Key West, Florida. Joshua Wesson reveals true lies behind those wine rules, and wants us to try low oak Chardonnays that pair well with a variety of foods.

Chef Jerry Traunfeld cooks with lavender and has a recipe for Potatoes with Lavender and Rosemary. Our always-hungry reporter Scott Haas lets his American teenagers loose at Paris' high altar of serious cuisine; we'll hear from the woman who initiated the ban on soda in Los Angeles schools; and Lynne shares her recipe for Tomato-Mozzarella Salad with Spiked Pine Nuts and Basil.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 31, 2002 (originally aired)
August 23, 2003 (rebroadcast)

The Turmeric Trail Jul 19, 2003

This week it's an antidote to the dog days of summer from Raghavan Iyer, a native of Bombay and author of The Turmeric Trail: Recipes and Memories from an Indian Childhood. Raghavan knows it's all about what you eat. He'll share a cooling menu that includes Corn with Roasted Chiles and Coconut Milk, Chaat, and Green Papaya Salad, all inspired by Bombay street food.

Jane and Michael Stern have a big night out at Archie's Waeside, a classic Midwest supper club in Le Mars, Iowa. Winemaker Randall Graham of Boony Doon Vineyards says riesling, long considered nerdy if not ignored altogether, is the wine to pair with nearly everything we're eating right now. Chef Jerry Traunfeld offers a simple recipe for Melon with Tarragon featuring that finicky prima donna of the herb world. We hear about a novel use for succulent ripe tomatoes from the famed French Laundry Restaurant, and the second half of the show is open to your phone calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 3, 2002 (originally aired)
July 19, 2003 (rebroadcast)

Restaurant Confidential Jul 12, 2003

This week Jayne Hurley, co-author of Restaurant Confidential and senior nutritionist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, joins us for talk about the best and the worst fast-food picks. We'll learn why Burger King is out and Wendy's is in when it comes to healthy choices for eating on the run. And let's face it: Many of us occasionally do the drive-through.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating fast food at Hamburger Inn in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Beer aficionado Steven Beaumont wants us to try his favorite summer drink: spicy Belgian white beers. Kitchen designer and cook Deborah Krasner has great Web food finds; reporter Scott Haas is making Brazilian cocktails in Rio; and you'll learn why your cat is finicky, while your dog eats anything.

Lynne's Belgian Tartine is just the thing to pair with those white beers, and we have a refreshing summer wine cooler called World Cup Cup.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 20, 2002 (originally aired)
July 12, 2003 (rebroadcast)

Entertaining with Nora Ephron Jun 21, 2003

Film director, novelist, and playwright Nora Ephron, whose latest book is Crazy Salad, is a woman who loves to cook and have friends in to eat. Everyone has a great time at her house and her dinner parties are legendary. She'll tell us how she stopped worrying, broke a bunch of rules, and learned to enjoy entertaining.

It's mini hot dogs, not lobster, for Jane and Michael Stern at Flo's on the coast of Maine.

Travel & Leisure magazine's Anya Von Bremzen has a connoisseur's guide to authentic paella and shares arecipe and tips from her forthcoming book. We have mail-order sources for specialty rice, the key ingredient in the classic Spanish dish. David Rosengarten picks the best ice creams in America, we'll hear from a Wisconsin man who's been making butter for over 40 years, and Lynne has a menu for summer entertaining.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 6, 2002 (originally aired)
June 21, 2003 (rebroadcast)

Dr. Andrew Weil Jun 14, 2003

Lynne talks with Dr. Andrew Weil, the maverick medical doctor who's become a renowned authority on integrated healing. He shares three simple things we can all do to be healthier, along with a recipe for Mexican Chicken Soup from his latest book, The Healthy Kitchen: Recipes for a Better Body, Life and Spirit.

For balance, Jane and Michael Stern tuck into chicken fried steak and scones at Mom's Cafe in Salina, Utah.

Joshua Wesson talks wine cocktails and gives us recipes for Sangria and White Sangria, both perfect for summer sipping.

Gourmet magazine's John Willoughby introduces us to some new Latin vegetables, one of which is in his recipe for Hobo Pack of Yuca, Corn, and Tomatoes from his latest book, Let the Flames Begin.

We hear from the man who blended hot chiles with cold juices to come up with Loco Soda. And Lynne reviews her favorite bargain-priced olive oils and an outstanding premium oil from New Zealand.

For information on the glycemic index of foods, check these Web sites:

www.mendosa.com

www.diabetesnet.com

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 13, 2002 (originally aired)
June 14, 2003 (rebroadcast)

Buffalo for the Broken Heart May 31, 2003

This week it's a saga of money, ecology and a struggle to survive on the South Dakota prairie. Dan O'Brien, author of the autobiographical Buffalo for the Broken Heart, is a cattle rancher who asked some difficult questions and found some unexpected answers. One led to the restoration of life to his Black Hills ranch.

Jane and Michael Stern recently returned from South Dakota where they found irresistible homemade potato chips. Savored right from the bag or crumbled atop a comforting Perfect Tuna Casserole, one is never enough.

Kitchen designer Deborah Krasner stops by to explain why she believes proper seating is the key to kitchen happiness.

From her book A Thousand Days in Venice, American journalist, chef and woman in love Marlena de Blasi tells the story of leaving her native Saint Louis to follow her Italian fiancé to Venice. There she prepared for her wedding and embarked on a romantic journey of discovery. Fresh Pasta with Roasted Walnut Sauce is a dish from her early days with the man who is now her husband.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 8, 2002 (originally aired)
May 31, 2003 (rebroadcast)

Extreme Grilling May 17, 2003

French chef-turned-barbecue expert Steven Raichlen is back with some off-the-wall grilling techniques from his new book Beer-Can Chicken. Whether it's in a leaf or in the coals, on a stick or under a brick, Steve inspires us to fire up the grill and start cooking. His recipe for Basic Beer-Can Chicken gets us started.

Jane and Michael Stern tell of the sublime hand-formed biscuits at Mamie's in Conyers, Georgia, and Lynne shares her favorite biscuit recipe—Shirley Corriher's Touch-of-Grace Biscuits. Beer expert Steve Beaumont wants us to try cask ale; and novelist Jim Crace has a tale of the psychology ofcrabapples. Lynne's trivia segment concerns a ship and rye crackers, and we'll check in with the folks at the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watchto learn what's on the "avoid" list.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 4, 2002 (originally aired)
May 17, 2003 (rebroadcast)

May 10: Jacques Pepin May 10, 2003

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 10, 2003

Vegetable Curator Apr 26, 2003

Elizabeth Schneider, a woman who knows vegetables from the seed to the plate, joins us this week with simple ideas for good, healthy eating from her new book Vegetables from Amaranth to Zucchini: The Essential Reference. Elizabeth has given over the past decade to gathering every shred of information on produce—the best varieties to buy and the best ways to cook them. Her recipes for Baked Scented Beets and Greens and Herbed Carrot and Leek Chunks, Oven Steamed are inspired.

It's terrific Mexican food at Mariscos Chihuahua in Tucson, Arizona, for Jane and Michael Stern. Our very opinionated cheese guy Steve Jenkins talkschèvre, and Randall Graham, founder of Bonny Doon Vineyards, forecasts the next thing in wine bottling—screw tops. Writer Susana Trilling, author of Seasons of My Heart: A Culinary Journey Through Oaxaca, takes us to Mexico and into the kitchen of the woman who taught her to cook. Her recipe forMole Coloradito Oaxaqueño is extraordinary. We'll hear about mind games designed to get us to tip more (listen up, waiters and waitresses!), and Lynne takes phone calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 11, 2002 (originally aired)
April 26, 2003 (rebroadcast)

Food Commercials Apr 12, 2003

Dr. Kelly Brownell, director of the Yale Center for Eating and Weight Disorders, joins us this week for a look at how TV commercials shape our eating habits. His take on how advertising may be affecting our health raises all sorts of questions. Should junk food be controlled like alcohol and tobacco ads?

On the opposite side of the health issue, Jane and Michael Stern are eating Butter Burgers at Solly's Grille in Milwaukee. Only in Wisconsin would they figure out how to add butter to a burger.

Joshua Wesson has great buys in Spring wines to go with Lynne's Spring Fling menu and recipes. Patty Volk, author of Stuffed, delivers a soliloquy on dieting, David Rosengarten evaluates pasta, and it's space food for the astronauts on the International Space Station.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 20, 2002 (originally aired)
April 12, 2003 (rebroadcast)

Another Look at Coffee Mar 28, 2003

Coffee buyer and master roaster Kevin Knox, co-author of Coffee Basics, joins us with a guide to roasts and brewing methods, tells us what the pros are drinking now, and reveals a few surprises, too. To top it off, Lynne's decadent Espresso-Ricotta Cream with Chocolate Espresso Sauce is the perfect partner for a rich cup of joe.

Jane and Michael Stern muse about religion and barbecue at Harold's in Atlanta and share a recipe for Cracklin Cornbread Muffins from their book,Blue Plate Specials and Blue Ribbon Chefs. Master of Wine Mary Ewing Mulligan demystifies Sherry, Bill Waddington talks tea lore, and Jim Crace tells the tale of a grocer and his pygmy oranges.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 19, 2002 (originally aired)
March 28, 2003 (rebroadcast)

What Kids Taste Mar 22, 2003

This week it's a look at why we prefer some foods more than others with Dr. Julie Menella of the Monell Chemical Senses Center. Dr. Menella studies taste preferences in infants and explains why one kid won't eat broccoli and another hates carrots.

Jane and Michael Stern return to Keaton's, one of Jane's top five road food favorites, for the outrageous fried chicken and southern-style side dishes. When they're dining at home, the Sterns might whip up some Lemonade Fried Chicken from their book, Blue Plate Specials and Blue Ribbon Chefs.

David Rosengarten talks travel guides and reveals his new top pick. Culinary adventurer Naomi Duguid, co-author of Seductions of Rice, takes us along the rice trail into West Africa and has another citrus-based recipe: Lemon Chicken. We turn to Stephen Beaumont to fill us in on Imperial Stout, and we'll learn about Cloaca, one artist's take on human digestion currently installed at the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York City.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 16, 2002 (originally aired)
March 22, 2003 (rebroadcast)

Eating Appalachian Mar 08, 2003

We're eating Appalachian this week with food writers Ted and Matt Lee, two brothers who rented a pickup truck and headed for the back roads of Eastern Kentucky in search of the elusive pawpaw fruit. Along the way, they discovered that good food is more about human ingenuity than rich resources. Read more about their adventure in the article, "On the Appalachian Trail" in the March 2002 issue of Food & Wine magazine.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating "a little slice of heaven" at Carminuccio'sin Newton, Connecticut. We'll hear how Julia Child's Cambridge kitchenended up at the Smithsonian, take a peek inside her "junk drawer," and share recipes for Primal Soups from her book, Julia's Kitchen Wisdom. Patricia Volk, author of Stuffed: Adventures of a Restaurant Family, tells of the heartbreak of falling in love with a taste, and Joshua Wesson talks Cava - the bargain bubbly from Spain. Finally, we'll hear about a new and quite strange take on peanut butter.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 9, 2002 (originally aired)
March 8, 2003 (rebroadcast)

Sugar Addiction Mar 01, 2003

Can you be addicted to sugar? We'll find out when Robin Edelman joins us on this week's show. Robin is the nutrition editor for Eating Well magazine and author of the article "Sweet Addiction" in the Fall 2002 issue.

The always original Jane and Michael Stern are dining inside a longhorn skull in Amado, Arizona. Wine wizard Joshua Wesson has the scoop on Argentina's Malbec. Is it the next big red? And we'll recall one of the great 1960s scenes with Jamie Bernstein Thomas, daughter of Leonard Bernstein and author of "A West Side Story" from the February 2002 issue of Gourmet magazine.

Plus, John Willoughby talks watercress and shares a recipe for Watercress and Endive Salad with Pears, Blue Cheese, and Orange-Beet Dressing from Lettuce in Your Kitchen. We'll visit College of the Atlantic, home of "America's best campus food." And Lynne shares a menu and recipes for a cozy dinner (including her wickedly sensuous Panna Cotta)!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 1, 2003

Paul Draper of Ridge Vineyards Feb 15, 2003

This week Lynne talks with Paul Draper, CEO of Ridge Vineyards, and the winemaker who elevated California Zinfandel to world-class status by shunning market-driven, high-tech methods in favor of ancient techniques. The resulting wines are simply the essence of refinement, intensity, and complexity.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, at the Wolf Lodge Inn, and our hungry reporter Scott Haas is behind the kitchen door learning how to get good restaurant service. We'll hear from architectural historian Jim Heimann, author of California Crazy & Beyond, about those wacky restaurants shaped like walk-in donuts and giant burgers. And zoo archaeologist Deborah Rusilo reveals "the secrets of the bones." Dorie Greenspan, whose new book is Chocolate Desserts by Pierre Herme, evaluates rolling pins—an essential tool for making Lynne's Caramelized Almond Tart.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 23, 2002 (originally aired)
February 15, 2003 (rebroadcast)

Casanova Feb 08, 2003

Art historian Carolin Young, author of Apples of Gold, Settings of Silver, takes us back to 1753 and a seduction supper with Casanova himself. In those days, romantic dinners were an art form, and this one has an interesting twist. It's all about who is seducing whom.

Jane and Michael Stern have found romance and old-style Italian food at Gargiulo's on Coney Island. Sally Schneider tells us what's so special about Meyer lemons and what to do with these gems. A good start is Sally's recipe for Meyer Lemon Curd. We have an eater's guide to Chicago from Bill Rice, author of "Eating It Up: The Good Lover's Guide to Chicago" from the February 2003 issue of Gourmet magazine.

Maria Rodale tells the story of her grandfather, J. I. Rodale, an agricultural pioneer and founder of the organic movement. We hear from Melissa Wagner, co-author of The Field Guide to Stains, and Lynne has a recipe forSicilian Blood Orange Salad.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 8, 2003

Aloha Feb 01, 2003

Restaurant critic John Heckathorn takes us to Honolulu, one of Lynne's favorite food cities, for an insider's dine-around and guide to eating like a local. In a town notorious for high prices, John's advice and restaurant picks guarantee great eating for little money.

Jane and Michael Stern investigate the Frontier restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the legendary cinnamon rolls are a foot wide! The definitive winner of The Washington Post's canned chicken broth tastingis revealed by food editor Jeanne McManus. Lynne used it in her Modena's Spiced Soup of Spinach and Cheese and agrees this broth is good! Reporter Mary Stuckey has a lesson in self-sufficiency and sustainability from the island of Cuba. Mary Ewing Mulligan talks wine glasses, we'll have a report on yak cheese, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 1, 2001 (originally aired)
February 1, 2003 (rebroadcast)

Bourbon Jan 25, 2003

We'll take a look at small-batch bourbons with Kentucky bourbon maker Frederick Booker Noe, the grandson of Jim Beam and one of the pioneers in this new take on American whiskey. Forget bourbon and soda—this is stuff you'll want to leisurely swirl and sniff before taking a sip. Some experts claim these whiskeys are right up there with the great brandies and single-malt scotches.

Texans take their pie very seriously, as Jane and Michael Stern discovered at the Blanco Bowling Club in Blanco, Texas, home of some of the best meringue anywhere. Anya Von Bremsen takes us to Spain, the country she says is the most exciting place on earth to eat. For tips, check out her article in Travel & Leisure magazine. Beer expert Stephen Beaumont has the scoop on India Pale Ale and the spicy foods that go with it (think curries). Poet and naturalist Diane Ackerman, author of Cultivating Delight: A Natural History of My Garden, muses over bread, and Lynne shares her recipe for Marble Cutter's Soup, just the thing for a cold winter night.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 5, 2002 (originally aired)
January 25, 2003 (rebroadcast)

Anthony Bourdain Jan 04, 2003

Chef and author Anthony Bourdain described his first book, Kitchen Confidential, as an "obnoxious and over-testosteroned" account of his life in the restaurant business. Still, the book remained on the New York Timesbestseller list for weeks. Now the food world's outrageous bad boy is at it again with his new book, A Cook's Tour, the chronicle of his planet-circling jaunt in search of the ultimate meal. Mr. Bourdain likes his adventure with a generous dose of risk and an occasional touch of the bizarre—like dodging Cambodian minefields to have cocktails in Khmer Rouge territory and eating poisonous blowfish in Japan.

By comparison, the normally over-the-top Jane and Michael Stern are simply eating pie at the Coffee Cup Cafe in Sully, Iowa. Steve Jenkins returns to talk about goat cheese, which inspired Lynne to create a recipe for Aged American Goat Cheese with Salad of Honey-Piquant Greens and Apples. Reporter Scott Haas checks out the secret of Belgium's sensational frites, we'll hear from a dairy farmer who practices Reiki on his cows, and Lynne shares her mail-order source for exquisite dried fruits for holiday gifts.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 8, 2001 (originally aired)
January 4, 2003 (rebroadcast)

Friuli-Venezia Giulia Dec 28, 2002

This week we're off to a region of Italy only 20 minutes outside Venice—yet known and visited by few. The wonderful cuisine here could be called a fusion of "Northern Italian Soul" meets the Arabian Knights. The greatest varieties of wines in all of Italy come from the area, and the scenery is pretty good too. It's Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and our guide is none other than culinary explorer Fred Plotkin, author of the new book La Terra Fortunata. Fred shares a few undiscovered wine bargains from the region and a recipe for Polenta With Five Flavors, a dish containing most of the classic foods of central Friuli.

Jane and Michael Stern are across the pond as well, eating Couscous Royale at Relais des Six Boules, a French version of the truck stop. Who but the Sterns goes looking for road food in France? Beer expert Stephen Beaumont, author of Premium Beer Drinker's Guide, reports on Lambic, an eccentric style of commercially made beer. Movie critic Rex Reed reminisces about eating with Tennessee Williams. Lynne has a trivia question about baby food and cotton candy and leaves us with her recipe for Dark and Moist Gingerbread.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 10, 2001 (originally aired)
December 28, 2002 (rebroadcast)

Nigella Lawson Dec 21, 2002

This week it's talk of life, food, and Christmas dinner with television food star Nigella Lawson. Her show Nigella Bites (which also happens to be the title of her latest book,) is all about the sheer lustiness of food. Get ready to be a guest at your own party with holiday eats from Nigella. It's the perfect menu for entertaining, because everything is made in advance!

The Sterns suggest we spend New Year's Eve at a gospel supper in an Indiana cafeteria. Tickets are on sale now. Wine maverick Joshua Wesson expounds on the art of the toast, and reporter Scott Haas tells the story of how a kid from the projects became the star chef of Boston's Beacon Hill. Lynne haslast-minute gift ideas, and Francis Ford Coppola fills us in on Christmas at the vineyard.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 21, 2002

Miss Manners Dec 14, 2002

If a dinner party place setting with more than a knife and fork causes angst, this week's show brings relief. Judith Martin, the high priestess of etiquette known as Miss Manners, has tips for maneuvering smoothly through the minefield of dining and entertaining at this most social of seasons. Her new book, Star Spangled Manners, defends American etiquette and takes a look at what sets it apart.

Jane and Michael Stern call in from the road, where they've found a top-notch-but-different chili in the Northeast. And Lynne shares her recipe for another different chili: Lynne's Nearly New Mexican Chili.

Steve Beaumont wants us to try smoked beers, and tea merchant Bill Waddington stops by to talk about the year in tea. We have mail-order gifts from the forthcoming Slow Food Guide to New York City. And Lynne tells of the wonderful dried fruit she loves to give for holiday gifts. Finally, we have an interesting and probably controversial piece about the heritage animals at Kelmscott Farm in Maine.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 14, 2002

Kermit Lynch Dec 07, 2002

Our guest this week is Kermit Lynch, a wine pioneer who's been bucking trends since he began importing wine from France in the 1970s. He's devoted his career to seeking out the small and unique in a world of big and uniform. His book, Adventures on the Wine Route, chronicles his life in wine.

Jane and Michael Stern are checking out the goods in Calgary, that eater's paradise up north. Steve Jenkins talks Cheddar, and David Rosengarten stops by to tell us about his three favorite books for cooks. Martha Holmberg of Fine Cooking magazine has tips for holiday cookie baking and a recipe for Lime Nut Buttons. And Lynne takes your calls and shares gift ideas for the book-lover on your list.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 7, 2002

Madhur Jaffrey Nov 30, 2002

Her father wanted her to be a diplomat. She had other ideas. We'll hear the story of how two passions came together to define the life of legendary cook and actress Madhur Jaffrey. You've seen her in Merchant-Ivory films as well as her own productions, and her books introduced Americans to authentic Indian food. Her latest work, Madhur Jaffrey's Step-By-Step Cooking, takes readers from India to Thailand, Indonesia to Malaysia, and has her recipe for Lamb Cooked in Dark Almond Sauce.

A sign at a LaGrange, Texas, gas station alerted Jane and Michael Stern to the top-notch kolachkes at Weikel's Store and Bakery. We'll stop by a four-star restaurant near "ground zero" in New York to find out how the workers are doing and get the recipe for Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Curried Couscous, a staff favorite from Chef David Waltuck's book Staff Meals from Chanterelle. Tea merchant Bill Waddington talks scented teas, Phil Silverstone has tips for finding good cheap wine, and Trish Telesco helps us prepare for Halloween with the recipe for Rose Geranium Punch from her book A Kitchen Witch's Cookbook.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 27, 2001 (originally aired)
November 30, 2002 (rebroadcast)

Thanksgiving at Zuni Cafe Nov 23, 2002

This year it's Thanksgiving big time with Judy Rodgers, one of America's most gifted chefs and author of The Zuni Café Cookbook. Judy's Thanksgiving Menu is modern but homey, and includes a turkey roasting technique designed to free up precious oven space and an interesting stuffing idea.

Jane and Michael Stern bring us soul food at its best from Ellen's Soul Food Restaurant in Memphis. Steve Beaumont thinks all that angst about selecting the perfect wine for turkey and trimmings can be eliminated by serving beer instead. He recommends a trio of beers for the Thanksgiving table, including one that could double for champagne.

Kevin Murphy, author of A Year at the Movies, tells what happened when he tried to smuggle Thanksgiving dinner into a theater. And reporter Scott Haas dines in the dark at Blindekuh (Blind Cow) in Zurich. Lynne takes your calls and has trivia about an over-the-top holiday entrée from medieval England.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 23, 2002

MIT's Media Lab Nov 16, 2002

The kitchen of tomorrow is on scientists' drawing boards today at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab, and we love what they're cooking up. Are you ready for a kitchen table that cleans itself and a coffeemaker in your car? We are! How about dial-a-smell that sends the tantalizing scent of tonight's dinner wafting over the telephone line to family and friends? It's the new kitchen science, and we've got the scoop.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating saltwater taffy and fairy food at Fralinger's on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, and wine maven Joshua Wesson explains the fuss over old vine wines. Soybean Queen Dana Jacobi, author of Amazing Soy, talks edamame and shares her recipe for Brunswick Style Sweet Soybeans. Our hungry reporter Scott Haas takes us truffle hunting in Italy with a dog named Diana, and Lynne's recipe for Classic White Truffle Pasta celebrates this rare and expensive jewel from Italy's Piedmont region.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 13, 2001 (originally aired)
November 16, 2002 (rebroadcast)

American Restaurants Oct 05, 2002

We're eating out in America with Ruth Reichl, editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine. Ruth will talk about what's driving chefs these days, how our eating habits are changing, and where in the entire country she would eat if given only two choices and they couldn't be famous restaurants. Gourmet's October 2002 issue is all about restaurants—from big-city, upscale, and grand to local, down-home, and cozy.

Jane and Michael Stern find hidden treasure in Cranston, Rhode Island, and wine maverick Joshua Wesson accepted our challenge to come up with some very drinkable wines for $5.00 and less a bottle!

Cookbook author and teacher Rick Rodgers takes us to the coffeehouses of Vienna, where writers, artists, poets, and philosophers have gathered for centuries to debate the issues of the day and nibble glorious pastries. Rick leaves us with a recipe for Marble Gugelhupf from his latest book, Kaffeehaus: Exquisite Desserts from the Classic Cafés of Vienna, Budapest, and Prague. Finally, we'll get a new take on food and lust from Men's Health magazine. You can read the entire interview in the October 2002 issue.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 5, 2002

A Splendid Autumn Menu Sep 14, 2002

Hints of fall are in the air, we want to get back into the kitchen and cook, and Sally Schneider, author of A New Way to Cook, is going with us. Sally's healthy, lusty food is what we want to eat right now, and her sensational Fall Menu for A Splendid Table is the best inspiration we know.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating loose meat sandwiches and onion chips at the Tastee Inn & Out in Sioux City, IA. Joshua Wesson talks low-alcohol wines and tells us if they're worth trying or merely forgettable. Kitty Morse, co-author of The Scent of Orange Blossoms, introduces us to Morocco's Sephardic cuisine and shares recipes for Aniseed Biscuits and Candied Grapefruit. We'll learn of an insidious new control in our lives from novelist Jim Crace; and you'll want to have Lynne's Brandied Fruit tucked away for the holidays that are closer than you think.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 14, 2002

Pleasures of the Vietnamese Table Aug 24, 2002

"We journey to Vietnam this week with our guide Mai Pham, author of Pleasures of the Vietnamese Table. We'll hear about street life, street food, and home cooking as she tells of a country at peace for the first time in a century and of a cuisine that's perhaps the freshest and brightest in all of Southeast Asia. We can't wait to try Mai's recipe for Lemongrass Beef on Cool Noodles.

Back home, Jane and Michael Stern take us to Ralph 'N' Rich's in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where it's like being in an episode of The Sopranos. Travel writer Anya Von Bremzen may generate a bit of controversy when she names the place that has the best pizza in America, and Jon Kalish takes us into the Vermont woods for the Feast of Edacious Souls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 25, 2001 (originally aired)
August 24, 2002 (rebroadcast)

Beer Anthropology Aug 17, 2002

We're talking with scholar, explorer, and beer anthropologist Alan Eames, author of The Secret Life of Beer. Alan has tracked down beers in Amazon jungles and Egyptian temples, and survived being held at gunpoint by guerrillas in his quest to discover beer's origins. He believes it's at the heart of nearly every culture and he claims beer is, and always was, about women! Jane and Michael Stern have found cheeseburger heaven in upstate Connecticut. Minimalist cook Mark Bittman has had a life-changing experience with chickpeas. He stops by to tell all and give us his recipe for Chickpea Soup with Sausage.

Reporter Jon Kalish takes us into the food world of mystery writer Kinky Friedman, where we'll hear from one of his Village Irregulars, Mike McGovern, who shares the recipe for Steve Rambam's Jailhouse Chili. Mike is the author of Eat, Drink, and Be Kinky, a delicious companion to Friedman's latest novel, Spanking Watson. Plus, Lynne has a recipe for Brussels Pork Carbonnades, a classic Belgian stew.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 12, 2000 (originally aired)
July 28, 2001 (rebroadcast)
August 17, 2002 (rebroadcast)

Politics of Farmers' Markets Aug 10, 2002

This week we're taking a look at farmers' markets with award-winning author Deborah Madison, whose latest book is Local Flavors: Cooking and Eating from America's Farmers' Markets. Deborah traveled America to determine if local markets can save the vanishing family farm and whether farmers can even make a living selling their harvest at these markets. She leaves us with a menu and recipes for a Late Summer Vegetarian Feast, just the thing right now to take advantage of summer's bounty.

Jane and Michael Stern report from Moomer's in Traverse City, Michigan, where they're eating good ice cream amidst happily grazing dairy cows. Our opinionated cheese guy Steve Jenkins talks sheep cheese, and that prince of the picky palate David Rosengarten, taste tests hot dogs. Also, we hear how Team USA took the gold at the World Pastry Competition; and commentator Julie Hauserman muses over the resemblance between Martha Stewart and a Tibetan monk.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 10, 2002

The Ape and the Sushi Master Jul 27, 2002

It's a real variety show this week with controversies over apes with Dr. Frans de Waal, one of the world's leading primatologists and author of The Ape and the Sushi Master. Dr. de Waal theorizes that apes are more like us than we think, and it's demonstrated in how they deal with food.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating breakfast old-California style at the Ramona Café. The outrageous Joe Queenan, author of Balsamic Dreams, tells a tale of yuppies, rat hunting, and balsamic vinegar. Jewish-food authority Matthew Goodman reports on Toronto Blueberry Buns, gadget guru Dorie Greenspan evaluates salad spinners, and Lynne has a recipe forGreek Parsley Potatoes.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 18, 2001 (originally aired)
July 27, 2002 (rebroadcast)

Aspen Food and Wine Classic Jun 29, 2002

This week we're coming to you from the Food and Wine Magazine Classic at Aspen, Colorado—the annual extravaganza where food and wine lovers mingle with the culinary world's superstars and sample everything from outrageous champagnes to duck-liver lollipops.

Lynne is joined on the stage of the historic Wheeler Opera House by a lineup of luminaries: Dana Cowin, editor of Food and Wine magazine; star chef Mario Batali; food writer Patricia Wells; New York restaurateur Danny Meyer; and the father-daughter team of Jacques and Claudine Pepin.

There's no food and wine event quite like this one, so tune in for a special hour.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 29, 2002

The Conquest of Cold Jun 22, 2002

The next time you open your refrigerator door, consider that, centuries ago, cold was a mystery—something seemingly without a source, often associated with danger and death, and altogether too fearsome to explore. Tom Shachtman, author of Absolute Zero and the Conquest of Cold, examines the subject that baffled ancient mankind before it brought conveniences like refrigeration and air conditioning that we take for granted today.

Jane and Michael Stern are in truck-stop heaven at one of their "Top 10 Favorites"—a tiny shack in Smyrna, Delaware, called Helen's Sausage House. The Food Network's David Rosengarten recently taste-tested mail-order barbecue ribs. He'll share his top picks and a recipe for the perfect side—Mustard Slaw. Reporter Scott Haas is on the Belgian beer beat, sorting out the Trappists from the Triples; grocery guru Al Sicherman is back for a supermarket salsa tasting, and Lynne has a recipe for Bellinis.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 7, 2001 (originally aired)
June 22, 2002 (rebroadcast)

American Vintage Jun 15, 2002

Just a generation ago American wines were dismissed by Europeans as pedestrian and of little consequence. Thirty years later things changed, and the best French wines began falling behind American varietals in international competitions. Our guest Paul Lukacs, author of American Vintage, traces the rise of American wine and tells the story of the famous blind tasting that started the revolution. From teetotalers to bootleggers, Paul introduces an array of interesting characters who contributed to America becoming a formidable leader in the wine industry.

Jane and Michael Stern are in Mobile, Alabama, hometown of Jimmy Buffet and the Dew Drop Inn, the inspiration for Jimmy's song "Cheeseburger in Paradise." John Willoughby wants us to toss a little fruit on the grill along with the chops and gets us started with his recipe for Grilled Double-Thick Pork Chops with Grilled Peaches and Molasses-Rum Barbecue Sauce. Beer-obsessed Steve Beaumont has the word on pairing beer with spicy food, and seafood authority Jon Rowley introduces us to Mediterranean mussels—they've made their way to Seattle's Puget Sound, and they're prime summertime eating.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 22, 2001 (originally aired)
June 15, 2002 (rebroadcast)

Polar Exploration Jun 01, 2002

Polar explorer Ann Bancroft, who recently skied 1,700 miles across Antarctica with her partner Liv Arnesen, joins us this week with tales from her third expedition. She also tells of a lavishly outfitted Arctic expedition from 150 years ago and the food that doomed the members to starvation and insanity.

Our road food duo, Jane and Michael Stern, went searching for chocolate turtles and found anatomically correct ones at Turtle Alley in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Cheese expert Steve Jenkins is back with simple and delicious ideas for our kind of summer entertaining—pairing cheese with other easy foods for great eating with no cooking and little work. It's tricks with Asian ingredients from Seattle chef Tom Douglas, who shares recipes for Miso Vinaigrette and Hoisin Barbecue Sauce, and fruit authority David Karp reveals some luscious peach and nectarine discoveries.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 8, 2001 (originally aired)
June 1, 2002 (rebroadcast)

Wedding Celebration Food May 25, 2002

"This week British writer Elizabeth Luard, author of Sacred Food: Cooking for Spiritual Nourishment, takes a look at the traditional foods different cultures serve at significant life events. We'll focus on food for a wedding celebration as Elizabeth explains why the French favor cream puffs hit with a hammer over cake cut with a knife, why the British avoid greens at a nuptial feast, and why higher is better when it comes to the cake. Her recipe for Soupe de Mariage is pot-au-feu for a wedding party or any time.

The Sterns report from the Pine Club, a quirky adult supper club in Dayton, Ohio. Go for the great aged steaks and bring lots of cash! Dorie Greenspan evaluates skillets, and T.R. Reid, author of The Chip, reports on hot London restaurants. Novelist-turned-wine-writer Jay McInerney has wacky wine and food combos, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 25, 2002

Botany of Desire May 18, 2002

This week it's an unusual take on botany and the issue of control—plants vs. humans—with our guest, journalist and gardener Michael Pollan. In his new book, The Botany of Desire, Michael claims that plants manipulate us by taking advantage of our basic desires. (Starts at 20:41.)

Jane and Michael Stern have found old-world Czech food in Omaha. Travel writer Anya Von Bremzen reports on exotica from one of the ancient food centers of the Middle East. Herb genius and chef Jerry Traunfeld talks sorrel and gives us the perfect recipe for a spring brunch: Smoked Salmon Benedict with Sorrel Sauce. Gourmet magazine editor Ruth Reichl reads from her memoir, Comfort Me With Apples, and Lynne shares her recipe for Roasted Asparagus Potato Salad.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 19, 2001 (originally aired)
May 18, 2002 (rebroadcast)

Thai Food Traditions Apr 27, 2002

This week it's a look at Thai food traditions with Su-Mei Yu, chef/owner of Saffron Restaurant in San Diego and author of Cracking the Coconut: Classic Thai Home Cooking. Su Mei tells of the rather curious way she researched her heritage, and leaves us with etiquette tips for dining in Thai restaurants and a recipe for sticky rice.

Jane and Michael Stern report from Nick's Nest in Holyoke, Massachusetts, where they're eating wienies the way they were served in mid-century New England. Jewish-food authority Matthew Goodman wants us to try the spicy cuisine of Yemen. His recipe for Yemenite Fish in Tomato Sauce is a fine introduction. We'll hear how TV chef Sara Moulton juggles two jobs and a young family, and we'll meet a beekeeper who tends his hives on the rooftops of New York City.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 4, 2001 (originally aired)
April 27, 2002 (rebroadcast)

Pike Place Market Apr 13, 2002

This week it's a private tour of Seattle's Pike Place Market, the gold standard among farmers markets. Our guide is none other than award-winning chef and restaurateur Tom Douglas, who was just named Best Chef in the Northwest by the James Beard Foundation. Tom reveals some of his favorite market vendors and shares his recipe for Sake-Steamed Sockeye Salmon with Sake Butter. His new book, Tom Douglas' Seattle Kitchen, is a celebration of the city's rich and diverse culinary heritage and wealth of fresh local ingredients.

Jane and Michael Stern are in the California desert chowing down among the dinosaurs at the Wheel Inn. They leave us with a recipe for Highway Patrol Succotash, a fresh take on this often maligned vegetable mix. Wine maverick Joshua Wesson returns with some excellent but overlooked bargain French white wines that deserve more respect. Calvin Trillin, author of The Tummy Trilogies, gives us his unique take on eating in Japan, and we'll talk with the farmer behind those packaged ready-to-eat salads. We wonder what keeps them fresh.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 11, 2001 (originally aired)
April 13, 2002 (rebroadcast)

Off The Shelf Apr 06, 2002

Donna Hay, Australia's diva of divine dining, is credited with rescuing a generation of young people from the clutches of take-out and fast-food. Her latest book, Off the Shelf: Cooking From the Pantry, offers tips and recipes for fresh, quick, stylish, and flavorful meals using what you have on hand. Her recipe for Chili Fish with Sweet Lemon Salad is a fine example.

For Jane and Michael Stern, it's warm cinnamon rolls and fresh pie at Gus Balon's Restaurant in Tucson, Arizona. John Willoughby takes on that vexing question of grilling—charcoal versus gas—and shares his recipe for Rosemary-Grilled New York Strip with Smoky Eggplant Relish. Let The Flames Begin, John's latest book with co-author Chris Schlesinger, will be published in June. Kitchen designer Deborah Krasner reveals what they never tell us about non-stick cookware. Reporter Scott Haas goes into the kitchen with TV's Iron Chef Morimoto, who has a new restaurant in Philadelphia called, appropriately, Morimoto. Finally, we'll hear how the Bread Bakers Guild Team USA 2002 prepares to defend their World Cup title.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 6, 2002

The American Cocktail Mar 23, 2002

When Americans first mixed spirits and poured them over ice, they took a path with alcohol that set them apart from the rest of the world. William Grimes, restaurant critic for The New York Times and author of Straight Up Or On the Rocks, joins us with the story of how the cocktail came to be and why it has a place alongside other Americana like animated cartoons, comic strips, and jazz. He shares recipes for a Vesper (the James Bond martini) and a Champagne Cocktail.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating shrimp boats in New Orleans, and wine maverick Joshua Wesson of Best Cellars recommends white Burgundies we can actually afford. Reporter Scott Haas is back from a cow pasture in Switzerland where he discovered what makes Swiss milk so special, and Joey Green, author of Clean Your Clothes with Cheez Whiz, gives us reasons to stock up on the stuff.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 23, 2002

Fast Food Nation Feb 16, 2002

Journalist Eric Schlosser, author of the New York Times best-seller Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal, says the fast-food industry should be exposed to the same scrutiny given tobacco and drug companies. We'll take a look at what's become the All-American Meal — a take-out burger, fries and soda — and find out what's really in those "goodies" that will have us shelling out over $110 billion this year.

On a brighter note, Jane and Michael Stern are eating old-fashioned apple dumplings at Southern Kitchen in Charleston, West Virginia. Our cheese guy Steve Jenkins is back with advice on picking American Cheddars, Stephanie Curtis talks food in the movies, and Lynne has a TV-Tray Menu for Academy Awards night.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 17, 2001 (originally aired)
February 16, 2002 (rebroadcast)

A Valentine Classic Feb 09, 2002

If you've ever wondered who comes up with the messages printed on those little heart-shaped candies that appear every year at this time, tune in for the story behind a Valentine's Day classic from the New England Confectionary Company.

The always original Jane and Michael Stern are dining inside a longhorn skull in Amado, Arizona. Wine wizard Joshua Wesson has the scoop on Argentina's Malbec. Is this the next big red? We'll recall one of the great 1960s scenes with Jamie Bernstein Thomas, daughter of Leonard Bernstein and author of A West Side Storyin the February issue of Gourmet magazine.

John Willoughby talks watercress and shares a recipe for Watercress and Endive Salad with Pears, Blue Cheese, and Orange-Beet Dressing from Lettuce in Your Kitchen. We'll visit College of the Atlantic, home of "America's best campus food," and Lynne gives us a menu and recipes (including her wickedly sensuous Panna Cotta) for a cozy Valentine's Day dinner at home.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 9, 2002

Offbeat Food Feb 02, 2002

It's a look at the unusual, the unexpected, and the extraordinary aspects of food and food culture this week with Alan Ridenour, author of Offbeat Food: Adventures in an Omnivorous World. From how Betty Crocker has changed through the years to the dangers of Pez dispensers and a history of pie throwing, we promise an entertaining look at popular culture that we hope sparks a dinner table conversation or two.

Jane and Michael Stern got lost in Texas but found great New Mexican Soul Food. Wine Maverick Joshua Wesson wants us to try the unfamiliar but luscious Eiswein, and Chinese scholar Li Ping Wang gives our hungry reporter, Scott Haas, a lesson on celebrating Chinese New Year and a recipe for New Year's Feast Fish. New York Times columnist Amanda Hesser reports on restaurant surveillance, a new privacy issue that should give you the willies.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 20, 2001 (originally aired)
February 2, 2002 (rebroadcast)

A Spoonful of Ginger Jan 26, 2002

Asian-food authority Nina Simonds joins us this week with remedies and relief for those of us suffering the miseries of a cold or flu. Nina, author of A Spoonful of Ginger and star of the public television special by the same name, tells us how the Chinese use food as medicine. Her recipe for Ginger-Scallion Root Tea is the elixir you'll want when sniffles and chills set in.

Jane and Michael Stern are feeling warm and fine and eating dates in the California desert. Our cheese guy, Steve Jenkins, has never led us astray when it comes to good eating but this time he's come up with a hard sell. He says sour milk leads to an array of good stuff. We're skeptical, but keeping an open mind. Reporter Carol Shapiro talks eating French and speaking English in Paris, and we'll check out what's happening with the Bubble Tea trend on the West Coast.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 16, 2001 (originally aired)
January 26, 2002 (rebroadcast)

The Spice Coast Jan 12, 2002

This week we're off to the Spice Coast of southern India where the air is fragrant with cinnamon and pepper, the people are gracious, and the food is grand. It's the family home of our guest, Maya Kaimal, author of Savoring the Spice Coast of India, and hospitality is a way of life. Maya's recipe for Steamed Mussels in Coconut Milk is an example of the exotic fare you'll encounter here.

Jane and Michael Stern have stumbled upon a family feud at Manganaro's, one of their favorite places in New York City. Food expert John Willoughby is back with some good news about sea scallops, and sculptor Kiko Denzer says you can build your own wood-fired oven for little money by using mud! His book, Build Your Own Earth Oven tells us how. The idea has Lynne so excited we hear she's attempting to thaw the earth in her backyard and start construction. In the second half of the show, it's open lines for your calls, and Lynne tells us how to cook Effortless Polenta.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 27, 2001 (originally aired)
January 12, 2002 (rebroadcast)

The Chef Test Dec 29, 2001

Journalist Michael Ruhlman, author of The Soul of a Chef, takes us behind the scenes of the Culinary Institute of America's grueling Certified Master Chef exam. It's the Iron Man challenge of the food world and not for the faint of heart.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating artisan breads at the Red Hen Bakery in Chicago, and we'll hear from a scientist who has the lowdown on white salmon, the twenty-dollars-a-pound fish chefs fight over. Remember the Smothers Brothers? Jon Kalish pays a visit to the Smothers' Winery where Tommy has been making some highly regarded boutique wines for nearly as long as the brothers have been making people laugh. Alice Waters of Chez Panisse is back to tell us about her dream for the White House. If we ever get out of the election mess, her idea promises help with great spin potential for the new president.

In the second half of the show the phone lines are open for your calls and Lynne has some trivia about a runcible spoon she might use to serve her Oven-Roasted Canned Tomatoes.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 2, 2000 (originally aired)
December 29, 2001 (rebroadcast)

Bacchus And Me Dec 22, 2001

Jay McInerney, the acerbically witty author of that blockbuster novel of sin and debauchery, Bright Lights, Big City, has turned his considerable talents to the subject of wine. An unabashed oenophile who calls himself a "grape nut," Jay's irreverent wine columns for House & Garden magazine have been culled for his latest book, Bacchus & Me. Fasten your seat belts and tune in for a serendipitous and highly-informed romp through the world of wine.

Jane and Michael Stern are hanging out at the Shortstop Diner at Exit 148 off the Garden State Parkway. John Willoughby, whose latest book with co-author Chris Schlesinger is How to Cook Meat, wants us to think beyond turkey when we're serving a crowd. Their recipe for Crown Roast of Lamb with Saffron Rice and Apricot-Mint Sauce should do the trick. Nach Waxman of New York City's Kitchen Arts & Letters bookstore stops by with a list offood and wine reference books just in time for holiday gifting. Lynne recently returned from Salt Lake City, and tells of a delightful bed and breakfast find and "the best fish taco I've ever had!" And, finally, she reveals her sources for Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, her favorite gift to give at the holidays.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 16, 2000 (originally aired)
December 22, 2001 (rebroadcast)

Happy Holidays 2001 Dec 15, 2001

It's our annual holiday show, and we've assembled a team of experts on cooking, entertaining, and gift giving. Sally Schneider, author of A New Way to Cook, has entertaining wrapped up with three easy menus and recipes guaranteed to wow your guests. Sally's food tastes great, it's stylish, it's healthy—it's how we want to eat now.

The Sterns are eating pancakes and enjoying the spectacular holiday lights display at Clifton Mill in Ohio. Chef Gray Kunz, co-author of The Elements of Taste, reveals a new way to approach cooking and shares his recipe for luscious Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon Mustard Brine and Tangy Pears. Steve Beaumont has seasonalbeers for Santa, it's stocking stuffers from gadget queen Dorie Greenspan, and Lynne has more gift ideas for the cooks on your list.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 15, 2001

Diana Kennedy's Mexico Nov 24, 2001

Diana Kennedy, the British woman who introduced America to authentic Mexican cooking and started our love affair with the chile pepper, joins us this week to share the Mexico she knows so well. Diana's latest book,The Essential Cuisines of Mexico, is a treasure. So is her recipe for tortillas filled with mushrooms Empanadas De Hongos.

The always original Jane and Michael Stern are in Charleston, South Carolina, eating at The Wreck, a restaurant that's hard to find because it's housed in an old bait locker and has no sign. Joshua Wesson, wine maverick and seeker of the unexpected, has been tasting wines from Canada and stops by with a report. Our favorite "slightly neurotic" foodie, Scott Haas, recently traveled to New York City to dine at Restaurant Daniel where deep pockets are de rigeur. He tells us if it was worth the trip.

When we heard of a new spa at the Hotel Hershey where they use chocolate in the treatments Lynne rushed to the phone to get the details. She was intrigued by the chocolate fondue body wrap. We'll listen in on her conversation with spa director Jennifer Whaland Smith.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 25, 2000 (originally aired)
November 24, 2001 (rebroadcast)

Happy Thanksgiving 2001 Nov 17, 2001

It's our annual Thanksgiving show and we're celebrating with one of America's most beloved authors: poet, novelist, and screenwriter Jim Harrison. You may remember him from Legends of the Fall. We'll be talking with Jim about food and its role in our lives, a subject he covers with passion and wit in his book, The Raw and the Cooked: Adventures of a Roving Gourmand.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating seven sweets and seven sours at the Dutch Kitchen in Frackville, Pennsylvania. We'll hear about hard apple cider, an old-time American alternative to wine, from Steve Wood of Farnum Hill Ciders. British writer Jim Crace looks charity square in the eye in a story from his book The Devil's Larder. Gourmet magazine editor Ruth Reichl tells us what the holiday might be like in New York City this year, we have a guide to brining turkey from Cook's Illustrated magazine, and Lynne shares Thanksgiving cooking tips and her recipe for Moroccan-Inspired Turkey.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 17, 2001

Espresso Nov 03, 2001

This week we'll meet the family responsible for the modern-day espresso machine. Dr. Ernesto Illy, head of the family's coffee dynasty in Italy, explains Italy's coffee culture and tells us what a really fine cup of espresso should taste like.

Jane and Michael Stern are in Milwaukee eating soul food at Mr. Perkin's Family Restaurant where the turnip bottoms are "better than any vegetable should be." To help us determine what kind of turkey to buy for the holidays Christopher Kimball, editor of Cook's Illustrated, stops by to report on the results of the magazine'sturkey taste test. We'll go to Ketchum, Idaho, for a Basque sheep festival, and from Appalachia we have a story of cornbread and biscuits. In the second half of the show Lynne takes your calls and gives us her recipes for Three-Generation Thanksgiving Turkey and Herman's Cornbread Stuffing.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 18, 2000 (originally aired)
November 3, 2001 (rebroadcast)

Travels in Spain Oct 20, 2001

We're traveling and eating in Spain this week with journalist Anya Von Bremzen. Anya says Spain is the most exciting place in Europe to eat these days. The chefs there are rethinking the very foundations of food and a culinary revolution is happening. Along the way we'll stop off in Bilbao to visit the new Guggenheim Museum, the site of an architectural revolution.

Jane and Michael Stern are in the California desert eating apple pies at theJulian Pie Company. Jewish-food authority and writer Matthew Goodman is back to tell us of the surprising origins of fish and chips and leaves us with the recipe for Fish & Chips from London's Upper Street Fish Shop.

Still have that old fondue pot from the 1970s lurking in the attic? Dust it off and get ready for a fondue lesson from Switzerland with our hungry reporter Scott Haas. We'll meet food sculptor Peter Anton, a man with a different take on the hungry artist theme, and the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

December 9, 2000 (originally aired)
October 20, 2001 (rebroadcast)

Dinner Rush Oct 06, 2001

This week we meet Bob Giraldi, producer and director of the new film Dinner Rush. This movie, about a night in a happening New York City restaurant of the moment, captures the frantic trendiness and atrocious pressure that drives so many places these days. It's no warm and fuzzy Babette's Feast. Bob leaves us with his mother Minnie's recipe for Baked Ziti with Ricotta, perfect for Sunday dinner.

In contrast, Jane and Michael Stern are at laid-back El Gallito in Cathedral City, California, eating mole and buying second-hand Pucci dresses. Master of Wine Mary Ewing Mulligan talks decanting, and writer Jim Leff of Chowhound.com takes on the political side of dining out. Comedienne Cathryn Michon, author of The Grrl Genius Guide to Life, reports on competitive cooking at the Santa Barbara Fair and gives us her recipe forLow-Fat Technicolor Tater Salad. It's not the all-American classic. Lynne's trivia question has a medical theme, and she's finally agreed to put her recipe for Pork Steaks with Chile Orange Sauce into print!

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 6, 2001

The Doctor Is In Sep 15, 2001

Do you ever wonder whom Lynne, Julia Child, and other pros in the food business turn to when they're stumped with a culinary question? They call our guest, food scientist Shirley Corriher, author of CookWise. Shirley's unique ability to translate complex food chemistry into simple language, combined with her natural warmth and sense of humor, make her a favorite with our listeners. Try her wonderful recipe for Mixed Greens with Walnuts—it's no ordinary salad.

Jane and Michael Stern have the scoop on a great breaded steak sandwich, cheese maven Steve Jenkins talks great "melters," and kitchen designer Deborah Krasner opens her online address book to share sources for kitchen equipment on the Web.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 22, 2000 (originally aired)
July 14, 2001 (rebroadcast)
September 15, 2001 (rebroadcast)

Vermouth Sep 01, 2001

We say, forget martinis—what we want now is a summery American vermouth, perfectly chilled, straight up and just right for lazy-day sipping. California winemaker Andrew Quady, one of the country's vermouth pioneers, introduces us to Vya Extra-Dry Vermouth, a fresh and vibrant wine, delicious solo or paired with spicy-sweet foods.

Jane and Michael Stern tell of a former Pittsburgh "techy" turned biscotti maker, John Willoughby is back with the word on some extraordinary dried red peppers, and herb maven Jerry Traunfeld gives us his recipe for Scented Geranium Lemonade. We've another installment in the saga of life behind the restaurant kitchen door and Lynne will take your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 15, 2000 (originally aired)
September 1, 2001 (rebroadcast)

The Napa Valley Aug 11, 2001

It's a bargain hunter's guide to the Napa Valley wine country this week with valley insider Antonia Allegra, author of Napa Valley: The Ultimate Winery Guide. Antonia assures us we don't have to cash in the IRA and take out a bank loan to visit this pricey destination. She takes us where the locals go for superb budget dining, to a winery offering free classes, and shares her sources for good wines at reasonable prices. Would you believe bottles for less than $7? Tune in and we'll tell you where to find them.

Jane and Michael Stern are relishing Big Butts in Robertsdale, Alabama. Herb genius Jerry Traunfeld is back talking mint and sharing his recipe for Zucchini Strands with Mint. We'll find out how to banish house and garden pests with Slug Bread & Beheaded Thistles, and the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 19, 2000 (originally aired)
August 11, 2001 (rebroadcast)

The Herbfarm Aug 04, 2001

If you know the food scene in Washington State, you know about the wildly popular Herbfarm Restaurant. You also know that getting a reservation there is all about the luck of the draw. They open their phone lines only twice a year for bookings and within hours every space for the next six months is filled! The reason is executive chef Jerry Traunfeld's cooking. Chef Traunfeld, author of The Herbfarm Cookbook, unveils some new tricks for getting maximum flavor from herbs and flowers, some of which you've probably never heard of. His recipe for Lemon Verbena Sorbet showcases the herbal spin this talented chef gives his food.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating stellar Italian sausages in West Virginia, of all places. Grilling guru John Willoughby (of License to Grill fame) is back with a recipe for Asian Spice Rub that supports his claim that sometimes it's better to rub than soak. Our food scientist Shirley Corriher, author of Cookwise, has the final word on flavored oils. Are they safe? We'll find out. We'll learn how a Cherokee farmer is bringing her people back to their food traditions, Lynne finds a great place to eat in New York, and she'll also take your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 27, 2000 (originally aired)
August 4, 2001 (rebroadcast)

Horror Stories Jul 21, 2001

The hot chef of the moment, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, tells us how he got there, while Chef Anthony Bourdain has tales of horrors in the restaurant kitchen (DON'T ORDER FISH ON MONDAYS!). The Sterns are tracking down stuffed quahogs, tea merchant Bill Waddington talks iced tea, and cheesemonger Steve Jenkins takes us back to France for one of his all-time favorites—gaparon.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 10, 1999 (originally aired)
June 17, 2000 (rebroadcast)
July 21, 2001 (rebroadcast)

Olive Oil Jun 30, 2001

Americans are crazy for olive oil. It's had a major impact on our cooking, but buying and enjoying it can be complex and confusing. Why does one bottle cost $6 while another costs $60? Peggy Knickerbocker, author of Olive Oil: From Tree to Table, has traveled the Mediterranean researching how olive oil is made and what makes a quality oil. She answers that question and more, names her favorite California oils, and gives us her recipe for Tattooed Potatoes With Rosemary.

Jane and Michael Stern tell us where they found "turkey sandwich perfection" in Seattle. Cheesemonger Steve Jenkins explains the art of the affineur and has a trick or two up his sleeve that we can use at home to improve our own cheeses. Pickling season is here, so John Willoughby shares his delicious recipes for Easy Cucumber Pickles and Sweet and Hot Curried Zucchini Pickles. Finally, we ll learn secrets to shopping for East Indian foods with Linda Bladholm, author of The Indian Grocery Store Demystified.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 9, 2000 (originally aired)
June 30, 2001 (rebroadcast)

Counter Intelligence Jun 16, 2001

We're visiting the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to hear about the kitchen of the future coming from the scientists working on the Counter Intelligence Project. Are you ready for talking oven mitts that tell you when the roast is done, a kitchen counter that keeps track of your favorite recipes, or a coffee maker that knows you like extra milk in your latte?

Gray's Ice Cream in Tiverton, Rhode Island has been voted best homemade ice cream in the state for 11 years running. Jane and Michael Stern went to investigate and have a report. Master of Wine Mary Ewing Mulligan is just back from Portugal where she discovered delicious and undervalued Portuguese red wines. We'll find out what it's like to have the editor of Gourmet magazine over for dinner, and we'll learn about the chiltepin, America's first protected chile pepper.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 2, 2000 (originally aired)
June 16, 2001 (rebroadcast)

Ethnic Grilling Jun 02, 2001

We're going way beyond burgers and brats on the barbie this week with grilling guru Steven Raichlen, author of Barbecue! Bible Sauces, Rubs and Marinades, Bastes, Butters & Glazes. Steve roamed five continents to bring a global perspective to the flavor boosting recipes in his latest work. His Korean Barbecue Sauce is just one tasty example.

Jane and Michael Stern are in Kentucky "fried-chicken heaven" at the Bon Ton Mini Mart. Gadget queen Dorie Greenspan talks cheese graters, our Parisian correspondent tells of the latest food trend in the City of Light, and we'll hear how top chefs in France and America are opening their kitchens to amateur cooks atl'École des Chefs. We have Lynne's recipe for Portobello "Steaks" with Holy Oil and she'll be taking your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 8, 2000 (originally aired)
June 2, 2001 (rebroadcast)

Choosing a Guidebook May 26, 2001

We're traveling this week and food, of course, is the highlight. Richard Sterling, author of the Vietnam and Spain guides for the new Lonely Planet World Food series, stops by with tales from a Saigon restaurant and advice on choosing a guidebook.

Jane and Michael Stern report from the Akron Restaurant in Pennsylvania Dutch country where they're eating stuffed pig stomach! Fish expert Jon Rowley takes us to Alaska for Copper River salmon. To celebrate this luscious fish, Lynne concocted a recipe for simple pan-roasted salmon. Then we'll go to Japan with chef Anthony Bourdain, author of Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly and a man with a mission an American opening a French bistro in Tokyo. Finally, we're off to Los Angeles with Marcia Reed, curator of rare books at the Getty Research Institute, for a peek at The Edible Monument exhibition at the Getty Center.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

May 13, 2000 (originally aired)
May 26, 2001 (rebroadcast)

Salsa Apr 28, 2001

Mexican food authority and TV chef Rick Bayless, author of Rick Bayless's Mexican Kitchen, is back this week and he's talking salsa. It's the new ketchup these days and we're putting it on everything from tacos to take-out. With summer's bounty just around the corner, we asked Rick to explain a bit of salsa culture and give us some tips for making fresh and fabulous salsas at home. It's a snap, and Rick's recipe for Essential Roasted Tomatillo-Serrano Salsa will get you going.

Jane and Michael Stern are back from the Appalachian region with an unusual find in Cumberland, Maryland. Kitchen designer Deborah Krasner tells us what to consider when shopping for a dishwasher. We'll hit the open road when Biker Billy roars through on his Harley. He's fanned the culinary flames in his latest work, Biker Billy's Freeway-A-Fire Cookbook, a collection of sizzling vegetarian recipes. Sara Baer-Sinnot of the Oldways Preservation & Exchange Trust tells us what's behind the rumor that we may have to start stockpiling Parmigiano-Reggiano, and the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 3, 2000 (originally aired)
April 28, 2001 (rebroadcast)

Food: The Ultimate Personality Test Apr 07, 2001

Remember that adage "tell me what you eat and I'll tell you who you are?" According to neurologist Alan Hirsch, M.D., Director of the Smell & Taste Treatment Research Foundation in Chicago and author of Dr. Hirsch's Guide to Scentsational Weight Loss, the notion might not be so far fetched. In his research on snack food, Dr. Hirsch discovered there are physiological reasons why our food preferences reveal our personality, so be discreet the next time you reach for a potato chip instead of a cheese curl. Someone could be watching.

We'll visit California's wine country where Jane and Michael Stern are having breakfast at the Diner in Yountville. On down the road, we stop in at the French Laundry Restaurant, which has been called the most exciting place to eat in America, to meet legendary chef Thomas Keller. This week's recipe, "Clam Chowder" Sautéed Cod with Cod Cakes and Parsley Oil, comes from Chef Keller's French Laundry Cookbook, which recently won the IACP Cookbook of the Year award.

We'll take a cheese discovery vacation to France with Steve Jenkins, and Master of Wine Mary Ewing Mullingan drops by to talk Chilean wines. Lynne's found a good mail-order source for organic peaches and nectarines so we suspect she's whipping up Bellinis these days. It's the season, after all.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 22, 2000 (originally aired)
April 7, 2001 (rebroadcast)

Shanghai Mar 24, 2001

Food and travel writer Anya von Bremzen takes us to Shanghai with an eater's guide to China's born-again boomtown. The city is reinventing itself these days and a cosmopolitan restaurant scene is emerging.

Jane and Michael Stern are bound to stir up debate and controversy with what they say is the best fried chicken on earth. Gadget goddess Dorie Greenspan has the word on hand-held blenders, those magic wands among kitchen toys. We'll eavesdrop as John Willoughby and Chris Schlesinger test recipes. The delicious Molasses-Glazed Pork Tenderloin resulted from one of their kitchen sessions.We like to explore all manner of dining venues (the car counts nowadays), so we called upon Bob Markovich of Consumer Reports to give us an evaluation of car cup holders. As always, the phone lines will be open for your calls."

Broadcast dates for this episode:

April 29, 2000 (originally aired)
March 24, 2001 (rebroadcast)

Fire Your Wine Shop Mar 03, 2001

If a snooty wine dealer has ever treated you badly, tune in this week for advice and anti-intimidation tactics you can use the next time it happens. Our guests, Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher, write The Wall Street Journal's "Tastings" column and are the authors of The Wall Street Journal Guide to Wines. They have definite opinions about what we should expect from a wine shop and tips for finding bargains.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating Spiedies at Sharkey's in Binghamton, New York. Matthew Goodman says the Jewish specialty kreplach doesn't get the respect it deserves and hopes to change that with his recipe for Sweet Potato-Stuffed Kreplach. Meat expert John Willoughby is back to talk mystery meats and give us a recipe for Lime-Soaked, Cumin-Crusted Grilled Skirt Steak with Green Olive-Chile Relish, and we'll visit a public school cafeteria in Boston where Chef Paul Correnty revamped the food, threw out the deep fryer, and the kids love fresh vegetables.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 3, 2001

Cheap Eats in San Francisco Feb 23, 2001

Dan Leone tells us how to eat out and eat well for under $10 in San Francisco, a city known for restaurants with break-the-bank prices. He knows where you'll find the perfect bowl of noodles, or a turkey dinner at midnight, and leave with your credit card intact. Dan is the author of Eat This, San Francisco and the popular "Cheap Eats" column in the San Francisco Bay Guardian.

The Slow Food Movement recently concluded their annual Salone Del Gusto in Italy. Reporter Scott Haas was there, and has news of the vast array of artisan foods from around the world that tempted the thousands of participants. Jane and Michael Stern deliver their highly-researched dissertation on onion rings, kitchen gadget queen Dorie Greenspan talks juicers, and we'll hear from a competitive eater who is the current Carnegie Pickle Eating Champion.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 23, 2001

Aroma and Arousal Feb 09, 2001

After this week's show, you may decide to rethink your Valentine's Day dinner menu. We're looking at food and love with Dr. Alan Hirsch, a neurologist and psychiatrist who's researched the link between food aromas and arousal. Dr. Hirsch is the author of Scentsational Sex: The Secret of Using Aroma for Arousal and the forthcoming What Flavor is Your Personality? Forget the Chanel perfume and bring on some pumpkin pie!

It's root beer and carhop service in Salt Lake City for Jane and Michael Stern. They'll report from Hires Big H. Wine maverick Joshua Wesson says it's time for Merlot to step aside to make room for Syrah. He claims it's the next wine sensation. Calvin Trillin has advice on how to have a successful marriage, we'll hear about the new Museum of Burnt Food, and the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

February 9, 2001

Tequila Feb 03, 2001

Mexican food authority Rick Bayless, who latest book is Salsas That Cook, is with us this week and we're talking tequila. It's not just for margaritas anymore. In fact, Rick says lose the lime and salt and move on to a different tequila experience. He means those types (especially artisan-made ones) so classy and smooth you'll want to sip them neat. In a nod to tradition, though, Rick shares his recipe for Honest-to-Goodness Margaritas for a Crowd. These are the real thing pure, fresh, and tasting of good tequila.

Jane and Michael Stern are in layer-cake heaven at the Pie Kitchen in Louisville. John Willoughby talks single-flower honeys, Joel Rose takes us to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and King Cakes, and Ishan Gurdal has a report on the cheese cave at Formaggio Kitchen in Cambridge. Our grocery guru Al Sicherman sets Lynne up for a bottled water tasting, and we'll open the phone lines for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

March 4, 2000 (originally aired)
February 3, 2001 (rebroadcast)

The Politics of Wine Jan 13, 2001

We're taking a look at the politics of wine in America with our guest Bruce Cass, author of The Oxford Companion to the Wines of North America. Bruce says it's easier for a 13 year-old to buy a gun on the Internet than it is for an adult to purchase a bottle of wine.

Polar explorers Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen are making history as they attempt to ski some 2,400 miles across Antarctica. They'll join us by phone from their tent near the South Pole and tell us what they've been eating on their journey and share the recipe for Liv's Mother's Kentucky Cake. Jane and Michael Stern are in sunny San Diego eating authentic Hawaiian food at Da Kine's Plate Lunches. Cheese monger Steve Jenkins is back and this time he's talking butter. It's in style again, especially the flavorful cultured butter Steve loves.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 13, 2001

Popped Culture Jan 06, 2001

This week it's the history of popcorn with Andrew Smith, author of Popped Culture: A Social History of Popcorn in America. It's been around for thousands of years and it's America's favorite snack food. Andrew debunks some popcorn myths and explains why it has such staying power. His recipe for Popcorn Canapés is one of the more unusual ones we've featured here at The Splendid Table.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating with the locals at Hopkin's Boarding House in Pensacola, Florida. They'll tell us why it's one of their Top 10 Picks. Kitchen designer Deborah Krasner evaluates range hoods. It's a case of the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Barbara Flores, author of The Great Book of Pears, has a tale about how devout monks and showy aristocrats of days gone by turned the small, bitter pear into the voluptuous and luscious treat now give as holiday gifts. We think Barbara's recipe for Moraga Pear Pie is a fine way to use this succulent fruit.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 6, 2001

Entertaining Nov 11, 2000

It's our annual entertaining show and we've got tips from the experts for when you have little time and energy but want to entertain with style, simplicity and fun. Caterer Ina Garten, proprietor of the Barefoot Contessa specialty food store in the ultra chic Hamptons, creates take-out and party food for the likes of Steven Spielberg and Martha Stewart. And she has plenty of down-to-earth advice for catering your own parties with maximum style and minimum cooking. Her recipe for Virginia baked ham makes an easy, delicious and spectacular presentation.

Minimalist cook Mark Bittman drops by with more streamlining tricks and the easiest appetizer everrosemary-lemon bean puree. Jane and Michael Stern say why bother cooking at all. They're eating out and on the cheap at Hodad's on the beach in California. Equipment guru Dorie Greenspan has been checking outroasting pans, and we'll learn about sake bar etiquette from a pro.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

November 11, 2000

New Orleans Bars Nov 04, 2000

We're off for a look at New Orleans bars this week with resident historian and photographer Kerri McCaffety, author of Obituary Cocktail: The Great Saloons of New Orleans. The Big Easy has more bars per capita than anywhere else in the country and each of these architectural and cultural treasures harbors true stories more fascinating than folklore. Try the recipes for a Sazerac, the brandy concoction that was the Exchange Alley rage in 1853 or an Obituary Cocktail, a version of the martini with a splash of absinthe.

It's another Memphis BBQ find from Jane and Michael Stern, David Karp talks quince, we'll hear about Etiquette Soup and naked chefs, and the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

January 8, 2000 (originally aired)
November 4, 2000 (rebroadcast)

The Origin of Restaurants Oct 28, 2000

According to history professor Rebecca Spang, author of The Invention of the Restaurant, it used to be that going out to eat was not something anyone did by choice, and in 18th Century Paris restaurants weren't about eating at all. It's an intriguing bit of history that Ms. Spang will share.

Jane and Michael Stern report from Fairfield, Connecticut where they're eating Super Duper Weenies from what used to be a truck. Bruce Cost, author of Asian Ingredients, joins us with tips for buying fish sauce and shares a recipe for Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauce. We'll have a tasting of Italian liquors that are meant to bite your tongue and kiss your tummy, and a North Carolina native reports on the North Carolina BBQ wars.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 28, 2000

Marketing Food to Women Oct 21, 2000

This week Faith Popcorn, consumer trends forecaster to the Fortune 500 and co-author of EVEolution: The Eight Truths of Marketing to Women, gives us a look at how food will be marketed in the future. Ms. Popcorn has always been ahead of the curve with trends like "cocooning" and "the pleasure revenge." Now she brings us EVEolution, and it's all about a new power base in consumerism. She claims the food companies are clueless.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating po boy sandwiches at Domilise Sandwich Shop in New Orleans. Master of Wine Mary Ewing Mulligan stops by with the scoop on sulfites in wine. Are they harmless or should we be worried? Apple expert Frank Browning explains some of the pleasures and puzzles of apple cider and gives us a recipe for Appalachian Cider-Baked Beans. Garrett Oliver, brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery, suggests some beer and food pairings for your Oktoberfest celebration, and the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 21, 2000

A Splendid Table Adventure Oct 14, 2000

We're off on an adventure this week to places you may not get to on your own. John Willoughby sweeps us away to Istanbul for Turkish food and a stay at the charming Empress Zoe Hotel, then world traveler and tea purveyor Sebastian Beckwith takes us trekking into the backcountry of Laos in search of the birthplace of tea.

Jane and Michael Stern are raving about the impeccably fresh and lush seafood at San Francisco's Swan Oyster Depot, and gadget guru Dorie Greenspan is back with a report on stockpots just in time for soup season. Finally, Sandra Mizumoto Posey, author of Café Nation, talks coffee and magic and leaves us with a "recipe" for Simple Coffee Klatsch Divination. As always, Lynne will take your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 14, 2000

Foam Oct 07, 2000

We're taking you from the cosmos right down to your coffee cup this week with Sidney Perkowitz, professor of physics at Emory University and author of Universal Foam. Professor Perkowitz will explain how foam is the link between your cappuccino and the cup you drink it from to the chair you sit in and the stars in the night sky. It's quite a trip.

Jane and Michael Stern are eating Five-Way Chili at Camp Washington in Cincinnati. Jewish-food and culture writer Matthew Goodman reports on the origin of the Sabbath bread, challah, and shares a favorite recipe forChallah French Toast à la Peter Pan. Euan Kerr, Senior Editor at Minnesota Public Radio, drops by to enlighten us about the finer points of Marmite, we'll go to a rave with the Wine Brats, and Lynne, just back from San Diego, shares a nouvelle Japanese restaurant find.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

October 7, 2000

Apples Sep 30, 2000

They've been linked to some pretty serious temptation and trouble—they did, after all, play a key role in that messy Garden of Eden business—but the illustrious apple still came out on top as the world's most popular fruit according to our guest Frank Browning. As the author of Apples and co-author of the cookbook, An Apple Harvest: Recipes and Orchard Lore, Frank has studied nearly every dimension of the fruit, from myth to science. He'll share a bit of the apple's uncommon and surprising history and give us a recipe for Braised Chicken, Norman Style.

Who but Jane and Michael Stern would report on chocolate hair brushes and angel food in Manitowoc, Wisconsin? Kitchen designer Deborah Krasner has been checking out food sites on the Web and stops by with some fabulous finds. Al Sicherman and Lynne taste drive-through hamburgers with an 11-year-old boy named Sam, and we check in with Philip Yi, director of America's first Sushi Academy. And, as always, Lynne will take your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 30, 2000

Restaurant Dreams Sep 23, 2000

Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, is considered one of the top restaurants in the world, and today we've a conversation with its creator Alice Waters about how she runs a dream restaurant. Naturalist Diane Ackerman, author of A Natural History of the Senses, talks truffles, wine wit Joshua Wesson is back with his wine bargains, and Michael Ruhlman, author of The Making of a Chef, tells us what he learned went he went undercover in the CIA (Culinary Institute of America!).

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 18, 1999 (originally aired)
September 23, 2000 (rebroadcast)

Traveling in Ireland Sep 16, 2000

A culinary revolution is happening in Ireland these days due, in part, to a thriving economy, a new confidence among the Irish people, and the availability of superb local ingredients. Anya von Bremzen, Contributing Editor for Travel & Leisure magazine, stops by to tell us about some of therestaurants, inns and pubs she recently discovered on a trip into the Irish countryside. You'll want to pack your bags and take off.

Jane and Michael Stern are always traveling, of course, and this week they're in Oklahoma eating onion burgers at Johnnie's Grill in El Reno. Minimalist cook Mark Bittman is back with some thoughts on streamlining recipes for crispy fish cakes, including his Broiled Fish Cakes with Ginger and Cilantro and Crabby Crabcakes. Tea merchant Bill Waddington tells us how to evaluate teapots, we'll hear about this season's grape crush from California winemaker Steve Beckman, and Lynne takes your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

September 16, 2000

Olives Aug 26, 2000

We're taking a look at olives this week with Ari Weinzweig, founder of Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ari will go anywhere to find high-quality, handmade foods and he knows all when it comes to superb olives. He has the scoop on some luscious and exotic varieties that bear little resemblance to those pitted black ones that appear on most Thanksgiving tables.

Jane and Michael Stern are at Zaharako's, a century-old soda fountain in Columbus, Indiana where Michael loves the Cheese-br-gr and Black Cow. Minimalist cook Mark Bittman, author of The Minimalist Cooks at Home, drops by to share a quick and easy recipe for Monkfish with Meat Sauce. We'll meet up with singer and zydeco band leader Queen Ida, who tells us about growing up in Bayou country. When she's not on the road with the band, Queen Ida cooks Creole and writes books like Cookin' with Queen Ida. Lynne shares her recipe for Siracusa Market Pasta and, finally, we'll talk sake with Grif Frost, founder and CEO of SakeOne, the only American-owned sake brewery in the world, and co-author of Sake Pure & Simple.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 26, 2000

Beloved Tomato Aug 12, 2000

It's that time again. The tomatoes are ripening and Lynne has been observed making unusually frequent stops at the farmers' markets, gathering up the beloved and luscious heirloom varieties that inspire her to rush into the kitchen and cook. Her recipe for the puglia streetwalker came from a similar tomato frenzy a few years ago and its uncooked sauce is just right for these hot summer days. Tomato historian Andrew Smith, author of The Tomato in America, stops by with the real story of how the tomato began its rise to culinary stardom and debunks a few myths along the way. It's quite a tale. Jane and Michael Stern report from Wyoming about an old-time rodeo and great brisket. We head to Charleston, South Carolina where Hoppin' John Martin Taylor tells of the great southern tradition of preserving summer's largess and shares his wonderful recipe for golden pear chutney. Grocery guru Al Sicherman does a vanilla ice cream tasting and Lynne's pick is quite surprising! Of course, the phone lines will be open for your calls.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 7, 1999 (originally aired)
August 12, 2000 (rebroadcast)

A French Chateau Kitchen Aug 05, 2000

We're off to France and one of Europe's great cooking schools to hear about life and learning in the beautiful Burgundy region. Anne Willan, owner of École de Cuisine La Varenne and author of From My Château Kitchen, takes us behind the scenes of her famous school and shares travel tips and tales of life in a rambling old chateau in the French countryside. This week's recipe for Patrick Gautier's Soft-Centered Warm Chocolate Cake comes from one of Anne's favorite pastry chefs.

Jane and Michael Stern are at Al the Wop's in Walnut Grove, California where the Italian owner serves burgers and steak sandwiches in a former Chinese restaurant and there's peanut butter and marmalade on every table. Wine wit Joshua Wesson tells us rosé isn't for sissies any more so we asked him for some good picks around $10 a bottle. Our kitchen designer Deborah Krasner talks antique kitchen tools that still work today, including the mehu-liisa that she loves, and we have a seafood alert from California's Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

August 5, 2000

American Cheese Jul 29, 2000

We're talking American cheeses this week but we won't be including those ubiquitous, shrink-wrapped, orange blocks seen in every supermarket dairy case.

There's a new breed of artisan cheesemakers now turning out luscious, award-winning, handmade varieties and Laura Werlin, author of The New American Cheese , introduces us to the folks who started this renaissance. Think California Teleme so ripe and creamy you eat it with a spoon and you've got the picture. Jane and Michael Stern are in South Carolina scarfing up Pig-a-Plenty Platters at the Beacon Drive-In. Herb genius Jerry Traunfeld offers some thoughts on the often overlooked marjoram, and tea expert Bill Waddington introduces Lynne to a new realm of tea, the lovely display teas of China. Will she be sipping or looking? Our trivia question inspires us to reconsider portion sizes, and this week's recipes are pure summer:Grilled Marjoram-Scented Corn and Herbed Sugar Snap Peas with Goat Cheese.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 29, 2000

4th of July Jul 01, 2000

We're dropping in at diverse locales this week as we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July. Southern food historian John Martin Taylor, author of the newly reissued Hoppin' John's Lowcountry Cooking, takes us to South Carolina's coastal plain for boiled peanuts, Pimiento Cheese and Frogmore Stew.

We'll go down east with Jane and Michael Stern for that epitome of summer, boiled Maine lobster right on the beach, then we head west to discover the birthplace of the hamburger. Josh Wesson reports on a delicious, summery, bargain white wine; Al Sicherman and Lynne taste canned baked beans; and our producers have cooked up a surprise or two.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

July 1, 2000

Tofu Jun 24, 2000

If you tune in regularly to The Splendid Table you know that tofu doesn't appear on Lynne's table often. In fact, it never appears. But Deborah Madison's new book, This Can't Be Tofu, inspired us to take another shot at making Lynne a fan of this latest wonder food. Will we succeed? Stay tuned. In the meantime, try Deborah's tantalizing recipe for Lacquered Tofu Triangles with Green Beans and Cashews.

Jane and Michael Stern are in Chicago sampling some "strangely provincial dishes" unique to the Windy City. Plus, gadget queen Dorie Greenspan checks out garlic gear, we'll hear about one of Baltimore's last arabbers, and visit a Boston hospital where patients eagerly anticipate their meal tray.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

June 24, 2000

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