Kitchen Confidante Podcast

Episode 131: From Momofuku to Agnes and Sherman: Chef Nick Wong’s Next Chapter

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:10:00 -0000

After graduating from the French Culinary Institute in New York, Chef Nick Wong built an impressive career with the Momofuku Restaurant Group, with additional time at Gramercy Tavern in New York City and Incanto in San Francisco, and stages at Noma in Copenhagen and Bar Tartine. When he was ready to open his own restaurant, he partnered with his longtime friend Lisa Lee, and together, they opened Agnes and Sherman in Houston, Texas. In just its first year, Agnes and Sherman earned a Michelin recommendation, was named one of the Best New Restaurants in America by both Eater and The Infatuation, and was named a James Beard Award semi-finalist for Best New Restaurant.

In this episode, we chat about Nick's winding path from UC Berkeley to culinary school, the deeply personal story behind the restaurant's name, and how Agnes and Sherman is redefining what American dining can look like through the lens of Asian American food.

Learn more about Agnes and Sherman at https://www.agnesandsherman.com and follow on Instagram at @agnesandsherman.

Follow Nick Wong on Instagram @_nickwong_

Follow Lisa Lee on Instagram @rrrlisarrr

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/agnes-and-sherman-chef-nick-wong

Episode 130: Baking and the Meaning of Life— with Helen Goh

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Helen Goh -- esteemed baker, author, and food columnist based in the UK -- draws on her Malaysian roots and Australian upbringing in everything she makes. She is the co-author of the books Sweet and Comfort with Yotam Ottolenghi and writes food columns for The Guardian and The Observer. Her new solo cookbook, Baking & the Meaning of Life: How to Find Joy in 100 Recipes, brings together her two great passions — baking and psychology — to explore the deeper meaning behind why we bake.

In this episode, we chat about her unlikely path from pharmaceutical sales to professional baker, the joy of sharing and connecting with others through baking, and the deeper meaning we find in every recipe.

Learn more about Helen at LINK and follow her on Instagram @helen_goh_bakes.

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/baking-the-meaning-of-life-helen-goh

Episode 129: Omaha's Sushi Secret— with Chef David Utterback

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

What if I told you some of the best sushi in the United States is in the Midwest? Chef David Utterback is a multiple-time James Beard Award finalist and the first Nebraska chef to be nominated for Best Chef Midwest. Chef Utterback is the force behind three critically acclaimed Omaha restaurants — Yoshitomo, Ota, and Koji — with two new concepts on the horizon. The Washington Post has named Ota one of the best sushi restaurants in the country.

In this episode, we chat about the transformative trip to Japan that changed everything, and why Omaha's food scene deserves a lot more attention than it gets.

Learn more about David Utterback at https://www.yoshitomo.com, https://www.omakaseota.com, and https://www.izakayakoji.com.

Follow David Utterback on Instagram: @davidyoshitomo

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/omahas-sushi-secret-with-david-utterback

Episode 128: Learning How to Cook — with Michelle Doll Olson and HelloFresh

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Chef, food writer, and culinary teacher Michelle Doll Olson is the Senior Manager of Culinary Development at HelloFresh, where she helps shape the chef-developed recipes that land in millions of home kitchens each week. With a background spanning pastry, savory cooking, teaching, and entrepreneurship, Michelle brings both creativity and practicality to the way people cook at home.

In this episode, we chat about her winding path to becoming Head Chef, how HelloFresh recipes are developed to balance flavor, health, and convenience, and why getting people back around the dinner table without stress or waste is at the heart of everything they do.

Learn more about Michelle at michelledollmakes.com, and follow her on Instagram @chefmichelledoll.

Learn more about HelloFresh at HelloFresh.com.

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/michelle-doll-olson-hellofresh

Episode 127: The Ube Baking Book: Celebrating Filipino Flavor with Chef Henry Awayan

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

You may recognize Chef Henry Awayan from his appearance on the Food Network show Bakers vs. Fakers. Those in the San Francisco Bay Area may also know him as the talent behind the award-winning bakery Whisk Cake Creations in Alameda.

Chef Awayan's new book, The Ube Baking Book, celebrates his lifelong passion for baking alongside his Filipino heritage, showcasing a wide range of recipes that highlight the beloved Filipino ingredient ube in both traditional and fusion preparations.

In this episode, we chat about how he found his way into baking, what makes ube such a meaningful and versatile ingredient, and how he hopes this book helps readers better understand and appreciate the culture behind the flavors

Learn more about Chef Henry Awayan at whiskcakecreations.com and follow on Instagram @whiskcakecreations.

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/the-ube-baking-book-henry-awayan

Episode 126: Rooted in Fire: Cooking, Culture, and Community with Chef Pyet DeSpain

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0000

Chef Pyet DeSpain made history as the first-ever winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef, where she showcased her Mexican lineage and her cultural heritage as a proud member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

Today, she continues to honor and preserve Indigenous foodways through her cooking and storytelling, including her PBS food-streaming series, Spirit Plate. Her debut cookbook, Rooted in Fire: A Celebration of Native and Mexican Cooking, reflects that same deep connection to land, culture, and community.

In this episode, we chat about how family and community shaped her approach to cooking, the importance of keeping Indigenous food traditions alive, foraging and seasonal cooking, and how food can spark meaningful conversation and connection at the table.

Learn more about Pyet at pyetsplate.com and follow her on Instagram @chefpyet.

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/rooted-in-fire-chef-pyet-despain

Episode 125: In Good Health: How Rachel Riggs Learned to Cook for a Nourished Life

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0000

Rachel Riggs is a San Diego-based former specialty food shop owner who experienced a life-altering diagnosis, which forced her to overhaul her diet in favor of more nutrient-dense, allergen-aware recipes.

She has written for Bon Appétit and Camille Styles and has now published a new cookbook: In Good Health: Uncomplicated, Allergen-Aware Recipes for a Nourished Life.

In this episode, we chat about how chronic illness transformed her relationship with food, why nutrition matters more than ever in today's world, her love of dark chocolate, and more!

Learn more about Rachel at rachriggs.com and follow her on Instagram @the.rachel.riggs.

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/in-good-health-rachel-riggs

Episode 124: Anytime Cakes, Everyday Joy: Baking with Dorie Greenspan

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:15:00 -0000

Calling all bakers! In this episode, I chat with the one and only Dorie Greenspan. Dorie is a five-time James Beard Award winner, two-time IACP Cookbook of the Year recipient, longtime New York Times bestselling author, and a beloved voice in home baking. Her most recent book, Dorie’s Anytime Cakes, features 100 recipes devoted to simple, comforting cakes and serves as a love letter to everyday baking.

In this episode, we chat about how cake can anchor memory and connection, why the simplest cakes are often the most meaningful, and how baking can bring love and joy to daily life.

Learn more about Dorie at doriegreenspan.com and follow her on Instagram @doriegreenspan.

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/anytime-cakes-dorie-greenspan

Episode 123: Vegana Italiana: Reimagining Italian Classics with Chef Tara Punzone and Gene Stone

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:25:00 -0000

As a native New Yorker, Chef Tara Punzone brought her Italian American roots and love of vegan cooking to Los Angeles, where she opened Pura Vita in West Hollywood—the first 100% plant-based Italian restaurant in the country.

She has teamed up with acclaimed writer Gene Stone, whom you may know from Forks Over Knives, 72 Reasons to Be Vegan, How Not to Die, and many other bestselling books he has written or co-written. Together, they’ve created Vegana Italiana: Traditional Italian the Plant-Based Way, a celebration of Italian classics reimagined without meat or dairy, and without ever sacrificing flavor.

In this episode, we chat about how they joined forces to write the book, Chef Tara’s journey to vegan Italian cooking, and the process of turning instinct-driven recipes into something home cooks can follow with ease.

Learn more about Chef Tara at puravitalosangeles.com

Follow Chef Tara on Instagram: @cheftarapunzone

Learn more about Gene Stone at http://www.genestone.com/

Follow Gene on Instagram: @genestone2022

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/vegana-italiana-with-chef-tara-punzone-and-gene-stone

Episode 122: "Half-Assed Homesteading" - My Harvest Kitchen with Gesine Bullock-Prado

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:00:00 -0000

I recently welcomed back Gesine Bullock Prado to the podcast. You may remember our first conversation in Episode 66, where we explored her love of baking, life in Vermont with its six distinct seasons, and her journey as a pastry chef, baking instructor, author, and television personality.

Gesine has now released her newest book, My Harvest Kitchen: 100+ Recipes to Savor the Seasons, a heartfelt guide to embracing the rhythm of the year through cooking, preserving, and stories from her Vermont homestead.

In this episode, we chat about the beauty and challenges of living seasonally, Gesine’s honest philosophy on “half-assed homesteading,” the inspiration behind My Harvest Kitchen, and her favorite ways to cook, grow, and preserve with joy rather than perfection.

Learn more about Gesine at gesine.com

Follow Gesine on Instagram: @gesinebp

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/my-harvest-kitchen-with-gesine-bullock-prado

Episode 121: Lebanese Baking with Maureen Abood: Traditional and Modern Middle Eastern Recipes Rooted in Home and Heritage

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Raised in a Lebanese-American family in Michigan, Maureen Abood’s passion for cooking, baking, and storytelling shines through her work—whether on her website, in her first cookbook Rose Water and Orange Blossoms (an IACP Award finalist), or in her New York Times features on Middle Eastern cuisine.

Now, she’s released her newest book, Lebanese Baking: More than 100 Recipes for Sweet and Savory Baked Goods. Her book is the first cookbook to fully explore the depth and breadth of Lebanon’s baking traditions, blending classic recipes with thoughtful American adaptations.

In this episode, we chat about her journey into food writing, how she worked to preserve and celebrate Lebanese baking in her new book, her memories of cooking within a tight-knit family community, and her best tips for home bakers.

Learn more about Maureen at maureenabood.com

Follow Maureen on Instagram @maureenabood

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/lebanese-baking-with-maureen-abood

Episode 120: Heartland Masala: Cooking with Auyon Mukharji

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:40:00 -0000

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Auyon Mukharji, who is a musician, writer, and culinary historian. Together with his mother, Jyoti Mukharji, who is a chef, teacher, and retired physician, Auyon co-authored Heartland Masala: An Indian Cookbook from an American Kitchen.

From their home in Kansas City, Heartland Masala takes you on a culinary journey through regional Indian flavors with an American Midwestern twist. The result is a book that blends history, humor, and heart, inviting readers to explore Indian cooking through its deep cultural roots and modern evolutions.

In this episode, we chat about how Auyon and his mother collaborated to bring their family’s recipes and history to life, the ever-changing landscape of Indian cuisine, and how storytelling and scholarship shaped Heartland Masala.

Learn more about Heartland Masala at heartlandmasala.com

Follow Heartland Masala on Instagram: @heartlandmasala

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/heartland-masala-with-auyon-mukharji

Episode 119: Bake it Gluten-Free with Dana Pollack

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 22:30:00 -0000

Dana Pollack is the founder and creative force behind Dana’s Bakery. Trained in fine baking and pastry arts at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, Dana transformed her love of baking into a thriving business known for its playful, colorful, and innovative treats. You may have seen her DIY macaron-making kits featured on QVC or discovered her first cookbook, Dana’s Bakery: 100 Decadent Recipes for Unique Desserts. A busy mom and entrepreneur, Dana was also honored with EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Emerging Business category.

Now, she’s back with her second book, Bake It Gluten Free: 100 Recipes for Classic Treats, featuring indulgent, approachable recipes that prove gluten-free baking is delicious and for everyone.

In this episode, we chat about Dana’s journey from photo editor to baker, how she built a pioneering online bakery, and her mission to make gluten-free desserts that everyone will love.

Learn more about Dana's Bakery at danasbakery.com

Follow Dana on Instagram at @itsdanapollack and @danasbakery.

Podcast Show Notes:

Episode 118: 30-Minute Meals the Whole Family Will Love: with Steph Loaiza of Six Sisters’ Stuff

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0000

Along with her sisters, Steph Loaiza founded Six Sisters’ Stuff in 2011 as a way to stay connected and share cherished family recipes. What began as a simple family blog quickly evolved into a go-to resource for families everywhere seeking to simplify dinner while still bringing everyone together around the table.

Over the years, Steph and her sisters have co-authored ten bestselling cookbooks, and their newest, 30-Minute Meals: 100+ Quick and Easy Meals the Whole Family Will Love, is their most practical yet. This book is filled with pantry-to-plate recipes that busy families will appreciate.

In this episode, we chat about how Six Sisters’ Stuff began as a family connection project, what it takes to create reliable, family-friendly recipes, and why quick meals can still be meaningful moments shared around the table.

Learn more about Six Sisters Stuff at [www.sixsistersstuff.com](https://www.sixsistersstuff.com)

Follow Six Sisters Stuff on Instagram: [@sixsistersstuff](https://www.instagram.com/sixsistersstuff)

Podcast Show Notes: [www.kitchenconfidante.com/30-minute-meals-six-sisters-stuff](https://kitchenconfidante.com/30-minute-meals-six-sisters-stuff)

Recipe: [Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos](https://kitchenconfidante.com/mexican-street-corn-chicken-tacos)

Episode 117: From the Test Kitchen to the Great Outdoors: Cooking with Melissa Knific

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 16:10:19 -0000

Melissa Knific is a recipe developer, writer, magazine editor, and editorial food director with over 20 years of experience with some of America’s beloved food brands and media outlets, including New York Times Cooking, Allrecipes, TODAY Food, National Geographic, and more. With a background in journalism and a culinary degree from the French Culinary Institute, Melissa began her food media career as a Food Editor for Family Circle, has developed content for HelloFresh, and was recognized for her work as the Food Director of Rachel Ray in 2021 with an Eddie Award. . Throughout her work, she helps make cooking approachable and joyful for home cooks everywhere.

Melissa and coauthor Nina Elder have written the upcoming National Geographic National Parks Cookbook: Dishes Inspired by America’s Great Outdoors, which will be released in February of 2026. In this episode, we chat about how she creates recipes her audience will love, how she finds cooking inspiration for her own family, and how she and Nina Elder researched and developed recipes for their upcoming book.

Learn more about Melissa at https://www.melissaknific.com/

Follow Melissa on Instagram: @melissaknific

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/cooking-with-melissa-knific

Episode 116: For the Love of Chocolate with Phillip Ashley Rix

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:45:00 -0000

Phillip Ashley Rix is the master chocolatier, culinary artist and founder of Phillip Ashley Chocolates. A James Beard nominee and nicknamed the real life-Willy Wonka, Phillip infuses his chocolates with bold flavor pairing inspired by his rich Southern heritage, culinary storytelling, and comforting flavor profiles. His book, For the Love of Chocolate: 80 At-Home Recipes from a Master Chocolatier's Imagination guides beginner and experienced bakers alike through a collection of desserts, confections, and more. In this episode, we chat about his career shift from chemistry to chocolate, tips for home chocolate makers, the flavor adventures he creates in each piece of chocolate (like barbecue chocolate!), and more.

Learn more about Phillip Ashley Chocolates at https://phillipashley.com

Follow Phillip Ashley Chocolate on Instagram: @phillipashleychocolates Follow Phillip on Instagram: @phillipashley

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/for-the-love-of-chocolate-with-phillip-ashley-rix

Phillip's Recipe for Dark Chocolate Orange Cookies: https://kitchenconfidante.com/dark-chocolate-orange-cookies

Episode 115: Modern Pioneer Pantry — with Mary Bryant Shrader of Mary’s Nest

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Mary Bryant Shrader created the immensely popular YouTube channel, Mary’s Nest, where she shares with over a million subscribers how to be a modern pioneer, no matter where they live. With her approachable style, Mary shares traditional recipes such as bone broth, sourdough, and other nutrient-dense foods that connect us back to the kitchen skills of earlier generations. Her passion for preserving and nourishing has led to two bestselling books: The Modern Pioneer Cookbook and her newly released The Modern Pioneer Pantry: The Complete Guide to Preserving Food, a must-have manual for stocking your pantry with confidence. In this episode, we talk about Mary’s traditional cooking journey, the Four Corners Pantry system, and why building a nourishing kitchen is a journey you can take one step at a time.

Learn more about Mary at marysnest.com

Follow Mary on Instagram: @marysnest

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/the-modern-pioneer-pantry-with-mary-bryant-shrader

Episode 114: Finding Fitness and Balance with Cody Rigsby

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 20:35:38 -0000

Cody Rigsby became a household name as a Peloton cycling instructor, dancer (you may have cheered him on in Dancing with the Stars), and New York Times best-selling author of his memoir, XOXO, Cody: An Opinionated Homosexual's Guide to Self-Love, Relationships, and Tactful Pettiness. In this episode, we chat about the importance of balance in our lives, whether that is eating a wholesome, protein packed breakfast, practicing mindfulness, ordering UberEats, exercising your butt off, or indulging in a Halloween Oreo!

Follow Cody on Instagram: @codyrigsby Listen to Cody’s Podcast, Tactful Pettiness @tactfulpettiness Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/finding-fitness-and-balance-with-cody-rigsby

Episode 113: Engineering Chocolate with Nicole Patel

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:35:46 -0000

Chocolate lovers, you're going to love this conversation with Nicole Patel, the chef owner and chocolatier of Delysia Chocolatier. With a background in engineering, Nicole embraced her passion for making chocolate truffles and launched her business in 2008, and quickly rose to become a master chocolatier. In 2025, Nicole was honored as a Six Star Award: Grand Master Best Chocolatier in America by the International Chocolate Salon Awards, a distinction she has held for over 10 years. But this is just the tip of the iceberg - Nicole has amassed multiple awards, including for her mastery in chocolate categories. Her creativity with flavors is represented in her truffle collections - spanning standard favorites to flavors inspired by collaborations with other Texas tastemakers, including Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Salt Lick BBQ, and more. In this episode, we chat about how her training in engineering and chocolate overlap, how she develops Delysia's unique chocolate flavors and tastings, how to taste chocolate, and more!

Learn more about Nicole and Delysia Chocolatier at delysia.com

Follow Delysia Chocolatier on Instagram: @delysia_choc

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/engineering-chocolate-with-nicole-patel

Episode 112: Soulful Vegan with Ellen Kanner

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 18:35:00 -0000

If you're craving a taste of Miami, you will enjoy this conversation with award-winning author, vegan chef, and Miami native Ellen Kanner. Her writing on food, culture, wellness, and community has appeared in The Miami Herald, Saveur, HuffPost, VegNew_s, and more. Her latest book, _Miami Vegan: Plant-Based Recipes from the Tropics to Your Table, features over 80 vibrant, flavorful recipes that channel the spirit of Miami’s diverse food culture—all with a plant-based twist. Best of all, her dishes are approachable and adaptable, offering big, sunny flavors no matter where you live! In this episode, we talk about Ellen’s journey into veganism, the storytelling power of food, and how Miami Vegan captures the color, rhythm, and soul of Miami, one bite at a time.

Learn more about Ellen at https://soulfulvegan.com

Follow Ellen on Instagram: @ellenkanner

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/soulful-vegan-with-ellen-kanner

Episode 111: The Meathead Method - The Myths and Science Behind Perfect Grilling, with Meathead

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 01:30:00 -0000

Are you ready for grilling season? This episode with Meathead is for you. Known as the BBQ Whisperer, Meathead is the founder of AmazingRibs.com, a go-to destination for grilling and barbecue enthusiasts since 2005. He’s also the New York Times bestselling author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. Now, he’s back with a new book: The Meathead Method: A BBQ Hall of Fame Secrets and Science on BBQ, Grilling, and Outdoor Cooking with 114 recipes, featuring mouthwatering recipes and a deep dive into the science behind great outdoor cooking. In this episode, we talk about the origins of his name, the myths and science behind perfect grilling, and why understanding heat, flavor, and chemistry can transform the way you cook.

Learn more about Meathead at AmazingRibs.com

Follow Meathead on Instagram: @amazingribs

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/the-meathead-method-with-meathead

Episode 110: Easy Everyday Eats with Jessica Merchant

Fri, 30 May 2025 19:30:00 -0000

If you are an avid food blog reader, then you will surely know about Jessica Merchant’s site, How Sweet Eats. Since launching her site in 2009, Jessica has built a loyal following with her approachable, flavorful recipes and down-to-earth writing style. She's the author of several best-selling cookbooks, including Seriously Delish, The Pretty Dish, and Everyday Dinners. Her newest release, Easy Everyday: 100 Recipes and Meal Prep Ideas for Effortless Eats, is another must-have—I’ve already cooked from it and can confirm it’s full of weeknight gems.

In this episode, we talk about the secret to her long-running consistency, how she balances real life with recipe development, and the inspiration behind her newest cookbook.

Learn more about Jessica at How Sweet Eats.

Follow Jessica on Instagram: @HowSweetEats

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/easy-everyday-eats-with-jessica-merchant

Episode 109: America’s Most Iconic Ice Cream — with Tyler Malek of Salt & Straw

Thu, 22 May 2025 00:00:09 -0000

There’s no better way to kick off summer than with a scoop of ice cream! Go grab a cone and get inspired by Tyler Malek, co-founder and head ice cream maker at Salt & Straw. Alongside his cousin Kim Malek, Tyler helped grow Salt & Straw from a humble pushcart in Portland, Oregon (despite neither having made ice cream before) into one of the country's most beloved and inventive ice cream brands.

Known for joyfully unexpected flavors and a rotating monthly series that keeps fans coming back for more, Salt & Straw is a celebration of creativity, community, and craftsmanship. With over 13 years of ice cream-making experience, Tyler recently released a new cookbook, Salt & Straw: America’s Most Iconic Ice Cream, to bring that same spirit into our home kitchens.

In this episode, we talk about the science behind flavor creation, tips for making ice cream at home, and how ice cream can spark conversation, connection, and creativity.

Learn more about Salt & Straw at https://saltandstraw.com/

Follow Salt & Straw on Instagram: @saltandstraw

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/tyler-malek-of-salt-and-straw

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Episode 108: All I Think About Is Food — with Comedian Mamrie Hart

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 22:30:00 -0000

In this episode, we chat with Mamrie Hart—comedian, actress, host, and New York Times bestselling author. You might know Mamrie from her hilarious YouTube channel, You Deserve a Drink, her appearances on the Food Network’s Tiny Food Fight, or her podcast This Might Get Weird. You might not know that Mamrie has been a longtime vegetarian—and now she’s sharing her love of plant-based food in her debut cookbook, All I Think About Is Food. Packed with party-ready themes and playfully named dishes, this book brings her signature humor and creativity to the kitchen. It’s a fresh, fun take on vegetarian cooking designed to inspire your next gathering. In this episode, we chat about Mamrie’s laid-back approach to meatless meals, her tips for hosting unforgettable dinner parties, and the stories behind her most outrageous recipe names.

Find Mamrie on her YouTube channel, You Deserve a Drink and the podcast This Might Get Weird.

Follow GUEST on Instagram: @mametown

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/all-i-think-about-is-food-with-mamrie-har

Episode 107: Kimchi, Cooking Memories, and A Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom, with Sarah Ahn

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 19:30:00 -0000

In addition to her work as America’s Test Kitchen's social media manager, Sarah Ahn is a digital storyteller and the creator of Ahnest Kitchen, where she shares the wisdom and recipes of her mother, Nam Soon Ahn, a former restaurateur, preserving their rich culinary heritage. Their authentic Korean recipes are now available in her cookbook, Umma: A Korean Mom’s Kitchen Wisdom & 100 Family Recipes. In it, they guide us on how to find the best ingredients, perfect techniques, and pour our hearts into the food we share. In this episode, we chat about her mom's wisdom inside and outside the kitchen, the importance of preserving traditional techniques, the unique experience of working with ATK on producing this book, and more!

Learn more about Sarah at https://ahnestkitchen.com.

Follow Sarah on Instagram: @ahnestkitchen

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/umma-and-a-korean-moms-kitchen-wisdom-with-sarah-ahn

Episode 106: Start with a Vegetable, with Jess Smith

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:30:00 -0000

Jess Smith is a professional meal planner, cooking teacher, and recipe developer, spending nearly a decade as the Chief Recipe Developer for Cook Smarts and even longer sharing recipes on her site, Inquiring Chef. She can now add cookbook author to her resume, with her newly releasedbook, Start With a Vegetable: More Than 100 Easy, Tasty, Plant-Forward Recipes for Everyone. In this episode, we chat about rethinking meals with a vegetable laser focus, meal planning like a pro, how to store fresh vegetables, how to get kids to enjoy veggies, and more!

Learn more about Jess at https://inquiringchef.com

Follow Jess on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inquiringchef

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/start-with-a-vegetable-with-jess-smith

Episode 105: Cooking as a Team: A Couple Cook's with Sonja and Alex Overhiser

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 02:15:00 -0000

Cooking is much for fun when you have a partner in the kitchen, and Sonja and Alex Overhiser, the power couple behind A Couple Cooks, is proof. Their first cookbook, Pretty Simple Cooking, was named a best vegetarian cookbook by Epicurious and Food and Wine, and they also authored Voraciously: Plant Powered, a series with the Washington Post. Their latest book, A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together celebrates their partnership, and is a beautiful guide to living and entertaining as a team. In this episode, we chat about how they eat at home, how their cookbook guides couples to cook together, and so much more.

Learn more about Sonja and Alex at https://www.acouplecooks.com

Follow Sonja and Alex on Instagram: @acouplecooks

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/cooking-as-a-team-a-couple-cooks-with-sonja-and-alex-overhiser

Episode 104: The Curated Board with Bebe Black Carminito

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:30:00 -0000

From breakfast boards to charcuterie boards, curating a beautiful board is one of my favorite ways to entertain and spend time with the ones I love. In this episode, we welcome Bay Area food stylist and recipe developer Bebe Black Carminito to the podcast. Bebe shares this passion for boards in her book, THE CURATED BOARD: Inspired Platters & Spreads for Any Occasion, where she elevates the art of composing delicious small-bite meals. Her book features twenty-eight themed boards and platters from afternoon tea to date night, and more! We chat about how she collaborated with fellow Bay Area culinary talent in this book, how we can celebrate the holidays with beautiful boards, her tips as a food stylist to elevate boards, and more!

Learn more about Bebe at https://www.atinysoiree.com/

Follow Bebe on Instagram @champagneandcookies and @atinysoiree

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/the-curated-board-with-bebe-black-carminito

Episode 103: When Southern Women Cook with Morgan Bolling

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:45:00 -0000

In this episode, we chat with Morgan Bolling, the Executive Editor of Creative Content for Cook’s Country and a cast member of the Cook’s Country TV show. Along with Cook’s Country Editor in Chief Toni Tipton-Martin, Morgan poured her passion for Southern cooking into America’s Test Kitchen’s latest book: When Southern Women Cook: History, Lore, and 300 Recipes with Contributions from 70 Women Writers.

We chat about the how this book covers every region and flavor of the American South, the fierce protection of Southern recipes, culinary fusions such as Viet-Cajun Shrimp Boil, and so much more.

Learn more about Morgan Bolling at https://www.americastestkitchen.com

Follow Morgan on Instagram: @morganbolling

Follow Cook’s Country @cookscountry and America’s Test Kitchen @testkitchen on Instagram

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/when-southern-women-cook-with-morgan-bolling

Episode 102: Effortless Entertaining with Jessie-Sierra Ross

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 23:15:37 -0000

Jessie-Sierra Ross is back on the podcast! The creator of the cooking and home entertaining blog, Straight to the Hips, Baby, you may recall that we spoke with Jessie in episode 72 about life in the Berkshires, her past as a professional ballerina and ballet coach, and creating food content for television. Jessie now has a beautiful new book, Seasons Around the Table: Effortless Entertaining with floral Tablescapes and Seasonal Recipes. In this episode, we chat about how floral seasons inspire her, the art of home entertaining, the perfect Christmas brunch menu and tablescape, and more!

Learn more about Jessie-Sierra at https://straighttothehipsbaby.com

Follow Jessie-Sierra on Instagram: @straighttothehipsbaby

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/effortless-entertaining-with-jessie-sierra-ross

Episode 101: German Heritage Baking with Heidrun Metzler

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 21:45:00 -0000

Episode Notes

Born and raised in Germany, Heidrun Metzler brought her rich heritage of German baking to the United States when she moved here in 1978, and eventually settling in Hawaii. Her love of pastries and wealth of knowledge from generation of tips, techniques, and ingredients is poured into her book, German Heritage Baking: Time-Honored Recipes, Traditional Techniques, and Culinary Secrets, where she shares recipes such as Almond Hazelnut Mini Tarts, Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel), Traditional German Cheesecake with Quark, Black Forest Torte, and more! In this episode, we chat about her idyllic childhood in Germany, the challenges she faced translating her beloved German recipes to an American kitchen, and more.

Learn about Heidrun at https://heidrunmetzler.com

Follow Heidrun on Instagram @heidrun_metzler

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/german-heritage-baking-with-heidrun-metzler

Episode 100: Baking in the American South, with Anne Byrn

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 02:10:00 -0000

Anne Byrn is an award-winning New York Times bestselling food writer and author of beloved cookbooks, including American Cookie, American Cake, and the Cake Mix Doctor. Anne publishes the weekly newsletter, Between the Layers, one of the top 20 food and drink newsletters worldwide on Substack. She recently joined me on the podcast, where we chatted about her latest book, Baking in the American South: 200 Recipes and Their Untold Stories.

Baking in the American South dives into the history of the South, from Texas to Florida, Kentucky to Tennessee, and more—where she weaves stories and recipes from pre-Civil War times to today’s modern Southern kitchens. The history behind some of the most iconic and unique biscuits, cakes, pies, and more makes this a definitive guide on the richness of Southern baking.In this episode, we chat about the origins of Southern baking, the stories behind iconic regional recipes, and Anne’s process of preserving culinary history in her latest cookbook.

Learn more about Anne at https://www.annebyrn.com

Follow Anne on Instagram: @annebyrn

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/baking-in-the-american-south-with-anne-byrn

Episode 99: Anyone Can Cook, with Pixar: The Official Cookbook and Tara Theoharis

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 22:30:00 -0000

We all have our favorite Pixar films, and Tara Theoharis is here to bring them to life in your kitchen with PIXAR: The Official Cookbook! Tara Theoharis is an author and the founder of the food blog The Geeky Hostess, and has been sharing recipes based on pop culture fandoms since 2009. Her cookbooks embrace recipes inspired by beloved video games such as Minecraft and Tombraider, as well as the world of musical theatre! And now, along with cowriter S.T, Bende, Tara brings the creative world of Pixar Animation Studios into your kitchen with more than 75 delicious recipes inspired by nearly every beloved Pixar short and film, including Toy Story, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and more! In this episode, we chat about her inspiration in developing recipes from these iconic films, her personal favorite Pixar movie, how to cultivate and nourish creativity in the kitchen, and more!

Learn more about Tara Theoharis at https://taratheoharis.com and The Geeky Hostess at https://geekyhostess.com

Follow Tara on Instagram: @geekyhostess

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/anyone-can-cook-with-tara-theoharis

Episode 98: Entertaining with Charm with Eden Passante

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:05:00 -0000

Eden Passante is the creator of the beautiful and inspiring lifestyle and food blog, Sugar and Charm, where she shares her love entertaining and adds charm to everything she touches, from food and drink to holidays and decor, and of course, parties. She recently wrote Entertaining with Charm, where she shares her secrets to hosting easy, stress-free, and of course, charming gatherings all year round. In this episode, we chat about her secrets to stress-free entertaining, hosting on budget, creating a charming vibe, and more!

Learn more about Eden at https://sugarandcharm.com

Follow Eden on Instagram: @sugarandcharm

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/entertaining-with-charm-with-eden-passante

Episode 97: Mestiza: Reimagining Plant-forward Pan Asian and Filipino Flavors in San Francisco, with Deanna Sison and Chef Syl Mislang

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 06:45:48 -0000

In the Philippines, the term “mestiza” is used to describe a woman of mixed heritage, and a new restaurant in San Francisco’s Filipino Heritage District celebrates not only a rich fusion and reimagining of flavors but a philosophy of building community and sharing food traditions across cultures. Mestiza is the vision of Deanna Sison, who is known for championing her cultural roots in all her restaurant and hospitality endeavors which include Little Skillet, Victory Hall, and the Mestiza Taqueria. Bringing the vision to life is Chef Syl Mislang - her expertise as a plant-based chef hails from her beginnings at the Sacramento Co-Op to her pop-up concept, The Roaming Spoon, and as Executive Corporate Chef at Miyokos. Chef Syl now brings all of her experiences to the Mestiza table, featuring the flavors of the Philippines with hyper-local and hyper-seasonal plant-forward foods. In this episode, we chat about how their partnership came about, Mestiza’s plant-forward fusion of flavors, the wonder of kamayan, and more!

Learn more about Mestiza at https://www.mestizasf.com

Follow on Instagram: Mestiza @mestizasf Deanna Sison @ladydeesf Chef Syl Mislang @theroamingspoon

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/mestiza-san-francisco-with-deanna-sison-and-chef-syl-mislang

Episode 96: Global Gastronomy at Home: A Taste of the World with Rowena Scherer

Thu, 02 May 2024 00:20:00 -0000

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Rowena Scherer - educator, author, and culinary curator of global flavors. As the founder of eat2explore, Rowena is on a mission to bring the world's cuisines and cultures into our kitchens, one family at a time. With roots in Malaysia and a detour through Wall Street, Rowena's journey is as rich and diverse as the recipes she shares in her first cookbook for families, A Taste of the World: Celebrating Global Flavors, where kids of all ages can learn and taste their way through each recipe. We chat about the importance of early culinary exposure, creating lasting family bonds over shared meals, and how cooking can foster global citizenship.

Learn more about Rowena and eat2explore at https://eat2explore.com

Follow eat2explore on Instagram: @eat2explore

Grab your copy of "A Taste of the World" and dive deeper in the Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/a-taste-of-the-world-with-rowena-scherer

Episode 95: Deliciously Entertaining with Danni Rose

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 22:20:00 -0000

If you love hosting and entertaining, you’ll love this chat with Internet personality, host, podcaster, and author Danni Rose. You may know her from her popular YouTube Channel, where she shares Southern home cooking with a modern twist from her California kitchen. She brings this and her entertaining expertise to a new original series from Pinterest and Tastemade called Deliciously Entertaining. Each episode brings together food lovers and creatives to cook, create, and gather, whether it’s a dinner party or a bubbly brunch, and Danni is there to show us how to find inspiration to do it ourselves at home. Tune in for her tips about creating the experience, community, and memories around the table!

New episodes of Deliciously Entertaining air every other Friday on the Tastemade streaming channel. Tastemade is easy to watch anywhere you stream TV for free: https://www.tastemade.com/streaming

Find Danni on YouTube.

Follow Danni on Instagram: @thedannirose

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/deliciously-entertaining-with-danni-rose

Episode 94: Embracing Comfort Food: Being a Carbivore with Phoebe Lapine

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:40:57 -0000

Carb lover? Carb fearer? Phoebe Lapine is here to arm us with knowledge to help us navigate the confusing world of carbs and help us enjoy one of the most loved (and misunderstood) foods. Phoebe is the food and health writer, chef, speaker, and voice behind the award-winning blog Feed Me Phoebe. She is the author of four books, including her acclaimed memoir, The Wellness Project, and recently published Carbivore: 130 Healthy Recipes to Stop Fearing Carbs and Embrace the Comfort Foods You Love. Join us as we chat about the biology behind carbs, how we can make carbs work for our bodies, and so much more!

Check out Carbivore at https://www.carbivorecookbook.com

Learn more about Phoebe at https://phoebelapine.com and https://feedmephoebe.com

Follow Phoebe on Instagram: @phoebelapine

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/carbivore-with-phoebe-lapine

Episode 93: A Slice of Inspiration: Women's Pizza Month with Christy Alia

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 04:35:00 -0000

Pizza lovers, you’re in for a treat! In this episode of the Kitchen Confidante, we’re chatting with Christy Alia of Real Clever Food. Christy is a dedicated pizzaiola (pizza maker), sourdough bread baker, instructor, recipe developer, and founder of #WomensPizzaMonth, a community and celebration behind the iconic pizza and the women in our lives. This year, she has teamed up with Corto Olive Co. and Stanislaus to help us celebrate at home and a scholarship opportunity to send aspiring women pizza makers to Pizza University. Whether you’re a seasoned pizzaiola or just starting, join us as we chat about the importance of high-quality ingredients, how to make your best pizza yet, and Christy’s dedication to the art of pizza making!

Get your limited-edition Corto x Stanislaus Pizza Kit and apply for the Pizza Scholarship: https://corto-olive.com/products/pizza-kit

**Follow on Instagram: ** Christy @realcleverfood Corto Olive Co. @corto_olive Stanislaus @stanislaustomatoes

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/a-slice-of-inspiration-womens-pizza-month-with-christy-alia

Episode 92: Air Fryer All Day with Rebecca Abbott and Jennifer West

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 18:10:44 -0000

In this sizzling episode of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, join Liren as she sits down with the dynamic duo behind Air Frying Foodie, Rebecca Abbot and Jennifer West. These culinary innovators and authors of "Air Fryer All Day" dive deep into the world of air frying, sharing the secrets that turned their passion into a 2.5 million-member Easy Air Fryer Recipes Facebook community. From childhood cooking memories to becoming accidental business partners, Jen and Becky's story is a testament to the power of food, friendship, and the wonder of the air fryer! Discover how an air fryer can transform your kitchen routine, offering everything from crispy chicken wings to decadent cheesecakes, all with the ease of minimal prep and clean-up. Whether you're a seasoned air fryer aficionado or a curious newbie, this episode is packed with tips, tricks, and mouthwatering recipes that are sure to inspire your next mea!

Learn more about Jen and Becky at https://airfryingfoodie.com

Connect with Jen and Becky on Instagram @airfryingfoodie

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/air-frying-foodie-with-rebecca-abbot-and-jennifer-west

Episode 91: Noshing with Purpose: Micah Siva's Plant-Forward Twist on Jewish Classics

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 18:05:56 -0000

In this episode of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, we're whisked into the vibrant world of modern Jewish cuisine with Micah Siva, a San Francisco-based chef, dietitian, and the creative mind behind the blog Nosh with Micah. Micah takes us on a culinary journey that blends the rich traditions of Jewish food with a plant-forward twist. She shares the charming story of her first cooking memory — making thimble cookies with her grandmother — and her path from culinary school to food blogging. Micah discusses her new book, "Nosh: Plant-Forward Recipes Celebrating Modern Jewish Cuisine," and the personal and cultural inspirations that fueled its creation. From vegan matzo ball soup challenges to creating carrot “lox,” Micah's passion for food and storytelling is as nourishing as the dishes she creates.

Discover more about Micah and her culinary adventures at https://www.noshwithmicah.com

Follow Micah on Instagram: @noshwithmicah

Get your copy of "Nosh" and explore more in the Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/nosh-plant-forward-jewish-recipes-with-micah-siva

Episode 90: Cultivating Life: Gardening for Abundance with Brian Brigantti

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 14:55:00 -0000

In this week's episode of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, we're digging into the transformative power of gardening with Brian Brigantti of Red Leaf Ranch. From city slicker to rural rancher, Brian shares his journey from the bustling streets of New York City to the serene pastures of Tennessee, where he cultivates not just a thriving veggie garden but also a life filled with abundance. We'll discuss his first book, "Gardening for Abundance," and how it intertwines practical gardening tips with profound life lessons. Join us as Brian reveals the first dish he ever cooked, the importance of biodiversity in the garden, and why everyone should embrace the soil beneath their feet. Plus, we'll get a peek into his kitchen habits, from his favorite emergency dinner to the joy of cooking with homegrown produce. Prepare to be inspired to plant seeds of change in your own life, both in and out of the garden.

Learn more about Brian and Redleaf Ranch at https://www.redleafranch.com/

Follow Brian on Instagram: @redleafranch

Pre-order Brian's upcoming book and discover more in the Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/gardening-for-abundance-with-brian-brigantti

Episode 89: Caribbean Paleo with Althea Brown

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 13:35:16 -0000

Melting pots of flavors make the world more delicious, and Caribbean cuisine is a prime example with its rich history of delicious influences! In this week’s episode, we chat with Althea Brown, a certified Whole30 coach and creator of the immensely popular blog Metemgee, where she shares recipes inspired by Guyanese traditions and Caribbean flavors. Born and raised in Guyana, Althea is now based in Denver, CO, where she found herself missing the flavors of home, which she shares with her audience, along with Carribean Whole30 and Paleo recipes. We chat about her first cookbook, Caribbean Paleo: 75 Wholesome Dishes Celebrating Tropical Cuisine and Culture, the remarkable women in her family who inspired it, and so much more.

Learn more about Althea at https://metemgee.com

Follow Althea on Instagram @metemgee

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/carribean-paleo-with-althea-brown

Episode 88: Demystifying Whole Grains with Bread and Roses Author Rose Wilde

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 01:30:00 -0000

There is a general understanding that whole grains is better for us, but do you really know why? Rose Wilde is here to help us demystify whole grains and think of baking in a whole new way. Rose is a former human rights lawyer turned chef, master food preserver, master gardener, and owner of the bakery, Red Bread. She wrote her first cookbook, Bread and Roses: 100+ Grain Forward Recipes featuring Global Ingredients and Botanicals - where she shares her joy for grain in a comprehensive guide with recipes inspired by her travels across the globe. In this episode we dive into the world of whole grains, the rich flavor profiles in ancient grains, incorporating blossoms into baking, and more!

Learn more about Rose at https://www.eatredbread.com

Follow Rose on Instagram @trosewilde and @RedBread

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/bread-and-roses-author-rose-wilde

Episode 87: Gluten-free Family Cooking with Lindsay Cotter

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 15:01:00 -0000

Chances are you may have a gluten-free or gluten-sensitive eater in your life. While cooking gluten-free may feel challenging, Lindsay Cotter is here to help. Lindsay is the creator of the popular gluten-free recipe blog, Cotter Crunch, where she shares allergy-friendly recipes that help cooks thrive. As a nutrition specialist for sports nutrition and gluten-free eating, Lindsay has been featured in Shape magazine, Dr. Axe, Men’s Health, and more. Her latest cookbook: The Gluten-Free Family Cookbook: Allergy-friendly Recipes for Everyone Around Your Table is available now, and makes eating gluten-free easy and delicious.

Learn more about Lindsay at https://www.cottercrunch.com/

Follow Lindsay on Instagram: @cottercrunch

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/gluten-free-family-cooking-with-lindsay-cotter

Episode 86: The Effortless Baker with Janani Elavazhagan

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 23:00:18 -0000

If you've ever marveled at the artistry behind beautiful cakes, pastries, and pastries, the decadence is within reach with the guidance of Janani Elavazhagan. Janani is the baker, recipe developer, blogger, and immensely talented food photographer of the blog Skillet to Plate. Based in Portland, Oregon, Janani’s stunning photography accompanies her simple recipes, which have led to her first cookbook, The Effortless Baker: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Decadent, Showstopping Sweets and Treats. The Effortless Baker blends the best of Indian and classic American desserts, making traditional Indian sweets more accessible by integrating simple baking techniques.

In this episode, we chat about her love of fusion baking, how she hones her photography craft, and some of the beautiful recipes in her new book.

Learn more about Janani at https://www.skillettoplate.com

Follow Janani on Instagram: @skillettoplate

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/the-effortless-baker-with-janani-elavazhagan

Episode 85: Hip Hop and Wine: Blending these Worlds in Street Somm, with Jermaine Stone

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 22:45:50 -0000

Pour yourself a glass of wine and join me in my conversation with Jermaine Stone! Also known as the Wolf of Wine, Jermaine is a Bronx native who has crafted a career blending his two passions: hip hop and wine. After getting his start at Zachys Wine Auction, he founded Cru Love Selections, a wine branding and marketing agency dedicated to engaging hip-hop fans with the world of wine. He also hosts the podcast The Original Wine & Hip Hop. Now, he travels the country in Tastemade’s newest series, Street Somm, exploring the stories behind the chefs and delicious foods in each city and sharing unique wine pairings.

Learn more about Jermaine at wineandhiphop.com and https://www.cruluvwine.com

Follow Jermaine on Instagram: @realwolfofwine

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/hip-hop-and-wine-street-somm-with-jermaine-stone

Episode 84: Redefining Filipino Food with Jacqueline Chio-Lauri and the Contributing Authors of We Cook Filipino

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 21:10:50 -0000

In this episode, we chat with writer, anthologist, and editor Jacqueline Chio-Lauri. Born in the Philippines and now based in Manchester, England Jackie’s work includes the highly acclaimed book The New Filipino Kitchen: Stories and Recipes from around the Globe, as well as publications in anthologies, academic papers, and global media sites. She is back with her newest anthology, We Cook Filipino: Heart-Healthy Recipes and Inspiring Stories from Filipino Food Personalities and Award-Winning Chefs. This book presents the vibrant food culture of the Philippines through the lens of heart-healthy cooking in stories and recipes from 36 culinary trailblazers from around the globe. In this conversation, we are joined by some of the contributing authors, including Cynthia Cherish Malaran, Will Mordido, Kathy Vega Hardy, Cheryl Baun, Paolo Mendoza, and myself.

I am honored to be a contributing author to this book, and I am excited to share this extraordinary book and episode of the podcast with you today, which marks We Cook Filipino's official release.

Order We Cook Filipino on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PQYkaS (affiliate link)

Learn more about our guests: Jacqueline Chio-Lauri https://myfoodbeginnings.com Cynthia Cherish Malaran https://djcherishtheluv.com Will Mordido http://www.willmordido.com Kathy Vega Hardy https://www.atasteofthephilippines.com Cheryl Baun and Paolo Mendoza https://karenderyany.com

Follow our guests on Instagram: Jacqueline Chio-Lauri @myfoodbeginnings Cynthia Cherish Malaran @djcherishtheluv Will Mordido @will.mordido Kathy Vega Hardy @tasteofthephilippines Cheryl Baun and Paolo Mendoza @karenderya_ny

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/redefining-filipino-food-with-jacqueline-chio-lauri-and-the-contributing-authors-of-we-cook-filipino

Episode 83: Lolo's Sari-Sari Store with Sophia Lee and Christine Almeda: A children’s book that celebrates community, connection, and Filipino culture.

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 05:17:15 -0000

Gather 'round for storytime! In this episode, we chat with Sophia Lee and Christine Almeda — Sophia is the author of Holding On and Soaring Saturdays, and her first book, What Things Mean, won the Grand Prize at the 2014 Scholastic Asian Book Awards. Christine is a freelance illustrator and has worked with clients such as Scholastic, HarperCollins, The New York Times, Eater, and more. Together, they are the author and illustrator of Lolo’s Sari-sari Store, a heartwarming children’s book that celebrates community, connection, and Filipino culture.

Learn more about Sophia at https://www.sophialeewrites.com/ Follow Sophia on Instagram: @sophianleewrites https://www.instagram.com/sophianleewrites/

Learn more about Christine at https://www.christinealmeda.com/ Follow Christine on Instagram: @eychristine https://www.instagram.com/eychristine/

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/lolos-sari-sari-store-with-sophia-lee-and-christine-almeda

Episode 82: Every Ounce of Courage with Elizabeth Ann Besa-Quirino: Weaving the Stories of WWII Bravery, Heroism, and Family in a Filipino Culinary Memoir

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0000

October marks Filipino-American History Month, and I can’t think of a better way to honor the legacy of Filipinos in the United States and the Philippines than by welcoming my friend Elizabeth Ann Besa-Quirino in this episode. Betty Ann is an award-winning journalist, food writer, correspondent, cookbook author, artist, and the voice behind the food site The Quirino Kitchen, where she shares Filipino home cooking. She is a multi-award winner of the_ Plaridel Writing Awards_ for excellence in journalism, given by the Philippine-American Press Club, and is the recipient of a Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Award for her essay, “A Hundred Mangoes in A Bottle.” She was named one of the Filipina Women’s Network's 100 Most Influential Women of the World.

In this episode, we discuss her recently published memoir, Every Ounce of Courage, where she chronicles an untold story of one of the unsung heroes of World War II — her mother, Lulu Reyes, during a frightening period of Filipino - and worldwide - history.

Learn more about Elizabeth Ann at https://thequirinokitchen.com

Follow Elizabeth Ann on Instagram: @bettyannquirino

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/every-ounce-of-courage-with-elizabeth-ann-besa-quirino

Episode 81: Kneaders Bakery & Café: Celebrating 25 Years with Colleen Worthington

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 02:20:26 -0000

If you've ever been to Utah, chances are you've been to Kneaders Bakery & Café. In this episode, we chat with Colleen Worthington -- more than 25 years ago, Colleen and her husband Gary pursued their passion for artisanal bread baking and opened their first bakery in Orem, Utah. Kneaders has grown to over 50 locations spanning Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Texas, and Utah, and so has the Kneaders family behind the scenes. Colleen recently released a cookbook, Kneaders Bakery & Cafe: A Celebration of Our Best Recipes and Memories, to celebrate this milestone. In this episode, we chat about some of their beloved recipes, from deep-fried scones with pie filling to the secrets behind Nana's pumpkin pie. We also talk about some of the people who have become part of the Kneaders family in more ways than one.

Learn more about Kneaders Bakery & Café at https://www.kneaders.com/

Follow Kneaders Bakery & Café on Instagram: @kneaders

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/kneaders-bakery-cafe-celebrating-25-years-with-colleen-worthington

Episode 80: The Ranch Table with Elizabeth Poett: Recipes from a Historic California Ranch

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 21:40:37 -0000

Saddle up and join me as I chat with Elizabeth Poett, the star of Magnolia Network's Ranch to Table, where she shares life as a seventh-generation cattle rancher on her family's historic 14,000-acre cattle ranch on California's Central Coast. Elizabeth recently published The Ranch Table, which shares recipes from a year on the ranch, from harvests, celebrations, and family dinners. In this episode, we chat about life on the ranch - from what it was like to grow up in Rancho San Julian to how she now is a steward of the land and her family's legacy - how it is preserved in her new book, The Ranch Table, and more!

Learn more about Elizabeth at https://theranchtable.com/

Follow Elizabeth on Instagram: @Elizabethpoett

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/the-ranch-table-with-elizabeth-poett

Episode 79: Worth the Hype with Frankie Celenza - Uncovering the Stories Behind Buzz-worthy Bites in Every City

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:05:25 -0000

Let’s pack our bags, hit the road, and eat our way through some amazing cities with Frankie Celenza! Frankie is the Emmy® Award Winning Culinary Host of the hit series Struggle Meals and Frankie Cooks. He recently launched a new mouthwatering food travel series on Tastemade - Worth the Hype, where he explores local food scenes and communities in cities like LA, New York, Austin, and more, airing every Wednesday at 7 pm on the Tastemade streaming channel. In this episode, we discuss some of his favorite food travel memories, what makes a place “worth the hype,” the chefs he has met, their unique stories, and more!

Learn more about Frankie at http://www.frankiecelenza.com

Follow Frankie on Instagram: @frankiecooks

Watch Worth the Hype on the Tastemade streaming channel.

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/worth-the-hype-with-frankie-celenza

Episode 78: Olive Oil Secrets, From Fruit to Bottle, with Corto Olive Company's Master Miller, David Garci-Aguirre

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:20:19 -0000

This episode welcomes David Garci-Aguirre, Master Miller for Corto Olive Company. Much like a winemaker, David ensures Corto’s 100% California Extra Virgin Olive Oil adheres to rigorous flavor and freshness requirements while maintaining a full-bodied and dynamic flavor profile. Under David’s direction, Corto won 30 olive oil competition medals in 2021 alone, including seven gold. In this episode, we chat about what the role of Master Miller entails, what makes the best quality olive oil, olive oil tips and myths, and so much more.

Try Corto Olive Company’s Virtual Tasting Experience.

Learn more about Corto Olive Co. at https://corto-olive.com

Follow Corto Olive Co. on Instagram @corto_olive

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/olive-oil-secrets-corto-olive-oil-david-garci-aguirre

Episode 77: Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods - with Grace Lin

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 22:15:00 -0000

Episode Notes

Grace Lin is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator whose vibrant children’s books honor her Chinese heritage with her colorful storytelling. She won the Newbery Honor for “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” and the Theodor Geisel Honor for “Ling and Ting.” Her novel “When the Sea Turned to Silver” was a National Book Award Finalist, and her picture book, “A Big Mooncake for Little Star” was awarded the Caldecott Honor. In this episode, we talk about her latest book, Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods, where she shares the tales behind iconic dishes we have all grown to love!

Learn more about Grace at https://gracelin.com

Follow Grace on Instagram: @paceylin

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/chinese-menu-grace-lin

Episode 76: Egg Rolls & Sweet Tea with Natalie Keng, the Sauce Maven

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 12:34:21 -0000

Natalie Keng is the founder and CEO of Global Hearth and the creator of an award-winning line of Georgia-grown, Asian-inspired sauces that are based on old family recipes and feature natural ingredients, which have given her the nickname The Sauce Maven. She recently published her memoir cookbook, Egg Rolls & Sweet Tea, tracing her journey as a first-generation Chinese-American growing up in the Deep South. In this episode, we discuss creating traditional Chinese dishes with local Southern ingredients, the culinary tradition in Georgia, how she marries these two cultures in her cookbook, and more!

Learn more about Natalie at nataliekeng.com and globalhearth.com

Follow Natalie on Instagram: @thesaucemaven

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/egg-rolls-sweet-tea-with-natalie-keng

Episode 75: All Up in My Grill with Dale Talde

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 17:10:00 -0000

Dale Talde is the host of All Up In My Grill on the Tastemade streaming channel. No stranger to television, Dale is a three-time chef-testant and a familiar face on Top Chef and has also competed & served as a judge on Chopped, Iron Chef America, Knife Flight, and Beat Bobby Flay. Off screen, Dale is the restaurateur behind former restaurants TALDE, Massoni, and Rice & Gold. After launching Food Crush Hospitality with his life partner Agnes Chung, he opened his first concept restaurant, Goosefeather, in Westchester County, NY, which pays tribute to the cuisine of Hong Kong. In this episode, we chat about the 3rd season of All Up in My Grill, harnessing Filipino flavors in his cooking, and hands-on tips for better grilling.

Tune in to All Up in My Grill on the Tastemade streaming channel.

Learn more about Dale at https://foodcrushhospitality.com

Follow Dale on Instagram: @daletalde

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/all-up-in-my-grill-with-dale-talde

Episode 74: One-Pot Mediterranean Cooking with Samantha Ferraro

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 22:50:54 -0000

Samantha Ferraro is the creator of The Little Ferraro Kitchen, where the diversity of her Sephardic heritage, her love for global flavors, and the places she has lived, spanning from Brooklyn, the Big Island of Hawaii, Southern California, and now, the Pacific Northwest, shines in the food she shares, whether it’s on her website, media appearances, or publications. In 2019, Samantha released her debut cookbook, The Weeknight Mediterranean Kitchen, inspiring countless cooks to bring a taste of the Mediterranean into their own kitchens. She’s back with a new cookbook, One-Pot Mediterranean, making weeknight cooking with Mediterranean flavors even simpler! In this episode, we chat about her heritage, cooking by "feeling," the versatility of Mediterranean and one-pot cooking, and more!

Learn more about Samantha at https://littleferrarokitchen.com/

Follow Samantha on Instagram: @ferrarokitchen

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/one-pot-mediterranean-cooking-with-samantha-ferraro

Episode 73: America’s Favorite County Fair Champion, Linda Skeens

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 18:10:00 -0000

In the summer of 2022, Linda Skeens won dozens of ribbons at the Virginia-Kentucky District Fair. From a clean sweep of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for best cookies to awards for Best Cake, Best Pie, Best Brownies, Best Overall Baked Good, and more - she was a force to contend with. It didn’t stop there. She also won in multiple savory categories, including canned tomatoes, pickled peppers, spaghetti sauce, and another clean sweep of all three embroidery categories. In this episode, Liren talks to Linda about her life and family in Appalachia, her long history with county fairs, and her book, Blue Ribbon Kitchen: Recipes and Tips from America’s Favorite County Fair Champion.

Learn more about Linda at http://lindaskeensblueribbon.com/

Follow Linda on Instagram: @lindaskeensblueribbon Follow Linda on TikTok: @lindaskeensblueribbon

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/americas-favorite-county-fair-champion-linda-skeens

Episode 72: Creating Food Content for Television with Jessie-Sierra Ross

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 17:15:53 -0000

Jessie-Sierra Ross is the voice of the cooking and home entertaining blog, Straight to the Hips, Baby, where she shares approachable food for every home cook. A native Bostonian and former professional ballerina and ballet coach, Jessie-Sierra now embraces the farm-to-table life in the Berkshires, sharing this creative adventure with her husband, Jonathan, which has expanded beyond the blog to television appearances, lectures, big-brand collaborations, and more.

Learn more about Jessie-Sierra at https://straighttothehipsbaby.com

Follow Jessie-Sierra on Instagram: @straighttothehipsbaby

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/creating-food-content-for-television-with-jessie-sierra-ross

Episode 71: Whole-Hog Barbeque - Celebrating its History and Tradition with Ed Mitchell and Ryan Mitchell

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 23:45:00 -0000

Ed Mitchell has been cooking whole hog barbecue since he was a teenager, but it wasn’t until his mid-40s that life steered him to devote his life to the tradition when he founded the famed Mitchell’s Ribs, Chicken & Bar-B-Q in North Carolina. His son Ryan brought his background in finance to the family business; after eight years working in commercial and investment banking, he returned to his roots in BBQ to work with his father.

As the family business grew, so did their reputation. Ed has cooked all over the world, including at the James Beard House in New York, and has featured on several television series, including Michael Pollan’s “Cooked” on Netflix, Anthony Bourdain’s “A Cooks Tour,” and “Beat Bobby Flay.” The family restaurant has transitioned to The Preserve, which opens this summer in Raleigh, and Ed’s sauces and rubs - True Made Foods, are available at stores nationwide.

In this episode, Ed and Ryan chat about the history of whole-hog barbecue and their cookbook, Ed Mitchell’s Barbeque, which celebrates the tradition of whole-hog barbecue.

Learn more about Ed and Ryan Mitchell at https://www.thepitmasteredmitchell.com

Follow Ryan on Instagram: @bbqprince1031

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/whole-hog-barbeque-with-ed-mitchell-and-ryan-mitchell

Ed Mitchell's Recipe for Watermelon Sweet Tea: https://kitchenconfidante.com/watermelon-sweet-tea

Episode 70: Vegan Instant Pot Cooking with Nisha Vora

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 03:54:00 -0000

Nisha Vora is a plant-based chef, food blogger, and author of the cookbook "The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook." With a passion for healthy and delicious meals, Nisha has built a loyal following on social media and her website and YouTube channel, Rainbow Plant Life, where she shares her insights on plant-based cooking and tips for creating flavorful meals, with an audience of over 1 million subscribers. In this episode, we discuss trading her career in law for one in culinary, how it helps her with recipe development and content creation, her path to vegan cooking, how the Instant Pot improves vegan cooking, and more!

Learn more about Nisha at https://rainbowplantlife.com. Follow Nisha on Instagram: @rainbowplantlife

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/vegan-instant-pot-cooking-with-nisha-vora

Nisha's recipe for Instant Pot Mixed Berry Compote: https://kitchenconfidante.com/mixed-berry-compote-instant-pot

Episode 69: Anna Olson's Baking Wisdom

Thu, 18 May 2023 12:05:00 -0000

Anna Olson is the professionally trained chef and host of Food Network’s Bake with Anna Olson and the popular Oh Yum with Anna Olson channel on YouTube. Anna also shares her baking expertise as the author of 10 best-selling and awarded-winning cookbooks. She has released her latest book, Baking Wisdom: The Complete Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Make You a Better Baker. This episode discusses Baking Wisdom, troubleshooting baking blunders, her love for Eastern European desserts, and more!

Learn more about Anna at Oh Yum with Anna Olson channel

Follow Anna on Instagram: @chefannaolson https://www.instagram.com/chefannaolson/

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/anna-olsons-baking-wisdom

Anna's Blueberry and Greek Yogurt Breakfast Galette: https://kitchenconfidante.com/blueberry-and-greek-yogurt-breakfast-galette

Episode 68: Mindfulness and Connection with Japanese Vegetarian Food, with Nancy Singleton Hachisu

Wed, 03 May 2023 19:45:00 -0000

Episode Notes

Nancy Singleton Hachisu is a California native and Stanford alumnus who moved to Japan in 1988 to live in rural Saitama prefecture with her husband, a Japanese farmer. A James Beard Award-winning food writer, Nancy is the author of 4 cookbooks and frequently appears in Japanese print and television media. You may have seen her on Netflix’s Salt Fat Acid Heat. Nancy’s latest book, Japan: The Vegetarian Cookbook, is a follow-up to the global best seller, Japan: The Cookbook, and showcases the elegant simplicity of Japanese vegetarian dishes.

In this episode, Nancy and Liren discuss her newest cookbook, a sense of spirituality and connection with vegetables, the finer points of tempura, and more!

Learn more about Nancy at https://www.nancysingletonhachisu.com

Follow Nancy on Instagram: @nancyhachisu

Episode show notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/mindfulness-and-connection-with-japanese-vegetarian-food-with-nancy-singleton-hachisu Nancy's Quick Pickled Napa Cabbage: https://kitchenconfidante.com/quick-pickled-napa-cabbage

Episode 67: SABAI: 100 Simple Thai Recipes for Any Day of the Week with Pailin Chongchitnant

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 12:09:00 -0000

Pailin Chongchitnant is the best-selling and award-winning author of Hot Thai Kitchen and the creator and host of Pailin's Kitchen on YouTube! Born and raised in Thailand, Pailin is now based in Vancouver, Canada, where, as a professionally trained chef, she has made it her mission to show everyone how to create authentic Thai dishes, wherever they may be. She is out with a new book, Sabai: 100 Simple Thai Recipes for Any Day of the Week. In this episode, we chat about the authenticity of chicken satay, what makes a Thai meal balanced, what it means to cook "sabai," and more!

Learn more about Pailin at https://hot-thai-kitchen.com and watch her on YouTube at Pailin’s Kitchen.

Follow Pai on Instagram: @hotthaikitchen

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/sabai-100-simple-thai-recipes-with-pailin-chongchitnant

Pai's Mango Coconut Tapioca Pudding

Episode 66: My Vermont Table: Recipes for All (Six) Seasons with Gesine Bullock-Prado

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 20:00:04 -0000

Gesine Bullock-Prado is a celebrated pastry chef, instructor, and author who shares baking wisdom on her Food Network show, Baked in Vermont. Gesine has written six books on baking and recently released her newest book, this time embracing savory recipes, A Vermont Table: Recipes for All Six Seasons. In this episode, we chat about the six (!) seasons of Vermont, cooking and baking with maple syrup, tackling a cookbook with savory recipes, and more!

Learn more about Gesine at https://www.gesine.com/

Follow Gesine on Instagram: @gesinebp

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/my-vermont-table-with-gesine-bullock-prado

Gesine's Bavarian Pretzels: https://kitchenconfidante.com/bavarian-pretzels

Episode 65: Italy on a Plate with Vietri Founder & CEO Susan Gravely

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 20:46:31 -0000

Susan Gravely is the founder and CEO of Vietri, a lifestyle brand offering handcrafted Italian tabletop and home and garden accessories. Her love for handpainted dinnerware started after a trip to the Amalfi coast with her mother and sister in 1983 - and when they returned home, they built Vietri to share this beautiful craft. Vietri has since become the largest importer of Italian ceramics in the US. To celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary, Susan has written a memoir and cookbook: Italy on a Plate: Travels, Memories, Menus, and in this episode, we chat about her book, the friendships and partnerships in Italy that have made Veitri so successful, the parallels between Italian and Southern hospitality, and more!

Learn more about Vietri at https://www.vietri.com and Susan Gravely at https://susangravely.com.

Follow Vietri on Instagram: @vietriinc

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/italy-on-a-plate-with-vietri-founder-susan-gravely

Tita Bosio's recipe for Carrot and Zucchini Strudel.

Episode 64: For the Love of Seafood with Karista Bennett

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 00:40:00 -0000

Karista Bennett is a recipe developer, former culinary instructor, photographer, and the author of The Oregon Farm Table Cookbook. Her recipes have been featured in Home by Design, Hobby Farms, and she recently released a new book, For the Love of Seafood: 100 Flawless, Flavorful Recipes That Anyone Can Cook. In this episode, we talk about her surprising love story with seafood, the coastal cities she has called home, and her travels that inspired the flavors in her book.

Learn more about Karista at https://karistabennett.com

Follow Karistsa on Instagram: @karista_bennett_author

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/for-the-love-of-seafood-with-karista-bennett

Episode 63: Chinese Homestyle with Maggie Zhu

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 13:00:00 -0000

Maggie Zhu founded the popular blog Omnivore’s Cookbook in 2013, sharing traditional Chinese and Chinese American dishes with approachable recipes for western kitchens. Her recipes reflect her cooking journey from her native Beijing to her current kitchen in New York. More recently, Maggie has been enjoying a more plant-based diet and published her first cookbook, Chinese Homestyle: Everyday Plant-based recipes for takeout, dim sum, noodles & more. In this episode, we chat about how she was inspired by Chinese Buddhist cuisine, her experience recreating traditional dishes for plant-forward eaters, special tips and ingredients to add extra flavor, and more!

Learn more about Maggie at https://omnivorescookbook.com

Follow Maggie on Instagram: @omnivorescookbook

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/chinese-homestyle-with-maggie-zhu Maggie’s Stir Fried String Beans with Tofu in Black Bean Sauce: https://kitchenconfidante.com/stir-fried-string-beans-with-tofu-in-black-bean-sauce

Episode 62: Traditional Italian Gelato Meets California Ingredients with Patrizia Pasqualetti

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 13:00:00 -0000

Sisters Patrizia and Graziella Pasqualetti represent generations of tradition in the art of Italian gelato. The renowned Gelateria Pasqualetti was founded by their father Giuseppe in Orvieto, Italy, where they share their passion and love for good ingredients with every gelato flavor they produce. Patrizia brought this passion and generations of gelato expertise to California. As the former master gelatiere at Gio Gelato, Patrizia's artisanal creations can now be found in Eataly Silicon Valley and Los Angeles. Graziella meanwhile, holds down the fort in Italy with the locations that have expanded beyond Umbria.

Learn more about Patrizia at Eataly at https://www.eataly.com/us_en/stores/silicon-valley/silicon-valley-counters/il-gelato-silicon-valley/

Learn more about Gelateria Pasqualetti at https://www.ilgelatodipasqualetti.com/en/

Follow Patrizia on Instagram: @patrizia_pasqualetti

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/traditional-italian-gelato-with-california-ingredients-with-patrizia-pasqualetti

Episode 61: The Apricot Lane Farms Cookbook with Molly Chester

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 13:00:00 -0000

Molly Chester and her filmmaker husband, John, left the urban jungle of LA to purchase and rehabilitate a neglected piece of land northwest of the city into a lush, biodynamic farm. They shared the inspiring process, along with the struggles and its success, in the award-winning documentary, The Biggest Little Farm. Apricot Lane Farms has since expanded to 234 thriving acres, where they continue to research, restore, educate, grow, and inspire. Molly recently published The Apricot Lane Farms Cookbook, which brings the farm's bounty to all of us! In this episode, we chat about how human gut health and soil health are interconnected, the importance of biodiversity on the farm, and how the farm comes to life in the cookbook.

Learn more about Apricot Lane Farms at https://www.apricotlanefarms.com/ Follow Apricot Lane Farms on Instagram: @apricotlanefarms Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/apricot-lane-farms-with-molly-chester

Episode 60: Comfort Cooking with Pasta Grannies, with Vicky Bennison

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 13:00:00 -0000

Vicky Bennison is the creator of the immensely popular - and endearing - Pasta Grannies. What began in 2014 as a channel on YouTube filming grandmothers making pasta by hand in their Italian kitchens has since grown to a following of over 2 million over social media, and her first book, Pasta Grannies: The Official Cookbook, which was the recipient of a James Beard Award. She is back with a second book, Pasta Grannies: Comfort Cooking. In this episode, we chat about the nonnas and the traditional regional dishes they share, their secrets to staying young and active, and what the next generation of pasta makers in Italy will look like.

Learn more about Pasta Grannies at https://www.pastagrannies.com/

Watch Pasta Grannies on YouTube.

Follow Vicky Bennison @vickybennison and Pasta Grannies @pastagrammies on Instagram

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/comfort-cooking-with-pasta-grannies

Episode 59: Sports Nutrition and Superfoods with Sarah Koszyk

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 18:30:39 -0000

Sarah Koszyk is a Registered Dietitian & Sports Nutritionist based in San Francisco, specializing in sports nutrition, weight management, and digestive and skin health. In her private practice, she works with clients all over the world, which includes everyone from tech firm CEOs and employees to families and professional elite athletes. Sarah is also the co-founder and formulator of MIJA, a wellness superfood company. In this episode, we chat about how elite athletes and fitness enthusiasts can boost their performance through nutrition, brain health, how superfoods can help our skin, and more!

Learn more about Sarah at https://sarahkoszyk.com/ and MIJA at https://mijanaturals.com/ Follow Sarah on Instagram: @sarahkoszyk Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/sports-nutrition-with-sarah-koszyk

Episode 58: Plant, Harvest, Cook! - with Mary Ann Esposito

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 15:00:17 -0000

Mary Ann Esposito is the creator and host of the nationally televised PBS series Ciao Italia and the author of numerous cookbooks, including her most recent, Ciao Italia, Plant, Harvest, Cook! In her latest book, Mary Ann shares tips for anyone interested in growing their vegetables and cooking them Italian style. Join us on this episode, where we chat about Ciao Italia’s longevity as the longest-running television cooking series, her home garden with her husband Guy, the family feud between her two nonnas and eggplant parmesan, and more!

Learn more about Mary Ann at www.ciaoitalia.com Follow Mary Ann on Instagram: @ciaoitaliashow Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/plant-harvest-cook-with-mary-ann-esposito

Episode 57: Sheet Pan Sweets with Molly Gilbert

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 14:00:17 -0000

Molly Gilbert is a sheet pan queen! The creator of the site Dunk & Crumble, Molly is a professionally trained pastry chef, with culinary and pastry training from the French Culinary Institute and experience as a private chef, a chocolatier, and the SAVEUR Magazine test kitchen. Her first two books - One Pan & Done and Sheet Pan Suppers - embrace simple meals that go from oven to table. She’s back with a third book, Sheet Pan Sweets: Simple, Streamlined Dessert Recipes! In this episode, we chat about her love of sheet pan cooking and baking, what makes the perfect sheet pan, and all her best cooking and baking tips!

Learn more about Molly at http://www.dunkandcrumble.com

Follow Molly on Instagram: @mollydunkncrumb

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/sheet-pan-sweets-molly-gilbert

Episode 56: Evergreen Kitchen with Bri Beaudoin

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 14:00:17 -0000

Bri Beaudoin is the creator of the food blog, Evergreen Kitchen, where she shares delicious, crowd-pleasing vegetarian recipes. As a recipe developer, certified holistic nutritionist, and food stylist, Bri runs Evergreen Kitchen with her husband, Anguel Dimov - sharing the food that inspires them in Vancouver, British Columbia.

In this interview, we chat about Bri’s first cookbook, Evergreen Kitchen: Weeknight Vegetarian Dinners for Everyone, what it’s like to work as a husband and wife team, the secret to a good vegetarian congee, and more!

Learn more about Bri at https://evergreenkitchen.ca

Follow Bri on Instagram: @evergreenkitchen

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/evergreen-kitchen-with-bri-beaudoin

Episode 55: All Things Avocados with Calavo Growers CEO Brian Kocher

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 14:00:17 -0000

In this episode, I am on location in Santa Paula, California at the Calavo Growers headquarters, where I had the unique opportunity to learn firsthand how the Calavo family of growers has been providing us with avocados for nearly 100 years! In addition to my very personal tour of the groves, processing plant, and ripening facilities, I sat down with Calavo CEO, Brian Kocher, to learn all about how they grow, harvest, package, and distribute avocados all over the world! We also chat about how Calavo has grown from the original family of growers since 1924, the other produce and ready-to-eat items Calavo distributes, his favorite way to enjoy avocados, and more! If you love avocados as much as I do, this episode is a must-listen!

Learn more about Calavo at https://calavo.com

Follow Calavo on Instagram: @calavogrowers

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/all-things-avocado-with-calavo-growers

Episode 54: #AskMeAnything Q&A with Liren (Plus Meet my Son!)

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 22:05:18 -0000

Join me in welcoming my son, Carsten, into the studio, for the 2022 #AskMeAnything episode! We pick up where we left off from last year’s Ask Me Anything episode with my daughter, and tackle your questions from Instagram! Technically it was an #AskUsAnything episode! We chat about all the topics you are curious about, from staying young (!?), raising a competitive cyclist, my son’s favorite food memory, what it’s like to be the child of a food content creator, our holiday baking tradition, and more!

Episode 53: Cassoulet Confessions with Sylvie Bigar

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 19:32:26 -0000

We welcome back award-winning, international food and travel writer Sylvie Bigar to the show to chat about her recently released memoir, Cassoulet Confessions, Food, France, Family, and the Stew That Saved My Soul. In this episode, Sylvie talks to host Liren Baker about how cassoulet has become a beloved dish in France, how she immersed herself in Carcassonne with her mentor and cassoulet master, Chef Eric Garcia, her beloved father, and more!

Learn more about Sylvie Bigar at https://sbigar.com

Follow Sylvie Bigar on Instagram: @sylviebigar

Podcast show notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/cassoulet-confessions-with-sylvie-bigar

Episode 52: Recipes to Celebrate Together — with Tara Bench of Tara Teaspoon

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 22:50:01 -0000

Episode Notes

Tara Bench is a veteran in the food publishing and magazine industry, and a trained chef. She has over 20 years of experience, with prominent roles as Food Editor at Martha Stewart Living and Food Director at the Ladies’ Home Journal, and is also known for her site, Tara Teaspoon. She is celebrating the release of her new book, Delicious Gatherings: Recipes to Celebrate Together.

In this episode, Tara shares all about cooking with her mom growing up, her career as a food stylist and now book author and blogger, and the inspiration behind her new book.

Learn more about Tara at https://tarateaspoon.com

Follow Tara on Instagram: @tarateaspoon

Podcast show notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/delicious-gatherings-with-tara-bench

Episode 51: Spice Kitchen -- Healthy Latin And Caribbean Cuisine with Ariel Fox

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 18:33:19 -0000

Chef Ariel Fox is best known as the winner of Hell’s Kitchen in season 18 and as a guest judge on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay. Off-screen, she is the Regional Vice President of Culinary for Landry’s at Dos Caminos and Del Friscos. She recently released her latest book: Spice Kitchen: Healthy Latin and Caribbean Cuisine.

In this episode, Chef Ariel shares all about her worldly culinary upbringing and the vibrant, adaptable recipes in her new book.

Follow Chef Ariel Fox on Instagram: @chefarielfox

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/spice-kitchen-healthy-latin-and-caribbean-cuisine-with-ariel-fox

Episode 50: In Praise of Veg with Alice Zaslavsky

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 15:05:00 -0000

Episode Notes

If anyone can get even the staunchest doubter excited about veggies, leave it to Australian food writer, broadcaster, and television host, Alice Zaslavsky. Alice is the resident Culinary Correspondent on ABC News Breakfast, the host of ABC Radio Sunday Drive and numerous Australian food shows, and the writer of the best-selling and award-winning cookbook, In Praise of Veg: The Ultimate Cookbook for Vegetable Lovers. In this episode, she chats with host Liren Baker about her secrets to enjoying vegetables (for both kids and grown-ups!), the importance of color, the hot veggies of the moment, and more!

Learn more about Alice Zaslavsky at https://www.aliceinframes.com

Follow Alice Zaslavsky on Instagram: @aliceinframes

Podcast show notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/in-praise-of-veg-with-alice-zaslavsky

Episode 49: Redefining Sorbet with SorBabes Founders Nicole Cardone and Deborah Gorman

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 10:15:20 -0000

Episode Notes

Since 2012, Nicole Cardone and Deborah Gorman have been on a mission to give sorbet the respect it deserves. As the cofounders of SorBabes, they’re out to revolutionize the way we think of sorbet with their bold flavors and creamy sorbet bars! In this episode, Nicole and Deborah share what makes SorBabes such a unique frozen treat, the inspiration behind their flavors, and their wisdom for women entrepreneurs.

Learn more about SorBabes at https://www.sorbabes.com

Follow SorBabes on Instagram: @sorbabes

Podcast show notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/redefining-sorbet-with-sorbabes-founders-nicole-cardone-and-deborah-gorman

Episode 48: 52 Weeks, 52 Sweets with Vedika Luthra

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 06:40:00 -0000

Episode Notes

Vedika Luthra is the creator of the food blog and popular YouTube channel, Hot Chocolate Hits. Born in India, Vedika was raised in Poland and later moved to the Netherlands where she pursues postgraduate studies in law. Vedika’s first cookbook, 52 Weeks, 52 Sweets: Elegant Recipes for all Occasions, was released last year and offers tasty treats every week of the year! In this episode, Vedika shares the inspiration behind her book, how she built her YouTube channel, how she harnesses the power of spices in baking, and more!

Learn more about Vedika on http://hotchocolatehits.com

Follow Vedika on Instagram @hotchocolatehits

Episode 47: The Challenges and Joys of Food Blogging and Podcasting with Christine Pittman

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 08:59:41 -0000

Episode Notes

In this episode, we peel the curtain on the world of food blogging with Christine Pittman of the site Cook the Story. With over 2 million monthly readers, Cook the Story is one of the top-ranked food blogs in the world. Christine doesn’t stop there, however! She manages another site, The Cookful, and is also busy as the host of two podcasts – Time Management Insider (TMI) and Recipe of the Day. Learn how Christine balances it all!

Find Christine at: Cook the Story The Cookful Time Management Insider (TMI) Podcast Recipe of the Day Podcast

Follow Christine Pittman on Instagram: @cookthestory

Episode 46: Learn to Cook (and ❤️ It) with New York Times Deputy Editor Genevieve Ko

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 08:59:14 -0000

Episode Notes

In this episode, host Liren Baker talks with Genevieve Ko, the Deputy Editor for the New York Times Food section and NYT Cooking, about their newest recipe series, Learn to Cook (and ❤️ It) in 10 Easy Dishes. These beginner recipes are aimed at novice cooks to help them gain confidence in the kitchen - but are recipes that cooks of all abilities will appreciate. This episode is for you if you’re looking for simple recipes and tips to kick off your cooking journey!

Learn more about the beginner recipes in the New York Times.

Follow NYT Cooking on Instagram: @nytcooking

Learn more about Genevieve Ko at http://www.genevieveko.com

Follow Genevieve on Instagram: @genevieve_ko

Episode 45: The Sweetness of Doing Nothing with Sophie Minchilli

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 08:59:14 -0000

Episode Notes

Born and raised in Rome to an Italian father and American mother, Sophie Minchilli’s love for Italy stems from the country’s beauty, its delicious food, and the people who make it special. Sophie shares what she calls the “real Italy” running food tours that takes her clients behind the scenes and into the homes of locals. In this episode, we chat about Sophie’s first book, The Sweetness of Doing Nothing: Live Life the Italian Way with Dolce Far Niente, where she teaches us how to incorporate the sweetness of doing nothing into our own lives, no matter where we live!

Learn more about Sophie at http://www.sophieminchilli.com

Follow Sophie on Instagram: @sminchilli

Episode 44: Authentic Indian Cooking with Your Instant Pot — with Vasanti Bhadkamkar-Balan

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 08:59:14 -0000

Episode Notes

In this episode, host Liren Baker chats with Vasanti Bhadkamkar-Balan of the blog Signature Concoctions. Originally from Pune, a major city in the western part of India, Vasanti is now based in the San Francisco Bay Area. By day, she works in business intelligence and analysis, while using her culinary school training in her work on Signature Concoctions as a cooking instructor, and now as a cookbook author. Her first book, Authentic Indian Cooking with your Instant Pot: Classic and Innovative Recipes for the Home Cook was released earlier this year. Vasanti shares all about her family and childhood in India, the inspiration behind her cookbook, and how her love of the Instant Pot came about!

Learn more about Vasanti at SignatureConcotions.com

Follow Vasanti on Instagram: @signatureconcoctions

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/authentic-indian-cooking-with-your-instant-pot--with-vasanti-bhadkamkar-balan

Episode 43: Eataly Silicon Valley Brings a Taste of Italy to the Bay Area, with Alex Saper and Cristina Flores

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 08:59:14 -0000

Episode Notes

Join host Liren Baker on location for a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at Eataly Silicon Valley, which is opening at Westfield Valley Fair on June 16th! The newest location is the 9th to open in North America and joins over 40 Eataly stores worldwide. Bay Area Italian food lovers can now explore 3 floors of delicious food, with its two restaurants, five production laboratories, over 10,000 products, 12,000+ Italian wines, and even get hands-on in the cooking school.

While on-site, Liren chats with Alex Saper, Managing Partner and COO, as well as Cristina Flores, VP of product, about what makes Eataly Silicon Valley so unique. They also discuss the local Bay Area producers highlighted at the Silicon Valley location, the secret behind cooking the perfect pasta, and more — we even have a bit of a live pasta tasting on the podcast!

Learn more about Eataly at https://www.eataly.com

Follow Eataly on Instagram: @eatalysiliconvalley

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/eataly-silicon-valley-brings-a-taste-of-italy-to-the-bay-area

Episode 42: Family Farming and Hand-picked Blueberries with Kimberly Sorensen of Triple Delight Blueberries

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Episode Notes

Host Liren Baker chats with Kimberly Sorensen of Triple Delight Blueberries, a 6th generation California family farm. Kim and her husband, Mark, established Triple Delight Blueberries in 1997 in California’s San Joaquin Valley. They were one of the first families to farm blueberries in the Central Valley, and now bring fresh blueberries to kitchens and many of the top restaurants throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. They chat about what makes Triple Delight Blueberries so special, their love for farmer’s markets, how she considers farming a family affair, and more.

Learn more about Triple Delight Blueberries at https://www.tdberries.com

Follow Triple Delight Blueberries on Instagram @tdberries

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/family-farming-and-hand-picked-blueberries-with-kimberly-sorensen-of-triple-delight-blueberries

Episode 41: The Two Spoons Cookbook with Hannah Sunderani

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 08:30:00 -0000

Episode Notes

Hannah Sunderani is the creator of the blog Two Spoons, where she shares plant-based recipes for everyone from new cooks and veggie-shy eaters to vegan foodies. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Hannah spent four years in France, and in her debut cookbook, The Two Spoons Cookbook, she shares over 100 French-inspired vegan dishes. Host Liren Baker chats with Hannah about what led her to plant-based and vegan eating, enjoying a plant-based life in France, bringing the food culture of France back to Canada, the inspiration behind her new cookbook, and more!

Episode 40: All Things Artichokes with Ocean Mist Farms CEO & President, Chris Drew

Wed, 25 May 2022 08:30:35 -0000

Episode Notes

Chris Drew overseas Ocean Mist Farms, the largest grower of artichokes in the United States. With family farming roots dating back nearly a century, Ocean Mist Farms was founded in Castroville, California near the Monterey coast and is now known as the Artichoke Capital of the World. Chris and host Liren Baker chatted about all things artichokes, including Ocean Mist's farming history, the artichoke varieties they grow, his favorite way to enjoy artichokes, and more.

Learn more about Ocean Mist Farms https://www.oceanmist.com Follow Ocean Mist Farms @oceanmistfarms

Episode 39: Cooking Traditional Korean Cuisine With Local Ingredients — With Chef Ji Hye Kim of Miss Kim

Wed, 18 May 2022 08:25:00 -0000

Episode Notes

Host Liren Baker talks to Chef Ji Hye Kim, the chef and managing partner of the restaurant Miss Kim, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Chef Ji Hye has had the distinct honor of being recognized as a Food & Wine Best New Chef in 2021 as well as a James Beard Semifinalist in 2020 in 2022. In this episode, Chef Ji Hye talks about her journey as a chef, the inspiration behind her restaurant, and how she cooks traditional Korean cuisine inspired by her mother's cooking with local Michigan ingredients.

Learn more about Miss Kim https://misskimannarbor.com

Follow Ji Hye Kim @chefjihyekim Follow Miss Kim @misskimannarbor

Episode 38: Nom Nom Paleo: Let's Go! with Michelle Tam

Wed, 04 May 2022 16:05:00 -0000

In this episode, Liren Baker chats with Michelle Tam of Nom Nom Paleo! Dubbed the Martha Stewart of Paleo by The New York Times, Michelle started her blog in 2010 to chronicle her culinary adventures following a switch to a Paleo approach to nutrition. Nom Nom Paleo (and Michelle) has grown to win multiple awards, including Best Food Blog by Saveur Magazine. Michelle’s first cookbook garnered a James Beard Award nomination and following the publication of all her cookbooks, Michelle has the honor of being a 3-time New York Times best selling author. In this episode, Liren and Michelle discuss her most recent cookbook, Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go.

Learn more about Nom Nom Paelo at https://nomnompaleo.com Follow Nom Nom Paelo on Instagram: @nomnompaleo

Episode 37: Launching Goldilocks Filipino Cuisine at San Francisco International Airport

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 08:20:04 -0000

Episode Notes

Host Liren Baker chats with Iva Chen, the Director of Business Development and Marketing of Lady Luck Gourmet, which owns and operates Goldilocks at San Francisco International Airport. Goldilocks Bakeshop has been a go-to since 1966 for delicious cakes, baked goods, and Filipino cuisine for Filipinos and Filipino Americans. Since the first store opened in Makati, Manila, there are now more than 900 Goldilocks stores throughout the Philippines, the US, and Canada. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Iva opened Goldilocks at SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1, making it the first Filipino restaurant to open in a US airport. In this episode, Liren and Iva chat about Iva’s path to restaurant development, the challenges of opening an airport restaurant during the pandemic and introducing a taste of Filipino food to travelers from around the world.

Learn more about Iva Chen at http://ladyluckgourmet.com

Learn more about Goldilocks SFO at https://goldilocks-sfo.com

Follow Iva Chen on Instagram at @goldilocks_usa

Episode 36: Writing Food Memoirs with Sylvie Bigar

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 08:00:11 -0000

Host Liren Baker chats with award-winning international food and travel writer Sylvie Bigar. A regular contributer to The Washington Post, Sylvie’s work has also been seen in The New York Times, Travel and Leisure, Departures, and more. She has also written many books, including her work with Chef Daniel Boulud as co-author of Daniel, My French Cuisine. Her memoir, Cassoulet Confessions, will be released in September 2022. In this episode, Liren and Sylvie chat about Sylvie's childhood in Geneva, Switzerland, her path to journalism and travel writing, her love for cassoulet, and the art of writing a food memoir.

Learn more about Sylvie Bigar at https://sbigar.com. Follow Sylvie Bigar on Instagram: @sylviebigar

Episode 35: A Taste of 85C Bakery Cafe with David Lazaro and Emileen Yen

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 08:50:00 -0000

Episode Notes

If you love sweets, you’re in for a treat! Host Liren Baker chats breads, pastries, and coffee with David Lazaro and Emileen Yen, the respective Director of Marketing and Cake Product Manager at 85°C Bakery Cafe. Founded in Taiwan in 2003, 85°C celebrated its launch in the U.S. when it opened its Irvine, California store in 2008. Since then, the franchise has grown to over 1,000 locations, bringing its delicious Asian baked goods and coffee to neighborhoods worldwide!

Learn more about 85C Bakery Cafe at https://www.85cbakerycafe.com

Follow 85C Bakery Cafe on Instagram: @85cbakerycafe

Podcast Show Notes: https://kitchenconfidante.com/a-taste-of-85c-bakery-cafe

Episode 34: The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook with Lisa Steele

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 15:05:08 -0000

Episode Notes

Host Liren Baker talks with Lisa Steele Dash of Fresh Eggs Daily. Based in Maine, Lisa has been sharing advice to the backyard chicken keeping community for over a decade as an author, 5th generation chicken keeper, Master Gardener and “coop-to-kitchen” cook. She recently published The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook: Over 100 Fabulous Recipes to Use Eggs in Unexpected Ways, and her award winning lifestyle show, Welcome to My Farm will be airing nationwide on American Public Television this April. They chat about her memories of her grandparent’s chicken farm, her new cookbook, and her “eggspert” tips for cooking with eggs and raising chickens, and more!

Learn more about Lisa Steele at Fresh Eggs Daily.

Follow Lisa Steele on Instagram: @fresheggsdaily

Episode 33: Running Multiple Food Blogs with Toni Dash

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 10:50:00 -0000

Episode Notes

Host Liren Baker talks with Toni Dash of the site Boulder Locavore, as well as the newly launched Make It Skinny Please! Based in Boulder, Colorado, Toni had been developing recipes for over two decades, when she recognized a need for quality gluten-free recipes for her family. Her site Boulder Locavore has been a resource for both conventional and gluten-free recipes, and with her new site, she is sharing her secrets for transforming classic recipes, slimmed down. They chat about what inspired her to create her websites, what it’s like to run multiple food blogs, how life as an expat and her travels inspire her recipes, her love for cocktails, and more!

Learn more about Toni Dash at blogs at Boulder Locavore and Make it Skinny Please.

Follow Toni Dash Instagram: @boulderlocavore and @makeitskinnyplease

Episode 32: The Science Behind Food and Flavor with Nik Sharma

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 11:15:00 -0000

Episode Notes

Host Liren Baker talks with Nik Sharma, the molecular biologist turned food writer and photographer behind the award winning blog, The Brown Table, and author of Season: Big Flavors, Beautiful Food, which was a finalist for James Beard Foundation and IACP awards. They chat about Nik’s journey from Mumbai to the United States, his transition from the lab to the kitchen, and his second book, The Flavor Equation which was published in 2020.

Learn more about Nik Sharma at The Brown Table.

Follow Nik Sharma on Instagram: @abrowntable

Episode 31: Watch Me Sip with Raquel Royers

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 03:15:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Raquel Royers of the wine blog, Watch Me Sip. Based in the beautiful Napa Valley, Raquel not only lives in wine country, but works in the industry, splitting her time as a marketing consultant at Creative Sip Marketing and on her blog. As a certified Specialist of Wine and Spirits, Raquel is an amazing resource for wine lovers and travelers to various wine regions - and she’s always sharing tidbits on Instagram that will make you want to pour a glass of wine right alongside her. They chat about her journey from journalism to the world of wine, tips for visiting Napa, Sonoma and the many other wine regions in California and beyond, and more!

Learn more about Raquel Royers at Watch Me Sip.

Follow Raquel Royers on Instagram: @watchmesip

Episode 30: Food, Wine and the Napa Valley with Chef James Houghton, Director of Culinary at Trinchero Family Estates

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 15:15:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Chef James Houghton, the Director of Culinary at Trinchero Family Estates - one of the leading producers in Napa Valley with over 50 wine and spirit brands in their portfolio, where he creates incredible culinary experiences and serves as the winery’s ambassador. They chat about his journey as a chef to the Napa Valley, understanding food and wine pairings, and what keeps him motivated with wine, cooking, and more.

Learn more about Chef James Houghton and the wine and culinary experiences at Trinchero Family Estates

Follow Chef James Houghton on Instagram: @jvghoughton Follow Trinchero Family Estates on Instagram: @trincheronapavalley

Episode 29: The King Arthur Baking Company Essential Cookie Companion with David Tamarkin

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 09:15:00 -0000

Episode Notes

Host Liren Baker talks with David Tamarkin, the Editorial Director at King Arthur Baking Company, about the recently updated and revised version of the Essential Cookie Companion Cookbook, and how this edition improves upon the beloved cookie resource. If you’re a cookie lover (and who isn’t?) or are looking for baking inspiration for cookie season, this episode is for you!

Learn more about the Essential Cookie Companion Cookbook at King Arthur Baking.

Follow King Arthur Baking on Instagram: @kingarthurbaking Follow David Tamarkin on Instagram: @davidtamarkin

Also find David Tamarkin on DavidTamarkin.com.

KingArthurBaking

Episode 28: The Date Night Cookbook with Ned and Ariel Fulmer from The Try Guys

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 09:00:34 -0000

Episode Notes

Host Liren Baker talks with Ned and Ariel Fulmer from the wildly popular YouTube channel, The Try Guys, about their newly released book, The Date Night Cookbook, food as a love language, and their tips for couples in all stages of their relationship! Learn more about Ned and Ariel and The Date Night Cookbook at https://www.datenightcookbook.com/

Episode 27: Baker Bettie’s Better Baking Book with Kristin Hoffman

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffman, creator of the popular Baker Bettie website and YouTube channel, about her new cookbook, the Baker Bettie’s Better Baking Book, where she distills the techniques and methods she has honed as a trained chef and baking educator into making baking approachable and fun for everyone! Learn more about Kristin Hoffman at https://bakerbettie.com.

Episode 26: Glory Kitchen with Margie Bruner

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Margie Bruner, the creator of Glory Kitchen, a purveyor of nut & spice mixes, who also has nearly 30 years of expertise as an interior designer and homebuilder. They chat about the power of spices, as well as the keys to good kitchen design. Learn more about Margie Bruner at https://https://glorykitchen.com/.

Episode 25: Zoë Bakes with Zoë François

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with pastry chef Zoë François about her journey from a childhood with wholesome foods in a Vermont commune to the world of sugar, as she now stars in her own cooking show, Zoë Bakes on the Magnolia Network. Learn more about Zoë François at https://zoebakes.com/.

Episode 24: Making a Difference with Jasberry Rice with Neil Dejkraisak

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Neil Dejkraisak of Jasberry Rice and co-founder of Siam Organic, a company that he and business partner Palmmy Wong created as when he learned that despite his native Thailand’s position as the world’s largest exporter of rice, its farmers are among the poorest in world. Starting with Jasberry Rice, they have found a way to help over 2500 farmers grow out of poverty, one grain of rice at a time.

Learn more about Jasberry Rice at https://jasberry.net.

Episode 23: The Ultimate 5-Ingredient Cookbook with Rebecca White

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Rebecca White of the food site A Pleasant Little Kitchen and author of the newly released The Ultimate 5 Ingredient Cookbook: Whole Food Flavorful Meals Made Simple.

Rebecca shares the inspiration behind her recipes and her secret to cooking flavorful food with minimal ingredients. Learn more about Rebecca White at https://apleasantlittlekitchen.com/.

Episode 22: Bay Area Food with Carolyn Jung

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with James Beard award-winning food and wine writer Carolyn Jung about the rich food culture in the Bay Area, and appreciating the food communities that inspire her to write for the top publications in the country, as well as her books "San Francisco Chef's Table'' and "East Bay Cooks.”

Find Carolyn Jung on Instagram at @food_gal_carolyn.

Episode 21: The Kitchen Whisperers with Dorothy Kalins

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with award-winning magazine editor and prolific author Dorothy Kalins about her culinary journey, from founding Saveur Magazine to the numerous and remarkable food experiences that led her to write her newest book, The Kitchen Whisperers: Cooking with the Wisdom of Our Friends.

Find Dorothy Kalins on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dkalins/ and The Kitchen Whisperers wherever books are sold.

One Quick Tip MINISODE: How to Pick the Perfect Fig

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0000

It's fig season! In this minisode, Liren shares One Quick Tip for how to pick the perfect fig, how to store figs, and her favorite ways to enjoy this delicious fruit!

Episode 20: Sweet Condesa: Reimagined Filipino & Latin-inspired Desserts with Melody Lorenzo

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Melody Lorenzo, also known as the Pinay Pie Lady, of Sweet Condesa, a San Francisco Bay Area based bakery that specializes in Filipino- and Latin-inspired desserts. Melody’s Bay Area Filipino Pies have taken social media by storm, featuring tropical flavors such as ube, guava, and calamansi in their signature pies, scones, and more! Learn more about Melody Lorenzo at https://https://sweetcondesapastries.com.

Episode 19: Amy's Healthy Baking with Amy Atherton

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Amy Atherton of the food blog Amy’s Healthy Baking and author of author of Healthier Chocolate Treats: Breakfasts, Snacks & Desserts for Every Chocoholic. Based in California, Amy teaches bakers of all abilities how to satisfy their sweet tooth with healthy and yummy treats. Learn more about Amy Atherton at https://amyshealthybaking.com.

Episode 18: The Essential Jewish Baking Cookbook with Beth Lee

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Beth Lee of the food blog OMG! Yummy and author of the newly released The Essential Jewish Baking Cookbook: 50 Traditional Recipes for Every Occasion. Beth shares Jewish, Hawaiian, Korean and Middle Eastern recipes from her multicultural San Francisco kitchen. Learn more about Beth Lee at https://omgyummy.com.

Episode 17: #AskMeAnything Q&A with Liren (Plus Meet my Daughter!)

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker welcomes her daughter, Caeli, into the studio, to answer your #AskMeAnything questions from Instagram! We tackle all the things you are curious about, from what I did prior to blogging, what's on my bucket list, my favorite props for food photography, and who is my favorite child!

Episode 16: The Sugar Hammock with Amaka Azuka

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Amaka Azuka of Sugar Hammock and Sugar Hammock Studios. Originally from London, Amaka is now immersed in the food and restaurant-world of Paris, and shares the wealth of knowledge of photography that she has learned over the years on her site and on Instagram. Learn more about Amaka at https://www.sugarhammock.com.

Find Amaka Azuka on Instagram at @sugarhammock.

Episode 15: The Lemon Bowl with Liz Della Croce

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Liz Della Croce of the Lemon Bowl. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Liz has been sharing delicious recipes since 2010, and has been inspiring readers with her weight loss journey, her family’s Lebanese recipes and flavors from around the world, and travel. She is also the founder of the Passion to Profit Podcast, where she promotes entrepreneurship. Learn more about Liz at https://thelemonbowl.com Find Liz Della Croce on Instagram at @thelemonbowl.

Episode 14: The Scoop on NadaMoo! with CEO and President Daniel Nicholson

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Daniel Nicholson of NadaMoo! - the delicious dairy-free, organic ice cream company that has been serving up the creamiest scoops since 2005. Daniel took the reins as CEO and President in 2011 and has guided the company through the explosive growth of the dairy-free ice cream industry while ensuring sustainability and deliciousness in every pint. Learn more about NadaMoo! at https://nadamoo.com.

Find NadaMoo! @nadamoo and Daniel Nicholson @nadamoodan on Instagram.

Episode 13: No Frills Good Fruit with Nick Brown of Rincon Tropics

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Nick Brown of Rincon Tropics. Located in the coastal foothill mountains of Carpinteria, California, this 35 year old family farm grows avocados, passion fruit, cherimoya, and more — and prides themselves on producing “no frills good fruit,” without the use of sprays or pesticides, shipping seasonal produce right to your doorstep. Learn more about Rincon Tropics at https://rincontropics.com.

Find Nick Brown and Rincon Tropics on Instagram at @rincontropics.

Episode 12: Filipino Vegan Cuisine with Chef Reina Montenegro

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with vegan chef and restauranteur Reina Montenegro. Born and raised in the Philippines, she is the Bay Area-based chef owner of the restaurants formerly known as Nick's (Nick's on Grand, Nick's Kitchen, Nick's on Mission) where she pioneered Filipino Vegan restaurants in the Peninsula. In 2020, she launched ‘Chef Reina,’ an online storefront, and opened the restaurant Chef Reina in Brisbane, California in 2021. Learn more about Chef Reina at https://chefreina.com.

Find Reina Montengro on Instagram at @chef.reina.

Episode 11: Foolproof Living and the Flavors of Turkey with Aysegul Sanford

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Aysegul Sanford, the founder of the food blog Foolproof Living, where she shares tried and true recipes without the use of refined sugars. They chat about her journey from a career in the hotel industry to the world of food blogging, and some of her favorite foods from her native Turkey. Learn more about Ayse at https://foolproofliving.com.

Find Aysegul Sanford on Instagram at @foolproofliving.

Episode 10: The Food Lens with Molly Ford

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Molly Ford, the Boston-based cofounder of site The Food Lens and The Food Lens Podcast, where she and partner Sarah Jesup have been sharing the best of the New England restaurant scene since 2017 . Learn more about The Food Lens at https://thefoodlens.com.

Find The Food Lens on Instagram at @thefoodlens.

Episode 9: Kokak Chocolates with Chocolatier and Founder Carol Gancia

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Carol Gancia, a San Francisco-based chocolatier and founder of Kokak Chocolates where she shares tropical-inspired flavors influenced by California and from her childhood in the Philippines. They chat about her career as a video producer, her love for learning, and what inspired her to follow her passion in the world of chocolate. Learn more about Carol and Kokak Chocolates at www.kokakchocolates.com.

Find Kokak Chocolates on Instagram at @kokakchocolates.

Episode 8: Bringing Honor to Cuisines and Communities with Chef Keith Sarasin

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Chef Keith Sarasin, New England-based author, chef, and founder of The Farmers Dinner, where he has been bringing farmers and people together for farm to table dinners on local farms since 2012. They chat about his career, deep appreciation and passion for Indian cuisine, and newest cookbook, Meat. Learn more about Chef Keith at http://keithsarasin.com.

Find Keith Sarasin on Instagram at @keithsarasin.

Episode 7: Meaningful Connections through Blogging and Holy Sweet! with Peabody Johanson

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Peabody Johanson, the Washington-based founder of the popular food blog Sweet ReciPEAs and author of Holy Sweet!: 60 Indulgent Recipes for Bigger, Better Desserts. They chat about how her blog has developed meaningful connections with her readers and the creative inspiration behind the recipes ini her cookbook. Learn more about Peabody at https://www.sweetrecipeas.com.

Find Peabody Johanson on Instagram at @bakerpeabody.

Episode 6: A Mother's Inspiration and Mumbai Modern with Amisha Gurbani

Wed, 26 May 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Amisha Gurbani, the Bay Area-based creator of the food blog The Jam Lab, and author of the soon to be released cookbook, Mumbai Modern. They chat about her journey from Mumbai to California, her mother’s inspiration behind the food she shares, and the fusion of flavor she shares of her beloved India. Learn more about Amisha at https://thejamlab.co.

Find Amisha Gurbani on Instagram at @thejamlab.

Episode 5: Storytelling Photography and Building Community with Brian Samuels

Wed, 19 May 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Brian Samuels, Boston-based food photographer and creator of the food blog A Thought for Food, and Lead Photographer and Director of Photography for the Food Lens. They chat about how his career photographing the incredible restaurant scene in Boston, and supporting the restaurant community during the pandemic with his COVID-19 Portrait Project. Learn more about Brian at https://www.athoughtforfood.net.

Find Brian Samuels on Instagram at @briansamuelsphotography.

Episode 4: The Meatless May Challenge with Robbie Brown of Acterra and Virada Chatikul

Wed, 12 May 2021 18:14:57 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Robbie Brown from Acterra, a San Francisco Bay Area non profit whose mission is to bring people together to create local solutions for a healthy planet. They are joined by Virada Chatikul, a participant in Acterra’s Meatless May Challenge and chat about how we can love for our planet by eating plant-based once a week, every day, or somewhere in between. Learn more about the Meatless May Challenge at https://acterra.org.

Find Acterra on Instagram at @planetacterra.

Episode 3: The Secret Ingredient Cookbook with Kelly Senyei

Wed, 05 May 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with Kelly Senyei, the founder of the popular food site Just a Taste. They chat about her new book, The Secret Ingredient Cookbook, her career path from journalism and culinary school to blogging and television, and the “secret ingredient” to not just taking a dish from common to extraordinary, but to her success as a TV host and author, as well! Learn more about Kelly at https://justataste.com.

Find Kelly Senyei on Instagram at @justataste.

Episode 2: The Baking Gene with Jocelyn Delk Adams

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with blogger, author, and television personality Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby Cakes about how she inherited the “baking gene,” her pivot from a career in media and PR, and how she preserves generations of baking passion by sharing desserts online and onscreen! Learn more about Jocelyn at https://grandbabycakes.com.

Find Jocelyn Delk Adams on Instagram at @grandbabycakes.

Episode 1: Making a Living on Passion with Chef Joanne Weir

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Host Liren Baker talks with James Beard Award-winning author, cooking teacher, and television host Joanne Weir about her culinary journey, from one of her first food memories of the perfect tomato sandwich to her days training in France and at Chez Panisse, and her continued passion for food that takes her all over the globe. Learn more about Joanne and get her recipe for Olive and Fig Toast at https://joanneweir.com.

Find Joanne Weir on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ChefJoanneWeir/

Welcome to The Kitchen Confidante Podcast

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 16:50:00 -0000

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but how do we find ourselves there? Join host Liren Baker in the Kitchen Confidante podcast, a side dish to the recipe blog, Kitchen Confidante, as she explores the food journeys of passionate chefs, food writers, photographers, recipe developers, artisans, bloggers, and more! Learn how they got their starts and what fuels their taste and inspiration!

Subscribe on all podcasting apps, rate & review on iTunes and Apple Podcasts!

Presented by the Eat Drink Dine Podcast Network

Kitchen Confidante Podcast

Episode 131: From Momofuku to Agnes and Sherman: Chef Nick Wong’s Next Chapter

Episode 130: Baking and the Meaning of Life— with Helen Goh

Episode 129: Omaha's Sushi Secret— with Chef David Utterback

Episode 128: Learning How to Cook — with Michelle Doll Olson and HelloFresh

Episode 127: The Ube Baking Book: Celebrating Filipino Flavor with Chef Henry Awayan

Episode 126: Rooted in Fire: Cooking, Culture, and Community with Chef Pyet DeSpain

Episode 125: In Good Health: How Rachel Riggs Learned to Cook for a Nourished Life

Episode 124: Anytime Cakes, Everyday Joy: Baking with Dorie Greenspan

Episode 123: Vegana Italiana: Reimagining Italian Classics with Chef Tara Punzone and Gene Stone

Episode 122: "Half-Assed Homesteading" - My Harvest Kitchen with Gesine Bullock-Prado

Episode 121: Lebanese Baking with Maureen Abood: Traditional and Modern Middle Eastern Recipes Rooted in Home and Heritage

Episode 120: Heartland Masala: Cooking with Auyon Mukharji

Episode 119: Bake it Gluten-Free with Dana Pollack

Episode 118: 30-Minute Meals the Whole Family Will Love: with Steph Loaiza of Six Sisters’ Stuff

Episode 117: From the Test Kitchen to the Great Outdoors: Cooking with Melissa Knific

Episode 116: For the Love of Chocolate with Phillip Ashley Rix

Episode 115: Modern Pioneer Pantry — with Mary Bryant Shrader of Mary’s Nest

Episode 114: Finding Fitness and Balance with Cody Rigsby

Episode 113: Engineering Chocolate with Nicole Patel

Episode 112: Soulful Vegan with Ellen Kanner

Episode 111: The Meathead Method - The Myths and Science Behind Perfect Grilling, with Meathead

Episode 110: Easy Everyday Eats with Jessica Merchant

Episode 109: America’s Most Iconic Ice Cream — with Tyler Malek of Salt & Straw

Episode 108: All I Think About Is Food — with Comedian Mamrie Hart

Episode 107: Kimchi, Cooking Memories, and A Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom, with Sarah Ahn

Episode 106: Start with a Vegetable, with Jess Smith

Episode 105: Cooking as a Team: A Couple Cook's with Sonja and Alex Overhiser

Episode 104: The Curated Board with Bebe Black Carminito

Episode 103: When Southern Women Cook with Morgan Bolling

Episode 102: Effortless Entertaining with Jessie-Sierra Ross

Episode 101: German Heritage Baking with Heidrun Metzler

Episode Notes

Episode 100: Baking in the American South, with Anne Byrn﻿

Episode 99: Anyone Can Cook, with Pixar: The Official Cookbook and Tara Theoharis

Episode 98: Entertaining with Charm with Eden Passante

Episode 97: Mestiza: Reimagining Plant-forward Pan Asian and Filipino Flavors in San Francisco, with Deanna Sison and Chef Syl Mislang

Episode 96: Global Gastronomy at Home: A Taste of the World with Rowena Scherer

Episode 95: Deliciously Entertaining with Danni Rose

Episode 94: Embracing Comfort Food: Being a Carbivore with Phoebe Lapine

Episode 93: A Slice of Inspiration: Women's Pizza Month with Christy Alia

Episode 92: Air Fryer All Day with Rebecca Abbott and Jennifer West

Episode 91: Noshing with Purpose: Micah Siva's Plant-Forward Twist on Jewish Classics

Episode 90: Cultivating Life: Gardening for Abundance with Brian Brigantti

Episode 89: Caribbean Paleo with Althea Brown

Episode 88: Demystifying Whole Grains with Bread and Roses Author Rose Wilde

Episode 87: Gluten-free Family Cooking with Lindsay Cotter

Episode 86: The Effortless Baker with Janani Elavazhagan

Episode 85: Hip Hop and Wine: Blending these Worlds in Street Somm, with Jermaine Stone

Episode 84: Redefining Filipino Food with Jacqueline Chio-Lauri and the Contributing Authors of We Cook Filipino

Episode 83: Lolo's Sari-Sari Store with Sophia Lee and Christine Almeda: A children’s book that celebrates community, connection, and Filipino culture.

Episode 82: Every Ounce of Courage with Elizabeth Ann Besa-Quirino: Weaving the Stories of WWII Bravery, Heroism, and Family in a Filipino Culinary Memoir

Episode 81: Kneaders Bakery & Café: Celebrating 25 Years with Colleen Worthington

Episode 80: The Ranch Table with Elizabeth Poett: Recipes from a Historic California Ranch

Episode 79: Worth the Hype with Frankie Celenza - Uncovering the Stories Behind Buzz-worthy Bites in Every City

Episode 78: Olive Oil Secrets, From Fruit to Bottle, with Corto Olive Company's Master Miller, David Garci-Aguirre

Episode 77: Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods - with Grace Lin

Episode Notes

Episode 76: Egg Rolls & Sweet Tea with Natalie Keng, the Sauce Maven

Episode 75: All Up in My Grill with Dale Talde

Episode 74: One-Pot Mediterranean Cooking with Samantha Ferraro

Episode 73: America’s Favorite County Fair Champion, Linda Skeens

Episode 72: Creating Food Content for Television with Jessie-Sierra Ross

Episode 71: Whole-Hog Barbeque - Celebrating its History and Tradition with Ed Mitchell and Ryan Mitchell

Episode 70: Vegan Instant Pot Cooking with Nisha Vora

Episode 69: Anna Olson's Baking Wisdom

Episode 68: Mindfulness and Connection with Japanese Vegetarian Food, with Nancy Singleton Hachisu

Episode Notes

Episode 67: SABAI: 100 Simple Thai Recipes for Any Day of the Week with Pailin Chongchitnant

Episode 66: My Vermont Table: Recipes for All (Six) Seasons with Gesine Bullock-Prado

Episode 65: Italy on a Plate with Vietri Founder & CEO Susan Gravely

Episode 64: For the Love of Seafood with Karista Bennett

Episode 63: Chinese Homestyle with Maggie Zhu

Episode 62: Traditional Italian Gelato Meets California Ingredients with Patrizia Pasqualetti

Episode 61: The Apricot Lane Farms Cookbook with Molly Chester

Episode 60: Comfort Cooking with Pasta Grannies, with Vicky Bennison

Episode 59: Sports Nutrition and Superfoods with Sarah Koszyk

Episode 58: Plant, Harvest, Cook! - with Mary Ann Esposito

Episode 57: Sheet Pan Sweets with Molly Gilbert

Episode 56: Evergreen Kitchen with Bri Beaudoin

Episode 100: Baking in the American South, with Anne Byrn