The Kitchen Counter - Home Cooking Tips and Inspiration

Jeff Mauro stops by the show today to talk about his new cookbook "Come On Over" and share tips for cooking for a crowd. We also had a lot of fun talking about the world-famous Lake Michigan smelt harvest, the malaise that is banana-flavored popsicles, and the great filbert vs. hazelnut debate. For complete show notes on this episode, visit https://kitchencounterpodcast.com/183 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

On today's smorgasbord episode we head down to New Orleans to talk with Liz Williams at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, pick up a couple of tips for find gear and organizing recipes from a listener, take a closer look at fenugreek, and wrap everything up with a new cookbook giveaway. For complete show notes on this episode, visit https://kitchencounterpodcast.com/182 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Today I get back into the kitchen for a "Let's Cook" episode! This will be my first time cooking Butter Chicken. I've had it several times at Indian Restaurants, but I have never cooked it myself (for the record, I have not made Chicken Tikka Masala either, and these dishes are closely related). I was thrilled with how it turned out and will definitely be adding this to my recipe rotation. For complete show notes on this episode, visit https://kitchencounterpodcast.com/181 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

On today's episode I welcome Josephine Caminos Oría, author and founder of La Dorita Cooks, to talk about her new book "Sobremesa: A Memoir of Food and Love in Thirteen Courses." Josephine talks about her Argentine-American upbringing, sharing stories around the family table, passing recipes through the generations (culinary time travel), and some of her favorite Argentine recipes. For complete show notes on this episode, visit https://kitchencounterpodcast.com/180 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Today on the show I welcome food journalist and artist extraordinaire Stacy Michelson to talk about her super-cool new book "Eat This Book: Knowledge to Feed Your Appetite + Inspire Your Next Meal." If you like funky hand-drawn art, food, and factoids then you are going to LOVE this book. I am finding crazy new food facts and useful cooking tips on every single page, and having a ton of fun doing it. By the way, this would be a great gift for kiddos who are curious about food and cooking. For complete show notes on this episode, visit https://kitchencounterpodcast.com/179 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

On today's show I welcome back Eatsperience Madrid co-founder and cooking coach, Isotta Peira, to talk about a recipe that is near and dear to her heart: pesto. Growing up in the birthplace of basil pesto and having learned the recipe from her Nonna, Isotta shares just what makes it special along with some easy and fun variations. For complete show notes on this episode, visit https://kitchencounterpodcast.com/178 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Today I welcome my friend Jairo back to the show to talk about one of his newfound labors of love: empanadas. We focus on the Colombian style of empanada, notably with a crust made of corn masa and then fried. In the first part we talk about our experience with and history of empanadas and in the second half we head to the kitchen where Jairo teaches me to make the masa crust. For complete show notes on this episode, visit https://kitchencounterpodcast.com/177 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Kate Johnson, cheesemaking guru and founder of The Art of Cheese, joins us today to give us all the basics for making your own cheese at home. Learn about the three general types of cheese, varieties of milk and other special ingredients, and equipment you need to get started. Whether you've never attempted your own cheese, or have dabbled a bit, I promise you are going to learn a lot today. For complete show notes on this episode, visit https://kitchencounterpodcast.com/176 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

On today's smorgasbord episode we tackle a couple of Instant Pot questions, I share my new favorite pie crust recipe, and I talk about the new giveaway system for the show. For complete show notes on this episode, visit https://kitchencounterpodcast.com/175 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Today on the show, Natasha Ho, master-trained chef and founder of The Well-Traveled Palate, stops by to chat about a perennial hot topic for home cooks. How do we take smart risks with our cooking so we can become better improvisers in the kitchen? Natasha and I bond over our fondness for left-over fat, talk about simple ingredient swaps you can make to branch out into new directions, and so much more! For complete show notes on this episode, visit https://kitchencounterpodcast.com/174 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Today on the show we are traveling to the Middle East to explore one of the most iconic and culturally significant dishes of the region: hummus. Chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and olive combine to make a universally acclaimed food that equally at home at the lunch table as it is in the supermarket aisle. For complete show notes on this episode, visit https://kitchencounterpodcast.com/173 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Welp. We made it to 2021. Should you be cooking at home in 2021? Uh, yes. Yes you should. Time for a smorgasbord! For complete show notes on this episode, visit https://kitchencounterpodcast.com/172 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Let's hop into the kitchen to do a little baking today. One of my favorite special occasion treats is homemade cinnamon rolls. With the holidays upon us what better time to roll up our sleeves and get some flour all over the place? We also talk a little about the star of the show, cinnamon, for a spice deep dive. For complete show notes on this episode, visit https://kitchencounterpodcast.com/171 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

On today's show I welcome Eatsperience Madrid co-founder and cooking coach, Isotta Peira, to talk about fusion cuisine for home cooks. Isotta and I have quite a lot in common, not least of which is a passion to help people get in their kitchens and cook. We sit down for a trans-Atlantic conversation about how to start cooking "fusion" in your home kitchen, improvising recipes, one of the most famous "fusion" foods in American cuisine, and more. For complete show notes on this episode, visit https://kitchencounterpodcast.com/170 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

We are knee-deep in comfort food season here at the Kitchen Counter, so I am going to chat about an oft-requested recipe, chicken pot pie. I also know there is a lot of interest in spices in general, so for our second segment I do a deeper dive into one particular spice: cloves. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/169 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

It's time for another Kitchen Counter Podcast Halloween special! Let me ask you a question: what's the weirdest sandwich you've ever eaten, or even heard of? Yeah? Let me tell you, it's got nothing on the monstrosities we brought to life for this episode. I think I'm going to bury that diabolical sandwich machine where no one can find it again... For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/halloween2020 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Fish lovers rejoice! Rich and Sena Wheeler of Sena Sea join me on the show to give their best tips for cooking up salmon, black cod, and halibut. They also share their background as a third-generation fishing family. You know if anyone knows how to cook fish up right, it's the people that catch it for a living and eat it all year round. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/168 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

On today's episode we are touching on several topics in true smorgasbord form! We've got instant pot, tomato soup, an update on the Halloween episode, listener feedback, and more. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/167 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

On today's episode I am joined by Sophia DeSantis, the force behind the Veggies Don't Bite website, cookbook author, and self-proclaimed "Sauce Queen." Sophia is also mother to three boys so she understand what it's like to try to make healthy food for your kids and get more veggies on their plates (and in their tummies). For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/166 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Grab some semolina flour and dust off your pasta rollers, today we are diving into fresh homemade pasta, Italian style! Valeria and Benedetta Bianchini, sisters and founders of Local Aromas (a food and wine experience company based in Rome), give you everything you need to know to start turning out fantastic fettuccine and killer cavatelli. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/165 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Today on the show I welcome Chef Joel Gamoran, one of the nation's most well-known sustainability-focused chefs and food scrap user extraordinaire! Joel is one of my favorite guests that I've ever had on the show for a couple of reasons: he's incredibly passionate about what he does (his enthusiasm is contagious), and he drops some serious knowledge bombs on what you can do with the food scraps you probably toss out on the regular. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/164 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Today we tackle that staple of brunch menus everywhere: quiche. Listen along for tips on blind baking pie crusts and how to turn out a rich, custardy "egg pie" featuring your favorite add-ins. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/163 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Today's episode is the first part in a "Let's Cook" series. The theme? You guessed it! Recipes that use a pie crust. So naturally we should begin at the beginning and put together a good all purpose crust you can use for your sweet and savory experiments. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/162 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Grilling season in nigh upon us. Let's turn our attention to that most finicky of grill fare: chicken. Versatile and popular but easy to mess up, chicken takes more TLC than say, your average burger or hot dog. Today I'm sharing seven tips to make your chicken grilling adventures more successful. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/161 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Welcome back to the kitchen! Today I am doing a live cook-through of Chicken Marsala. This version is easy and quick, and you can even pull it off on a weeknight if you have the ingredients on hand. Is it perfectly authentic? Nah. Is it damn tasty? Yep. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/160 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Friend of the show Sander Camps stops by to talk about how to set yourself up for success when it comes to baking bread. Sander shares some great tips and also talks about his journey to switch careers and become a baker. Listen to the episode for all sorts of great tips and insight on baking up some awesome bread in your home kitchen. Then head to the links in the show notes and check out some great baking resources. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/159 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Chef Risa Magid Boyer stops by the show to talk about baking sweet treats at home! As owner and operator of Vanillamore, Chef Risa is the perfect person to share some pastry baking wisdom. In this conversation we talk about everything from essential tools and techniques for beginning bakers, getting over the "I can't bake" mindset, marshmallows, and more! For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/158 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

I was craving some Cajun comfort food so I decided to tackle a favorite for this Let's Cook episode: Shrimp Etouffee. Don't let the roux-making step intimidate you; I'll walk you through it! Sourcing (or making) the shrimp stock will likely be the most difficult part of this recipe. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/157 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Today on the show I welcome Lisa Chernick, author of "Your Starter Kitchen: The Definitive Beginner's Guide to Stocking, Organizing, and Cooking in Your Kitchen." We had a great conversation about her new book, some ideas to find good equipment without a big budget, tips for new home cooks, our favorite kitchen gear, and more. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/156 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

My brother Randy stopped by the show to swap some easy recipes to prepare while being stuck at home. Since we were both under a "stay at home" order due to COVID-19, we had nothing better to do! For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/155 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Who is ready for a little smorgasbord? Today I tackle some listener questions, talk about the proper way to wash your fruits and veggies, and share a little of the improvised cooking I did over the weekend. Be sure to listen to the full episode for all the details. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/154 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Hi Everyone. I wanted to take a few minutes to talk with you about the crazy times in which we find ourselves living, and how we are getting along here at Kitchen Counter Podcast HQ. Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Today we are tackling a traditional Irish peasant dish, colcannon. At its most simple this dish is made with potatoes, cream, butter, and cabbage or kale. We are adding in some garlic and leeks to round out the savory flavor. If you can make mashed potatoes and cook down vegetables in a saute pan you can master this dish. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/153 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Listen in as I address more listener questions! Topics include: Searching for Grandma's special recipe When to use cornstarch or flour to thicken sauces Testing and reviewing store bought sauces and meal kit delivery services When is "sauteing" really "sweating?" First visit to Oregon--what should I eat? Homemade Italian style cream sauces For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/152 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Join me in the kitchen as I make semolina gnocchi. Sometimes called Roman Gnocchi (gnocchi alla Romana) it's an easy dish to master. Rich and creamy, it's perfect for a first course and excellent served with a variety of sauces, or even all on its own. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/151 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Talking points for the January 2020 Smorgasbord include: The top five most popular episodes from 2019 What you can expect to hear on this show in 2020 Listener questions and feedback including Ideas to get out of a stir fry rut Another take on the value of meal kit delivery services Ways to make your food more flavorful without salt Is making fresh pasta worth it? Just who is this "Roger" guy anyway? For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/150 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Instant Pots and other pressure cookers can make life so much easier for a home cook. You can find countless recipes online, but here are five basic uses for a pressure cooker that you can adapt to whatever recipe or cuisine you like! For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/149 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

Potatoes Au Gratin are a luxurious and delicious side dish for your holiday and other winter gatherings. Although the dish can seem intimidating, it is relatively simple and achievable for all home cooks. If you can simmer cream, slice potatoes, and shred cheese, then you are well on the way to a fantastic gratin. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/148 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected]

It's that time of year. Holiday get-togethers of all shapes and sizes are upon us. Are you hosting this year? Let's look at some tips to make your hosting duties lower stress and higher success. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/147 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected] Leave a rating and review at: http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/itunes Available on Apple Podcasts and Google Play Music

With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, I thought it would be good to resurface an episode from 2017 on how to conquer that finicky holiday turkey. This is a REPLAY of episode 103: Ten Tips to Avoid Turkey Trauma. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/103 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected] Leave a rating and review at: http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/itunes Available on Apple Podcasts and Google Play Music

Boo! It's time for the third annual Halloween special of the Kitchen Counter Podcast. What else can I say? Enjoy! For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/146 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected] Leave a rating and review at: http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/itunes Available on Apple Podcasts and Google Play Music

Let's head back to the kitchen for another "live cooking" episode featuring everyone's favorite takeout staple: fried rice. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/145 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected] Leave a rating and review at: http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/itunes Available on Apple Podcasts and Google Play Music

I often get requests to talk about ingredient substitutions when it comes to cooking and baking. On one hand, that's a pretty easy ask, what with list upon list of ingredient substitutions on the internet. On the other hand, how can a home cook think about substituting or omitting ingredients, or changing recipes, from a more general perspective? For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/144 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected] Leave a rating and review at: http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/itunes Available on Apple Podcasts and Google Play Music

Today's live cooking episode finds me in the kitchen making the popular Northern African spiced tomato stew and egg dish. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/143 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected] Leave a rating and review at: http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/itunes Available on Apple Podcasts and Google Play Music

Stoke up the campfires and grills, today we are diving into pie iron goodness with the authors of Pudgie Revolution: Pie Iron Cookin' for Food-Lovin' Campers. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/142 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected] Leave a rating and review at: http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/itunes Available on Apple Podcasts and Google Play Music

In this episode I tackle some more listener questions! It's a wide ranging show with topics including good pub appetizers, favorite uses for fresh tomatoes, how best to reheat frozen pasta, good ways to dry chiles, and more. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/141 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected] Leave a rating and review at: http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/itunes Available on Apple Podcasts and Google Play Music

On today's smorgasbord episode I talk about kamodo grills, the HerbRally Podcast, pudgie pies, and cooking with nuts. Listen on for all the smorgasbord goodness! For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/140 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected] Leave a rating and review at: http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/itunes Available on Apple Podcasts and Google Play Music

New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in North America (or the world, for that matter). Listen in live from the Bourbon O Bar on the corner of Bourbon and Orleans Streets as my brother, Randy, and I share our favorite culinary and cultural moments from our long weekend in the Crescent City. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/139 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected] Leave a rating and review at: http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/itunes Available on Apple Podcasts and Google Play Music

Air fryers are the hottest kitchen gadgets going, but what are they and how do they actually work? Is it possible to make deep-fried foods with a tiny fraction of the oil? Listen on for everything you need to know before you dive into the air frying craze. For complete show notes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/138 Connect with the show at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected] Leave a rating and review at: http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/itunes Available on Apple Podcasts and Google Play Music

Day one of our 3.5 day tour of New Orleans kicks off. Randy and I do a super-short recap of everything we ate in our quest to cross off 23 bucket list foods!