The Kitchen Counter - Home Cooking Tips and Inspiration

Today's episode is all about listener questions. Here's what I tackle in this edition of "Kitchen Questions": I need help with planning food for a party! What's the best way to store lettuce so it stays fresher longer? I'm ready to upgrade to a better kitchen knife. Are the really expensive knives worth the money? How do you take advantage of BBQ season when you live in a small apartment without a grill? What is your favorite method to cook bacon? For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/87 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 Google Play Music

Talking points for today's "smorgasbord" episode: Cauliflower crust pizza Thoughts on the Instant Pot Is Blue Apron bad for home cooking? Cookbook giveaway! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/86 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 Google Play Music

Using herbs and spices can be intimidating for new or inexperienced home cooks. Take some of the fear away with these seven tips! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/85 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 Google Play Music

Seth Heasley of the "Take Me to Your Reader" podcast joins me to get deep into chili...just in time for the big game! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/84 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 Google Play Music

We all make mistakes in the kitchen. Let's get ahead of some of the common ones and kick up our cooking successes in 2017! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/83 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 Google Play Music

What's in store for the show in 2017? What's been on my mind lately? Let's check in and get ready for a fantastic new year! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/82 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 Google Play Music

It's time to talk butter; the compound kind. Get ready for a flavor blast! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/81 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 Google Play Music

It's apple season! Let's talk about the world's greatest fruit and three easy ways to preserve apples so you can enjoy them even after the leaves have all fallen. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/80 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 Google Play Music

Friend of the show Ellie Alexander returns to give us an update on her latest book, "Caught Bread Handed." She shares the scoop on what Jules has been up to in her latest foray into the world of sugar, baking, and murder. We also talk about a delicious orange tomato soup (recipe below), how the latest trends in baking are a return to the comforts of days past, artsy pies, and a potential killer lurking in your spice cabinet. Do me a favor; if you are allergic to tree nuts, google "things to avoid if I'm allergic to tree nuts" and just stay away from all the stuff you find there, alright? Thanks. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/79 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 Google Play Music

Salty, bitter, sweet, sour, and umami. These are the five tastes, and today I'm talking all about them and how your cooking can benefit by understanding their relationship to one another. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/78 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 Google Play Music

Monique Koch from Brownvegan.com stops by to give me the scoop on vegan cooking. Full of inspiration for vegans and non-vegans alike! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/76 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 Google Play Music

Let's talk about the six essential steps to building the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/75 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

Jairo from the True Bromance Film Podcast is on today to share his Pico De Gallo recipe! It's a good one, and Jairo is my go-to resource for Latin American cooking. Check it out! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/74 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

Today my friend JD Sutter from Porchlight Family Media is on to deliver a guest Quick Fix episode. Grape jelly mayonnaise? Have we gone crazy? Nah. Listen on for a new twist to your next burger bash! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/73 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

Could you live for a year on nothing but fermented foods? Just what exactly is fermentation anyway? Derek Dellinger joins me today to talk about "The Fermented Man." For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/72 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

Final day of my week-long grilling series tackles grilled mushroom skewers. Yum! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/71 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

Day four of my week-long grilling series takes a turn to the sweet side with some grilled peaches. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/70 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

Day three of my week-long grilling series. Today I bring you the EASIEST grilling side dish I know--grilled corn on the cob. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/69 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

Day two of my week-long grilling quick fixes: Whiskey BBQ Sauce. Super easy and darn delicious! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/68 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

Day one of my week of grilling quick fix episodes! Listen on for the last BBQ rub you'll ever need. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/67 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

Today we talk about the magical process of the Maillard Reaction and caramelization. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/66 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

Tired of cooking the same old things week in and week out? Listen on dear home cook for ideas to jump the tracks and try something new! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/65 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

Listen in for some cooking inspiration as I recruit my brother for a "five favorite cookbooks" conversation! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/64 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

Today I'm bringing you an episode that is near and dear to my heart. I had the opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with Joy Church, executive director of The Portland Kitchen. This is a non-profit that helps kids learn to cook and gets them ready to make meals for their families or builds skills for a culinary career. It's all-around awesome and I encourage you to check out the episode, then head over to theportlandkitchen.org to learn more and help out if you can. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/63 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

A tour of the five classic French mother sauces is the topic in this episode! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/62 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

Legit three-ingredient peanut butter cookies. What are you waiting for? For complete show notes and recipes on thisepisode,visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/61 Connect withtheshow at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcast Twitter: @TKCpodcast Email: [email protected] Leave aratingand review at: http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/itunes

Today it's all about the sauce. Well, at least a few of them. This is part one of a two-part series on sauces. In this show we tackles pan sauces and thickeners. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/60 Connect with the show at:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchencounterpodcastTwitter: @TKCpodcastEmail: [email protected] Leave a rating and review at: http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/itunes

Butterscotch sauce. Take 5 minutes and get it on! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/59 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

Super easy and super delicious baked potato wedges for your next grilling side dish. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/58 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

My friend Jairo and I tackle our favorite Latin American dishes and have a really fun conversation to boot. You'll be starving after this episode, I promise! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/57 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

Monkey puzzle bread...super easy and crowd pleasing. Careful though, you might eat the whole thing yourself. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/56 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

Irish eyes are smiling today as I talk about the ultimate (?) comfort food...shepherd's pie. Oh yeah, a tangent on reductions is thrown in for good measure. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/55 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

Everybody is pinched for time, so check out these seven tips to win back the minutes and hours in the kitchen! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/54 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

One of the quickest Quick Fixes I have...easy asparagus! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/53 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

Join me as I have a conversation with Bakeshop Mystery author Ellie Alexander. We talk baking, murder, Ashland Oregon, and more! FYI, the butler probably didn't do it. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/52 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

Who is ready to get their braise on? In this episode I give an overview of my favorite cooking method, and why it is great for busy people and new cooks alike! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/51 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

Today we are talking ultimate wontons, and three magic ingredients. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/50 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

Sometime's it's tough to know where to even begin when you start cooking. Where to find inspiration for the type of food you want to make? Let's take a look at the three places you can find your home cooking muse. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/49 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

Kick the can to the curb. It's time to make homemade tomato soup. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/48 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

The new year is upon us. Skip the rigid and immutable resolutions this year. Instead, let's talk about setting goals for your cooking! I also talk about what's in store for the podcast this year. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/47 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

Stop settling for that stuff you buy in a tub at the store. Give yourself 5 minutes and you'll have the best whipped cream you've ever eaten! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/46 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

Let's get our roasted chicken on! It's easier than you think, and will save you time in the kitchen and money in your pocket. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/45 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

Struggling to figure out what to buy the cook in your life? Looking to pick up a little something for yourself this holiday season? Have no fear--I've got 10 winning items right here for you! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/44 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

Brussels sprouts rebooted. No more mushy, soggy, stinky sprouts! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/43 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

Humor me as I go on a mild rant about sensationalism in journalism when it comes to food and health. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/42 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

Garlic lovers rejoice! Today I give you the super quick run down on how to roast garlic. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/41 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

Cranberry walnut quick bread. You know you want it. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/40 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

Fall is here, and that excites me! I'll share some easy ideas for seasonal fall produce, provide an update on the show, and answer a listener question about pinterest. For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/39 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

Let's talk about five things that will make your time in the kitchen more fun, less stressful, and help you turn out better food! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/38 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

You say tomato, I say...uh...tomato? Let's do a quick caprese salad! For complete show notes and recipes on this episode, visit http://kitchencounterpodcast.com/37 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