Category: Fun with Food

  • 71: Retro Fall Favorites: A Menu Time Machine

    71: Retro Fall Favorites: A Menu Time Machine

    What did autumn taste like in 1965 or the 1980s? Using vintage newspapers from Storied, we’re touring retro fall menus filled with apple and pumpkin recipes. Compare recipes then and now, and find forgotten gems worth bringing back to your fall cooking rotation.

  • 68: A Seat at the Tray Table: The Story of the TV Dinner

    68: A Seat at the Tray Table: The Story of the TV Dinner

    The TV dinner holds a special place in American food culture, representing both convenience and childhood memories of burning your tongue on molten apple dessert. We trace the history of these frozen meals from wartime innovation to modern culinary convenience, examining how they’ve shaped our relationship with food and family dining.

  • 66: Celebrating National Farmers Market Week

    66: Celebrating National Farmers Market Week

    National Farmers Market Week celebrates 26 years of highlighting these vital community hubs. From timing your visits to discovering new ingredients, we share practical tips for making the most of your local market experience while connecting with seasonal flavors.

  • 63: Slice by Slice: The Story Behind Poundcake and Shortcake

    63: Slice by Slice: The Story Behind Poundcake and Shortcake

    These classic desserts carry centuries of culinary wisdom, each with fascinating origins. Poundcake gets its name from the traditional recipe calling for a pound each of four key ingredients, while shortcake’s “short” comes from an old English word meaning crisp. We trace how these humble cakes became cornerstones of American dessert culture, sharing family favorites…

  • 56: Kitchen Copycat: The Art of Recipe Recreation

    56: Kitchen Copycat: The Art of Recipe Recreation

    From a famous New York bakery’s chocolate chip cookies to restaurant-style salad dressings, this episode shares tips for recreating dishes at home. Learn when to use online copycat recipes, why asking the chef can work, and what restaurant cookbooks might not tell you about their signature dishes.

  • 53: The Chocolate Files: Past, Present & Possibilities

    53: The Chocolate Files: Past, Present & Possibilities

    What turns bitter cacao beans into silky smooth chocolate? From ancient Mesoamerican currency to European luxury drink, this episode unpacks chocolate’s remarkable story. Food writer Ashley leads us through the nuances of dark, milk, and white chocolate varieties, sharing her expert tips for chocolate pairings and tastings. We discuss Dutch innovations in cocoa powder, Joseph…

  • 51: Beyond the Glaze: America’s Donut Heritage

    51: Beyond the Glaze: America’s Donut Heritage

    Donut lovers, rejoice! This episode looks into the deliciousness of donuts. Discover their history, regional variations, and the art of donut-making. Go from classic glazed to unique creations, indulge your sweet tooth and explore the many faces of this beloved treat.

  • 50: Ringing in the New Year With Global Celebrations

    50: Ringing in the New Year With Global Celebrations

    Celebrate the New Year, global style! Join us as we explore diverse cultural traditions, from Finnish leaps to Spanish grapes. Discover the culinary delights and symbolic rituals that usher in a new year. Let’s ring in the New Year together!

  • 45: Blast from the Past: Thanksgiving Celebrations Through the Decades

    45: Blast from the Past: Thanksgiving Celebrations Through the Decades

    During the Great Depression, families found creative ways to keep Thanksgiving traditions alive. From budget-friendly adaptations to surprisingly elaborate spreads, discover how Americans celebrated the holiday during the nation’s toughest economic chapter.

  • 42: I Want Candy!

    42: I Want Candy!

    Halloween candy cravings? Join us for a sweet adventure! Explore the history of trick-or-treating, favorite Halloween candies, and tips for using leftover sweets. Regardless of your favorite candy, this episode satisfies your sweet tooth!