Show 500, November 19, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

“The mission of California’s Sterling Caviar is to produce the finest sustainable, California farmed white sturgeon and caviar roe in an environmentally responsible manner that respects the species, the environment, their communities, staff, and customers. They want their chefs to have a product that supports the current culture of transparency that consumers demand. Sterling contributes to research to grow the wild population of California’s sturgeon- they are one of only two populations globally, listed as “of least concern”. California-based Sterling Caviar currently offers five grades of white sturgeon caviar. Their caviar is graded by egg size and texture, and – in the case of their Imperial grade only – by color.” Jeff Sedacca, Sterling Caviar’s Chief Executive Officer, takes a break from packing the golden colored Imperial Caviar and joins us.

Tara “Teaspoon” Bench’s newest cookbook (and just in time for the Holidays) is Delicious Gatherings – Recipes to Celebrate Together. “Here is your invitation to step into the kitchen and create a meal worth remembering! Tara Teaspoon helps you impress guests and gather friends around your table with recipes for elevated everyday meals and special holidays, plus helpful tips and how-tos. This cookbook aims to bring joy, flair, and amazing taste to all your get-togethers. Tara brings her comforting-but-elevated approach to recipes that cover “Main Events,” “Serious Sides,” “Breakfast and Brunch,” and “Baking and Sweets.” The book opens with “Gather-Around Dinners,” which takes the stress out of meal planning with full-course menus for memorable gatherings.” Tara “Teaspoon” Bench is our guest with whisk securely in hand.

Hedonistas de la Fe mezcal of Oaxaca, Mexico is made in small batches according to a 500-year-old tradition. The agave is hand harvested and toasted in earthen mounds, mashed with a stone wheel, and fermented in traditional open-air wooden vats. In every step quality and tradition guide Hedonista. Their Maestro Mezcalero, Gerardo “Kim” Santiago Hernandez, brings three generations of experience and love into the making of Hedonistas mezcals. Steeped in tradition he works his magic to bring the consumer the best mezcal in every batch. All four of the Hedonista varietals embody unique flavors reflecting the terroir and craftsmanship of proprietary family recipes from their Master Mezcalero, Gerardo “Kaín” Santiago Hernandez.” Co-founder Bhalin Singh (also a chef) is our guest to uncork all that is Hedonista de la Fe mezcal.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. The final countdown to Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 24th continues. As an experienced restaurant chef with serious fine-dining experience Chef Andrew wants all home cooks to have a stress-free and uneventful Thanksgiving. Chef Andrew now shares his concluding morsels of genuinely useful Thanksgiving cooking tips. Creative side dishes truly make the Thanksgiving table and Chef Andrew, of course, has some added tasty thoughts. Is there perhaps a better alternative to the traditional jellied cranberry than what comes out of the can? You bet. We’ll ask the chef…

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 500, November 19, 2022: Tara “Teaspoon” Bench with Delicious Gatherings – Recipes to Celebrate Together Part One

Tara Bench

Tara “Teaspoon” Bench’s newest cookbook (and just in time for the Holidays) is Delicious Gatherings – Recipes to Celebrate Together. “Here is your invitation to step into the kitchen and create a meal worth remembering! Tara Teaspoon helps you impress guests and gather friends around your table with recipes for elevated everyday meals and special holidays, plus helpful tips and how-tos. This cookbook aims to bring joy, flair, and amazing taste to all your get-togethers.”

“From Sunday suppers and weeknight family meals to elaborate buffets for bigger crowds and holiday celebrations, Tara’s recipes include delicious showstoppers and unique takes on comforting classics. You can gather together around savory recipes, including Spicy Maple Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Pepitas or the Ultimate Chili con Queso. Then bring on dessert with Chocolate Peanut Butter Puddle Cookies or Maple Hazelnut Pie.”

“Tara brings her comforting-but-elevated approach to recipes that cover “Main Events,” “Serious Sides,” “Breakfast and Brunch,” and “Baking and Sweets.” The book opens with “Gather-Around Dinners,” which takes the stress out of meal planning with full-course menus for memorable gatherings.”

“I am so passionate about the power of food and cooking, and how it can bring people together, allow us to explore our creativity, and nourish our bodies and souls.”—Tara Bench (aka Tara Teaspoon).

“Tara Bench has been in the food publishing industry for more than twenty years and is also the author of Live Life Deliciously: Recipes for Busy Weekdays and Leisurely Weekends. As a recipe developer and professional food stylist, she creates food content for brands, books, television, and advertising, as well as shares her expertise on her blog.”

In the spirit of the Holidays, Tara has graciously shared with us two representative recipes from Delicious Gatherings. They are Loaded Guacamole Dip and Waldorf Salad with Radicchio and Buttermilk Dressing.

Tara “Teaspoon” Bench is our guest with whisk in hand.

Show 500, November 19, 2022: Tara “Teaspoon” Bench with Delicious Gatherings – Recipes to Celebrate Together Part Two

Tara Bench

Tara “Teaspoon” Bench’s newest cookbook (and just in time for the Holidays) is Delicious Gatherings – Recipes to Celebrate Together. “Here is your invitation to step into the kitchen and create a meal worth remembering! Tara Teaspoon helps you impress guests and gather friends around your table with recipes for elevated everyday meals and special holidays, plus helpful tips and how-tos. This cookbook aims to bring joy, flair, and amazing taste to all your get-togethers.”

“From Sunday suppers and weeknight family meals to elaborate buffets for bigger crowds and holiday celebrations, Tara’s recipes include delicious showstoppers and unique takes on comforting classics. You can gather together around savory recipes, including Spicy Maple Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Pepitas or the Ultimate Chili con Queso. Then bring on dessert with Chocolate Peanut Butter Puddle Cookies or Maple Hazelnut Pie.”

“Tara brings her comforting-but-elevated approach to recipes that cover “Main Events,” “Serious Sides,” “Breakfast and Brunch,” and “Baking and Sweets.” The book opens with “Gather-Around Dinners,” which takes the stress out of meal planning with full-course menus for memorable gatherings.”

“I am so passionate about the power of food and cooking, and how it can bring people together, allow us to explore our creativity, and nourish our bodies and souls.”—Tara Bench (aka Tara Teaspoon).

In the spirit of the Holidays, Tara has graciously shared with us two representative recipes from Delicious Gatherings. They are Loaded Guacamole Dip and Waldorf Salad with Radicchio and Buttermilk Dressing.

Tara “Teaspoon” Bench continues with us with whisk securely in hand.

Waldorf Salad with Radicchio & Buttermilk Dressing

Waldorf Salad with Radicchio and Buttermilk Dressing by Tara Bench

Recipe excerpt from:
Delicious Gatherings: Recipes To Celebrate Together
by Tara “Teaspoon” Bench

Really, the resembelence to classic Waldorf salad is just the combo of apples, celery, and grapes — but I just love that one of my favorite salads heralded from New York City, where I live. I’m paying a little homage to its history! With shaved apple, flavorful radicchio, and a light, savory buttermilk dressing, this updated version of Waldorf salad is elegant and welcoming. I made a tangy buttermilk herb dressing and opted for delicious candied pecans instead of walnuts.

I absolutely loved Waldorf salad when I was little, and here’s why: instead of the classic mayo dressing, my mom covered the entire salad in sweetened whipped cream. I could eat the entire bowl, and who wouldn’t with that kind of dressing?

Candied Pecans

  • 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • ¾ cups (3 oz) pecans

Buttermilk Dressing

  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp chopped chives
  • 1 Tbsp chopped parsley, plus for garnish

Salad

  • 1 small head or half a large head of radicchio (10 oz)
  • 1 apple, cored and cut in half
  • 3 ribs celery, sliced on the bias
  • 1 ½ cups red grapes, sliced in half
  1. For the pecans: Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside. In a small skillet over medium heat, bring maple syrup and cayenne to a boil. Boil 1 minute, and then add pecans. Stir to coat and cook another 30 seconds. Turn onto lined baking sheet and separate nuts. Set aside and let cool completely. When cool, coarsely chop.
     
  2. For the dressing: Whisk together all ingredients and set aside in the refrigerator.
     
  3. For the salad: Break or chop radicchio into pieces. Use a mandoline or slicer to thinly slice apple. Arrange radicchio, apple, celery, and grapes in a bowl, then top with chopped pecans. You can toss with the dressing and extra parsley at this point, or you can serve the salad with the dressing and parsley on the side so guests can dress their own salad.

Tara’s Tip: Radicchio is a very strong, sometimes bitter leafy vegetable. I think it’s fantastic with tangy buttermilk and yogurt. But if you want a milder salad, opt for butter lettuce leaves.

Loaded Guacamole Dip

Loaded Guacamole Dip by Tara Bench

Recipe excerpt from:
Delicious Gatherings: Recipes To Celebrate Together
by Tara “Teaspoon” Bench

TURN THAT FAMOUS seven-layer dip on its head! You know the one; I’ve got a gorgeous
version on my blog
. Here, I’ve loaded a tasty layer of guacamole with so much good stuff (and some new additions). I wanted a dip that could serve as a centerpiece, so I’ve composed the platter to look impressive. It’s a showstopper that’s perfect for dipping your chips into, scooping onto enchiladas, or dolloping on a taco salad. Your taste buds will know what to expect—amazingness!

I suggest making your own simple guacamole with my quick-cheat tomatillo salsa recipe provided here. But in a pinch, you can buy the guac. I won’t tell.

Taco Crema

  • 1 ¼  cups sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning

Guacamole

  • 5 ripe avocados
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup green tomatillo salsa
  • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Green Salsa

  • ¾ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped scallions
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeño

Toppings

  • 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups finely diced tomatoes,
  • seeds removed and drained of juice
  • 1 to 1 ¼  cups crumbled cotija cheese
  • Half a can (15-ounce) black beans,
  • drained and rinsed
  • ¾ cup roasted corn kernels
  • Chips for serving

Instructions

  1. For the taco crema: In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream and taco seasoning.
    Set aside in the fridge while you prepare the remaining elements.
  2. For the guacamole: In a large bowl, smash all guacamole ingredients until you
    achieve a slightly chunky consistency. Cover and set aside.
  3. For the green salsa: Mix together all green salsa ingredients. Set aside.
  4. Prepare remaining toppings.
  5. On a large platter (I used an oval platter 12-by-14- or 12-by-16-inches), spread
    guacamole in a .1/4- to .1/2 -inch-thick layer. Gently spread taco crema on guacamole
    in a single layer, leaving a border of guacamole. Carefully create a ring
    of chopped tomatoes near the edge of the sour cream, then do the same with a
    smaller ring of cotija cheese. Continue making rings with the green salsa and
    the black beans, finishing with the corn in the center. Make sure to create very
    skinny rings so there is room for each ingredient.
  6. Serve immediately with chips, or cover and refrigerate for up to an hour.

Tara’s Tip: In order to create this look, you need enough dip ingredients for a large crowd. For smaller groups, halve the recipe. “Load” your dip however you wish on your platter or layer it in a glass dish. It’s tricky to get perfect rings of toppings on your first try. You can start in the middle with the corn and work outward if that is easier for you!

November 19: Sterling Caviar, Tara Teaspoon, Hedonistas de la Fe mezcal

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Jeff Sedacca, Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Caviar, Elverta, CA Part One
Segment Three: Jeff Sedacca, Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Caviar, Elverta, CA Part Two
Segment Four: Tara “Teaspoon” Bench with Delicious Gatherings – Recipes to Celebrate Together Part One
Segment Five: Tara “Teaspoon” Bench with Delicious Gatherings – Recipes to Celebrate Together Part Two
Segment Six: Bhalin Singh, Co-Founder, Hedonistas de la Fe Mezcal from Oaxaca Part One
Bhalin Singh, Co-Founder, Hedonistas de la Fe Mezcal from Oaxaca Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

“The mission of California’s Sterling Caviar is to produce the finest sustainable, California farmed white sturgeon and caviar roe in an environmentally responsible manner that respects the species, the environment, their communities, staff, and customers. They want their chefs to have a product that supports the current culture of transparency that consumers demand. Sterling contributes to research to grow the wild population of California’s sturgeon- they are one of only two populations globally, listed as “of least concern”. California-based Sterling Caviar currently offers five grades of white sturgeon caviar. Their caviar is graded by egg size and texture, and – in the case of our Imperial grade only – by color.” Jeff Sedacca, Sterling Caviar’s Chief Executive Officer, takes a break from packing the golden colored Imperial Caviar and joins us.

Tara “Teaspoon” Bench’s newest cookbook (and just in time for the Holidays) is Delicious Gatherings – Recipes to Celebrate Together. “Here is your invitation to step into the kitchen and create a meal worth remembering! Tara Teaspoon helps you impress guests and gather friends around your table with recipes for elevated everyday meals and special holidays, plus helpful tips and how-tos. This cookbook aims to bring joy, flair, and amazing taste to all your get-togethers. Tara brings her comforting-but-elevated approach to recipes that cover “Main Events,” “Serious Sides,” “Breakfast and Brunch,” and “Baking and Sweets.” The book opens with “Gather-Around Dinners,” which takes the stress out of meal planning with full-course menus for memorable gatherings.” Tara “Teaspoon” Bench is our guest with whisk securely in hand.

“Hedonistas de la Fe mezcal is made in small batches according to a 500-year-old tradition. The agave is hand harvested and toasted in earthen mounds, mashed with a stone wheel, and fermented in traditional open-air wooden vats. In every step quality and tradition guide Hedonista. Their Maestro Mezcalero, Gerardo “Kim” Santiago Hernandez, brings three generations of experience and love into the making of Hedonistas mezcals. Steeped in tradition he works his magic to bring the consumer the best mezcal in every batch. All four of the Hedonista varietals embody unique flavors reflecting the terroir and craftsmanship of proprietary family recipes from their Master Mezcalero, Gerardo “Kaín” Santiago Hernandez.” Co-founder Bhalin Singh (also a chef) is our guest to uncork all that is Hedonista de la Fe mezcal.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. The final countdown to Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 24th continues. As an experienced restaurant chef with serious fine-dining experience Chef Andrew wants all home cooks to have a stress-free and uneventful Thanksgiving. Chef Andrew now shares his concluding morsels of genuinely useful Thanksgiving cooking tips. Creative side dishes truly make the Thanksgiving table and Chef Andrew, of course, has some added tasty thoughts. Is there perhaps a better alternative to the traditional jellied cranberry than what comes out of the can? We’ll ask the chef…

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Jeff Sedecca of Sterling Caviar

Sterling Caviar, now the largest caviar producer in the United States, has an illustrious history going back to 1983 when Stolt Sea Farm started sturgeon production in Wilton, CA. In 1985, Sierra Aquafarms started operations in Elverta, CA (current site of Sterling Caviar), and soon became the pioneer in water recirculating technology. Soon, the two companies formed a joint venture and operated as Stolt Sea Farm California LLC with the goal of developing methods for producing caviar from sturgeon.”

“In 1988, the Elverta and Wilton farms became the first commercial sturgeon farming operation in California using sustainable farming practices and tank reconfigurations. Soon, the farms, stocked with world-famous white sturgeon, began producing caviar. Several years later in 1993, and thanks to the ongoing collaboration with U.C. Davis and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Elverta and Wilton farms became the first in the world to produce commercial quantities of caviar from tank-raised sturgeon!”

“In 2006, Stolt Sea Farm California LLC changed its name to Sterling Caviar and continued to operate four farms in California: Elverta, Wilton, Elk Grove and Ione. In October 2020, Sterling Caviar and its farms were acquired by its new owner, Eugene Fernandez, a New York entrepreneur / businessman intent on growing the aquaculture business while adhering to the work ethics and principles taught by his late father. With a truly dedicated, supportive, and highly-knowledgeable Management team in place, the Company continues to be the leading producer of domestic caviar, serving the most discerning chefs, customers, and caviar connoisseurs both here in the U.S. and abroad.”

Jeff Sedacca, Sterling Caviar’s Chief Executive Officer, takes a break from packing the Imperial Caviar and joins us.

Tara Bench

Tara “Teaspoon” Bench’s newest cookbook (and just in time for the Holidays) is Delicious Gatherings – Recipes to Celebrate Together. “Here is your invitation to step into the kitchen and create a meal worth remembering! Tara Teaspoon helps you impress guests and gather friends around your table with recipes for elevated everyday meals and special holidays, plus helpful tips and how-tos. This cookbook aims to bring joy, flair, and amazing taste to all your get-togethers.”

“From Sunday suppers and weeknight family meals to elaborate buffets for bigger crowds and holiday celebrations, Tara’s recipes include delicious showstoppers and unique takes on comforting classics. You can gather together around savory recipes, including Spicy Maple Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Pepitas or the Ultimate Chili con Queso. Then bring on dessert with Chocolate Peanut Butter Puddle Cookies or Maple Hazelnut Pie.”

“Tara brings her comforting-but-elevated approach to recipes that cover “Main Events,” “Serious Sides,” “Breakfast and Brunch,” and “Baking and Sweets.” The book opens with “Gather-Around Dinners,” which takes the stress out of meal planning with full-course menus for memorable gatherings.”

“I am so passionate about the power of food and cooking, and how it can bring people together, allow us to explore our creativity, and nourish our bodies and souls.”—Tara Bench (aka Tara Teaspoon).

“Tara Bench has been in the food publishing industry for more than twenty years and is also the author of Live Life Deliciously: Recipes for Busy Weekdays and Leisurely Weekends. As a recipe developer and professional food stylist, she creates food content for brands, books, television, and advertising, as well as shares her expertise on her blog.”

Tara “Teaspoon” Bench is our guest with whisk in hand.

Bhalin Singh of Hedonistas de la Fe Mezcal

Hedonistas de la Fe mezcal is made in small batches according to a 500-year-old tradition. The agave is hand harvested and toasted in earthen mounds, mashed with a stone wheel, and fermented in traditional open-air wooden vats. In every step quality and tradition guide Hedonista. Their Maestro Mezcalero, Gerardo “Kain” Santiago Hernandez, brings three generations of experience and love into the making of Hedonistas mezcals. Steeped in tradition he works his magic to bring the consumer the best mezcal in every batch.”

“Hedonistas de la Fe mezcal is grown, harvested and produced in Oaxaca, Mexico. This allows Hedonista to source agave from consistent terroir within Oaxaca under the direct supervision of Mezcalero Kain.”

“All four of the Hedonista varietals embody unique flavors reflecting the terroir and craftsmanship of proprietary family recipes from their Master Mezcalero, Gerardo “Kaín” Santiago Hernandez.”

“The flavor profiles vary from the cultivated ESPADIN, with its full mouth-feel of brine and tropical fruit, to their wild mezcals, which include the sublime and elegant CUISHE, the powerhouse TOBALA, and the regal TEPEZTATE.”

Co-founder Bhalin Singh (also a chef) is our guest to uncork all that is Hedonista de la Fe mezcal.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

The final countdown to Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 24th continues. As an experienced restaurant chef with serious fine-dining experience Chef Andrew wants all home cooks to have a stress-free and uneventful Thanksgiving where the home cook can enjoy the evening. Chef Andrew now shares his concluding morsels of genuinely useful Thanksgiving cooking tips. Creative side dishes truly make the Thanksgiving table and Chef Andrew, of course, has some added tasty thoughts. Is there a better alternative to the traditional jellied cranberry than what comes out of the can? We’ll ask the chef…

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Jeff Sedacca, Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Caviar, Elverta, CA Part One
Segment Three: Jeff Sedacca, Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Caviar, Elverta, CA Part Two
Segment Four: Tara “Teaspoon” Bench with Delicious Gatherings – Recipes to Celebrate Together Part One
Segment Five: Tara “Teaspoon” Bench with Delicious Gatherings – Recipes to Celebrate Together Part Two
Segment Six: Bhalin Singh, Co-Founder, Hedonistas de la Fe Mezcal from Oaxaca Part One
Bhalin Singh, Co-Founder, Hedonistas de la Fe Mezcal from Oaxaca Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

Show 402, December 5, 2020: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Time for a generous serving of Holiday Cheer. …We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

“Dubbed “The Stir-Fry Guru” by the New York Times, Grace Young has devoted her career to celebrating wok cookery through her cookbooks and videos. On March 15, 2020, she began Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories, an oral history project with videographer Dan Ahn, in collaboration with Poster House, documenting the stories of how Manhattan’s Chinatown has been impacted by COVID-19. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History featured Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories in their 2020 Youth Summit for middle and high school students as an exemplar of how one person is addressing the challenging question of how we choose to strengthen a community in the middle of a pandemic.” Grace Young, a multiple James Beard Award recipient, joins us.

We’re delighted to welcome back accomplished food editor, recipe creator and food stylist, Tara Bench, discussing Holiday cooking.Tara Bench (aka “Tara Teaspoon”) has spent more than twenty years in the food publishing industry creating recipes and articles, and food styling for various magazines, books, television, and advertising.  Working as a food editor at Martha Stewart Living, and as the food and entertaining director of Ladies’ Home Journal, she knows how to write recipes for beginners as well as real foodies. Her philosophy is that anyone can cook and enjoy their time in the kitchen, and in her first cookbook, Live Life Deliciously – Recipes for Busy Weekdays & Leisurely Weekends, she proves it.” We’re back in the kitchen cooking with Tara Bench.

Connie and Ted’s in West Hollywood is inspired by the real Connie & Ted (the grandparents of Chef & Proprietor Michael Cimarusti,) their love for family, and the good times they spent together fishing off the shores of New England. At Connie and Ted’s you’ll find simply prepared fish and shellfish, inspired by the classic clam shacks, oyster bars, and fish houses, that dot the New England Seaboard and the West Coast. General Manager Matthew DeMarte has been there since the beginning. We’ll reel him in to explain how Connie & Ted’s is now hospitably serving their guests with takeaway.

Rob Lewis is the proprietor of both Lewis Station Winery and Stable Rock Winery & Distillery in Wisconsin. He started as an accomplished  home winemaker. “Lewis Station Winery is one of Wisconsin’s unique premium urban wineries in a re-purposed gas station. They specialize in small-batch, hand crafted premium award-winning wines using a low sulfite, natural approach to wine making.  “Stable Rock Winery & Distillery is a brand new winery & distillery located in a historic stable, on the banks of the Rock River in Jefferson, Wisconsin. Stable Rock has several German influences with it’s wines and food all while guests sit at authentic German Beer Garden tables. Winemaker Rob Lewis joins us to pull the cork on the specifics of home winemaking.

“Those who want to support small businesses and get great, high-quality artisan-made food to take home, will enjoy the continuing Artisan Pop-Up, every Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at OC Baking Company (1960 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92865). Guests can pick up with the convenience of one-stop shopping delicious fresh-baked breads from OC Baking Company; heart-warming curries from ADYA; and croissants, pastries and quiche from Crema Artisan Bakery. Other gourmet food items available, too, from local, artisan small purveyors. Artisans and offerings vary every Friday.” Many of the purveyors are cash only. Be prepared.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants which is a genuine (and growing) concern. New restrictions for restaurants are now in effect for all of Southern California as we approach the all-important Holiday dining season. Our thoughts now turn to festive Holiday entertaining at home. Chef Andrew presented his recipe for Lobster Pot Pie (guaranteed comfort food) on the Hallmark Channel’s “Home & Family” show this week. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 402, December 5, 2020: Tara Bench – Food Editor, Recipe Developer and Food Stylist with Live Life Deliciously

Tara BenchWe’re delighted to welcome back food editor and recipe creator Tara Bench discussing Holiday cooking. “Tara Bench (aka “Tara Teaspoon”) has spent more than twenty years in the food publishing industry creating recipes and articles, and food styling for various magazines, books, television, and advertising. Working as a food editor at Martha Stewart Living, and as the food and entertaining director of Ladies’ Home Journal, she knows how to write recipes for beginners as well as real foodies. Her philosophy is that anyone can cook and enjoy their time in the kitchen, and in her first cookbook, Live Life Deliciously – Recipes for Busy Weekdays & Leisurely Weekends, she proves it.”

“Whether you’re a casual cook or a die-hard, classically-trained chef, you’ll have complete success on each and every recipe. She sets you up with flavor descriptions and tips and tricks (including an entire section on kitchen equipment, her favorite tools, and why they are so important).”

“Each chapter is from the heart and inspired by Tara’s family heritage and experiences eating at the best restaurants and tastiest dives in New York City. Create wonderful memories through food you can share with the people who love and inspire you.”

Tara will share some of her Holiday favorite recipes that are enjoyed by her own Family. You’ll be tempted with Mandarin and Prosciutto Crostini, and Moroccan Kebabs with Chermoula Sauce.

We’re happily back in the kitchen with Tara Bench.

December 5: Grace Young, Tara Teaspoon, Connie & Ted’s, Lewis Station Winery, OC Baking Company

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Grace Young, James Beard Award-winning Author with “Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories” Part One
Segment Three: Grace Young, James Beard Award-winning Author with “Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories” Part Two
Segment Four: Tara Bench – Food Editor, Recipe Developer and Food Stylist with Live Life Deliciously
Segment Five: Matthew DeMarte, General Manager, Connie & Ted’s, West Hollywood
Segment Six: Rob Lewis, Proprietor, Lewis Station Winery and Stable Rock Winery & Distillery, Wisconsin
Segment Seven: Baker Dean Kim of OC Baking Co. and Chef Shachi Mehra of ADYA
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Time for a generous serving of Holiday Cheer. …We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

“Dubbed “The Stir-Fry Guru” by the New York Times, Grace Young has devoted her career to celebrating wok cookery through her cookbooks and videos. On March 15, 2020, she began Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories, an oral history project with videographer Dan Ahn, in collaboration with Poster House, documenting the stories of how Manhattan’s Chinatown has been impacted by COVID-19. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History featured Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories in their 2020 Youth Summit for middle and high school students as an exemplar of how one person is addressing the challenging question of how we choose to strengthen a community in the middle of a pandemic.” Grace Young, a James Beard Award recipient, joins us.

We’re delighted to welcome back food editor and recipe creator, Tara Bench, discussing Holiday cooking. “Tara Bench (aka “Tara Teaspoon”) has spent more than twenty years in the food publishing industry creating recipes and articles, and food styling for various magazines, books, television, and advertising.  Working as a food editor at Martha Stewart Living, and as the food and entertaining director of Ladies’ Home Journal, she knows how to write recipes for beginners as well as real foodies. Her philosophy is that anyone can cook and enjoy their time in the kitchen, and in her first cookbook, Live Life Deliciously – Recipes for Busy Weekdays & Leisurely Weekends, she proves it.” We’re back in the kitchen cooking with Tara Bench.

Connie and Ted’s in West Hollywood is inspired by the real Connie & Ted (the grandparents of Chef Michael Cimarusti,) their love for family, and the good times they spent together fishing off the shores of New England. At Connie and Ted’s you’ll find simply prepared fish and shellfish, inspired by the classic clam shacks, oyster bars, and fish houses, that dot the New England Seaboard and the West Coast. General Manager Matthew DeMarte has been there since the beginning. We’ll reel him in to explain how Connie & Ted’s is still hospitably serving their guests with takeaway.

Rob Lewis is the proprietor of both Lewis Station Winery and Stable Rock Winery & Distillery in Wisconsin. He started as an accomplished home winemaker. “Lewis Station Winery is one of Wisconsin’s unique premium urban wineries in a re-purposed gas station. They specialize in small-batch, hand crafted premium award-winning wines using a low sulfite, natural approach to wine making.  “Stable Rock Winery & Distillery is a brand new winery & distillery located in a historic stable, on the banks of the Rock River in Jefferson, Wisconsin. Stable Rock has several German influences with it’s wines and food all while guests sit at authentic German Beer Garden tables. Winemaker Rob Lewis joins us to pull the cork on the specifics of home winemaking.

“Those who want to support small businesses and get great, high-quality artisan-made food to take home, will enjoy the continuing Artisan Pop-Up, every Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at OC Baking Company (1960 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92865). Guests can pick up with the convenience of one-stop shopping delicious fresh-baked breads from OC Baking Company; heart-warming curries from ADYA; and croissants, pastries and quiche from Crema Artisan Bakery. Other gourmet food items available, too, from local, artisan small purveyors. Artisans and offerings vary every Friday.” Cash only.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants which is a genuine (and growing) concern. Our thoughts now turn to festive Holiday entertaining. What’s better on than a Lobster Pot Pie? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Stir Fry Queen Grace Young“Dubbed “The Stir-Fry Guru” by the New York Times, Grace Young has devoted her career to celebrating wok cookery through her cookbooks and videos. On March 15, 2020, she began Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories, an oral history project with videographer Dan Ahn, in collaboration with Poster House, documenting the stories of how Manhattan’s Chinatown has been impacted by COVID-19. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History featured Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories in their 2020 Youth Summit for middle and high school students as an exemplar of how one person is addressing the challenging question of how we choose to strengthen a community in the middle of a pandemic.”

Grace Young has partnered with the James Beard Foundation on an Instagram campaign to support Chinese restaurants all across the country. All independent restaurants are in danger of closing, and Chinese Americans have faced additional hardship as racism connected to COVID-19 rhetoric has threatened businesses even further.

“Help spread the word that Chinese restaurants are integral to America’s food culture and need our support now.”

How to participate:

  • Post a photo of your favorite dish from your local Chinese restaurant (takeout or dine-in) on Instagram with the hashtag #SaveChineseRestaurants and nominate your friends and followers to do the same.
  • Tag @beardfoundation and The James Beard Foundation will repost some of their favorites.

“In New York and San Francisco’s Chinatowns, the pandemic wiped out a steady customer base of both tourism and walk-in traffic from office workers. Now facing back rent and mounting bills, and with the onset of cold weather and limited indoor dining, barely surviving establishments are hanging on by sheer grit. We urgently need the #SaveChineseRestaurants campaign, launched together with the James Beard Foundation, which asks each of us—including family and friends—to support these restaurants just by showing up, either for takeout or dining in. This is a crisis and without steady patronage, these businesses will not survive. I truly believe if we all pitch in we can save these eateries and treasured ethnic neighborhoods everywhere.” — Grace Young

Grace is on a mission to spread the word that Chinese restaurants are integral to America’s food culture and need our support right now. She is our guest.

Tara BenchWe’re delighted to welcome back food editor and recipe creator Tara Bench discussing Holiday cooking. “Tara Bench (aka “Tara Teaspoon”) has spent more than twenty years in the food publishing industry creating recipes and articles, and food styling for various magazines, books, television, and advertising.  Working as a food editor at Martha Stewart Living, and as the food and entertaining director of Ladies’ Home Journal, she knows how to write recipes for beginners as well as real foodies. Her philosophy is that anyone can cook and enjoy their time in the kitchen, and in her first cookbook, Live Life Deliciously – Recipes for Busy Weekdays & Leisurely Weekends, she proves it.”

“Whether you’re a casual cook or a die-hard, classically-trained chef, you’ll have complete success on each and every recipe. She sets you up with flavor descriptions and tips and tricks (including an entire section on kitchen equipment, her favorite tools, and why they are so important).”

“Each chapter is from the heart and inspired by Tara’s family heritage and experiences eating at the best restaurants and tastiest dives in New York City. Create wonderful memories through food you can share with the people who love and inspire you.”

Tara will share some of her Holiday favorite recipes that are enjoyed by her own Family. You’ll be tempted with Mandarin and Prosciutto Crostini, and Moroccan Kebabs with Chermoula Sauce.

We’re happily back in the kitchen with Tara Bench.

Matthew de Marte wearing a mask at Connie and Ted'sConnie and Ted’s in West Hollywood is inspired by the real Connie & Ted (the grandparents of Chef Michael Cimarusti,) their love for family, and the good times they spent together fishing off the shores of New England. At Connie and Ted’s you’ll find simply prepared fish and shellfish, inspired by the classic clam shacks, oyster bars, and fish houses, that dot the New England Seaboard and the West Coast.

General Manager Matthew DeMarte has been there since the beginning. We reel him in to explain how Connie & Ted’s is still hospitably serving their guests with takeaway.

Rob Lewis of Lewis Station WineryRob Lewis is the proprietor of both Lewis Station Winery and Stable Rock Winery & Distillery in Wisconsin. He started as an accomplished home winemaker.

“Lewis Station Winery is one of Wisconsin’s unique premium urban wineries in a re-purposed gas station. They specialize in small-batch, hand crafted premium award-winning wines using a low sulfite, natural approach to wine making. Lewis Station also have a large variety of Wisconsin craft beers and an appealing bistro style food menu. They offer “tasting flights” to enjoy the wines of Wisconsin’s First Certified Craft Winery.”

Stable Rock Winery & Distillery is a brand new winery & distillery located in a historic stable, on the banks of the Rock River in Jefferson, Wisconsin. Considering Jefferson’s rich German history, Stable Rock has several German influences with it’s wines and food all while guests sit at authentic German Beer Garden tables and benches obtained directly from Munich, Germany.”

All of Stable Rock’s unique wines and spirits are bottled on site.

Winemaker Rob Lewis joins us to pull the cork on the intriguing specifics of home winemaking.

Dean Kim of the OC Baking Company“Those who want to support small businesses and get great, high-quality artisan-made food to take home, will enjoy the continuing Artisan Pop-Up, every Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at OC Baking Company (1960 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92865). Guests can pick up with the convenience of one-stop shopping delicious fresh-baked breads from OC Baking Company; heart-warming curries from ADYA; and croissants, pastries and quiche from Crema Artisan Bakery. Other gourmet food items available, too, from local, artisan small purveyors. Artisans and offerings vary every Friday.” Cash only.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant GroupOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants which is a genuine (and growing) concern.

Our thoughts now turn to festive Holiday entertaining at home. Chef Andrew presented his recipe for Lobster Pot Pie (guaranteed comfort food) on the Hallmark Channel’s “Home & Family” show this week. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Grace Young, James Beard Award-winning Author with “Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories” Part One
Segment Three: Grace Young, James Beard Award-winning Author with “Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories” Part Two
Segment Four: Tara Bench – Food Editor, Recipe Developer and Food Stylist with Live Life Deliciously
Segment Five: Matthew DeMarte, General Manager, Connie & Ted’s, West Hollywood
Segment Six: Rob Lewis, Proprietor, Lewis Station Winery and Stable Rock Winery & Distillery, Wisconsin
Segment Seven: Baker Dean Kim of OC Baking Co. and Chef Shachi Mehra of ADYA
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Moroccan Kebabs with Chermoula Sauce

Moroccan Kebabs with Chermoula Sauce by Tara Teaspoonby Tara Bench
Tara Teaspoon

This is your new party-table centerpiece. Colorful and tasty skewers arranged around a dipping sauce is easy to make happen and creates a stunning platter. And the chermoula sauce (pronounced like the singer “Cher” then “moola,” like money) is expressive and lemony. The sauce is based on a Moroccan and Tunisian relish with a strong herb and spice situation. I keep the skewers of meat and veggies small so they can be bite-sized for a gathering, but you can make them more robust if you’d like to serve this recipe as a meal.

Kebabs

  • 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1⁄4 cup warm water
  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 5 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 1⁄2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips that are
  • 2 inches long and 1⁄2 inch thick
  • 2 yellow or orange bell peppers, cut into 1-inch squares
  • 2 small zucchini, thinly sliced into strips with a vegetable peeler
  • 1 (14.4-ounce) bag frozen pearl onions, thawed
  • 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
  • 45 (6-inch) bamboo skewers, soaked in water 20 minutes
  • 1 recipe Chermoula Sauce (see below), prepared
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together turmeric and pepper with 1⁄4 cup warm water. Let sit 3 minutes. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the lemon juice, tomato paste, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, paprika, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.
  2. Season chicken strips with 1 teaspoon salt and add to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate to marinate 30 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, toss peppers, zucchini, onions, and tomatoes with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Thread chicken on half of the skewers and vegetables on the other half, adding several slices of zucchini to each skewer. Discard chicken marinade.
  4. Heat grill to medium-high. Grill skewers, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes total. Remove the vegetables from the grill as soon as they are done; they will cook faster than the chicken.
  5. Serve on a platter with the chermoula sauce for drizzling and dipping.

Chermoula Sauce

this spiced herb sauce is used on fish, meat, chicken, and vegetables and has a heady and unique flavor.

  • 1⁄2 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup packed cilantro
  • 1 cup packed flat-leaf parsley
  • 1⁄2 cup packed mint leaves
  1. In a small skillet over medium-high heat, toast coriander and cumin seeds until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and crush in a mortar and pestle or with the bottom of a pan.
  2. In the bowl of a food processor, combine crushed seeds, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes. Pulse to finely chop garlic. Add cilantro, parsley, and mint and blend until herbs are well combined. Store sauce in refrigerator until ready to use, up to 3 days.