The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters

Chefs Joshua McFadden and Christian Petroni share their unique takes on Italian cuisine. McFadden, celebrated for his seasonal vegetable pasta, introduces his Nut Ragu, a game-changer for texture in sauces. He also discusses innovative uses for kale in classic dishes. Petroni brings the flavors of the Bronx, showcasing Italian-American comfort food. He dives into the nostalgia of Chicken Scarpariello and the evolution of eggplant parmesan, revealing how authentic recipes fuel his restaurant's success.

Join legendary baker Richard Hart, former head baker at Tartine Bakery, as he shares insights from his book on intuitive sourdough baking. He discusses the art of being a 'yeast farmer' and offers practical tips on maintaining a sourdough starter. Then, explore Southern culinary traditions with chef Ashleigh Shanti, owner of Good Hot Fish, who delves into the rich history of Appalachian cuisine. She also provides a fresh take on classic recipes, bringing warmth and personal stories to the plate.

This week, we’re celebrating new fall cookbooks that belong on your kitchen counter. First, Aleksandra Crapanzano, author of Chocolat: Parisian Desserts and Other Delights, takes us from Marie Antoinette’s early “truffle” to the French art of baking at home. She leaves us with her Chocolate Ganache Tart with Raspberries. Then, Anna Ansari explores the delicious connections across cuisines in Silk Roads: A Flavor Odyssey, tracing flavors from Baku to Beijing and shares her recipe for Shivit Oshi (Khivan green noodles with beef stew). Finally, creator and Next Level Chef alum Cassie Yeung brings big, weeknight-friendly energy from Bad B*tch in the Kitch, including her 30-minute Beef & Broccoli. Broadcast dates for this episode: October 3, 2025 (originally aired)Our annual cookbook giveaway is live!  To enter for free, visit splendidtable.org/cookbookCelebrate kitchen companionship with a gift to The Splendid Table today.

This week, we sit down with Evie McGee Colbert to talk about her latest book, co-authored with her husband, Stephen Colbert. She tells us about the dynamics in her family’s kitchen, the joys and challenges of cooking together during the pandemic, Charleston food traditions, and we take a listener question from one special caller! Evie’s latest book with her husband, Stephen Colbert, is Does This Taste Funny?: Recipes our Family Loves. She leaves us with her recipe for Salt and Pepper Wings. Then, we hit the road with musicians Alex Bleeker and Luke Pyenson to talk about their latest book, a collection of essays and interviews with musicians about life and eating on the road. They talk about their most memorable meals while on tour and the deep connection between musicians and food. Alex and Luke are the authors of Taste in Music: Eating on Tour with Indie Musicians. Broadcast dates for this episode:September 27, 2024 (originally aired)September 26, 2025 (rebroadcast)Generous listeners like you make The Splendid Table possible. Donate today to support the show

This week, we’re diving into fall cooking and the beauty of bitter flavors. First, Genevieve Ko, deputy editor at New York Times Cooking, joins Francis to take your fall cooking questions. From freezing smart to cabbage makeovers, Genevieve shares practical advice for making the most of fresh produce and tackling leftovers. She also shares the NYT Cooking piece 15 Ways to Make a Head of Cabbage Dinner and her Pumpkin Meringue Pie recipe. And check out her Cinnamon-Toast Graham Crackers from the last time she joined us to talk about Better Baking. Then, London-based cookbook author Alexina Anatole shares the inspiration behind her debut book, Bitter. She makes the case for bitterness as an essential flavor, one that brings depth, intrigue, and balance to our cooking. Alexina reminds us how bitterness touches so many of our favorite foods and she leaves us with her recipe for Stout Sticky Toffee Pudding, a perfect example of sweet meeting bitter in harmony.Broadcast dates for this episode:September 19, 2025 (originally aired)Your support is a special ingredient in helping to make The Splendid Table. Donate today.

This week, we talk with two incredible chefs about their culinary connections to their homes. First, chef Nini Nguyen talks about growing up in New Orleans and her connection to her tight-knit Vietnamese community. She shares the delicious Vietnamese foods she grew up eating and talks about how that upbringing shapes her cooking today, Nini is the author of Đặc Biệt: An Extra-Special Vietnamese Cookbook, and she leaves with her recipe for Grilled Rice Paper. Then, we head to Ukraine with chef Yevhen Klopotenko to talk about his work rediscovering traditional Ukrainian dishes that were once suppressed under Soviet rule. He tells us about his work, providing recipes online that have reached thousands of schools and getting traditional recipes like Borsch, finally recognized as Ukrainian. Yevhen is the author of The Authentic Ukrainian Kitchen, and he left us with his recipe for Syrnyky, delicious Farmer cheese pancakes.Broadcast dates for this episode:September 13, 2024 (originally aired)September 12, 2025 (rebroadcast) Donate to The Splendid Table today and we will show our appreciation with a special thank-you gift.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Spotify | PandoraThis week, we’re turning peak-season produce into bold, flavorful dishes. First, we talk with Rick Martínez, author of Salsa Daddy: Dip Your Way into Mexican Cooking, about transforming simple ingredients – think tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chilis – into salsas that sing. Rick explains why salsa is its own food group and leaves us with his family-inspired peach-and-pecan Salsa Tejana recipe. Then, we visit New York chef Sunny Lee of Sunn’s, a restaurant devoted to banchan, Korea’s iconic side dishes. Sunny teaches Francis how to elevate fresh vegetables into inventive, season-forward sides, including her recipe for Tahini Pickled Mushroom banchan. Broadcast dates for this episode: September 5, 2025 (originally aired)Celebrate kitchen companionship with a gift to The Splendid Table today.When you shop using our links, we earn a small commission. It’s a great way to support public media at no extra cost to you.

This week, we're talking about summer cooking and how to stay cool in the heat. Carla Lalli Music joins us to talk about her favorite indoor cooking tips for ribs and takes your cooking questions. Carla is the host of Carla's Cooking Show on Patreon, and her most recent book is Where Cooking Begins. Then, we check in with Khushbu Shah, Food & Wine's restaurant editor, about the refreshers you need this summer, cold dessert drinks from all over Asia. From basil seeds and colorful tapioca to adding a savory element to your shaved ice, there's something here for everyone.Broadcast dates for this episode:June 25, 2021 (originally aired)June 24, 2022 (rebroadcast)June 23, 2023 (rebroadcast)August 29, 2025 (rebroadcast)Donate to The Splendid Table today and we will show our appreciation with a special thank-you gift.

This week, we’re taking the stress out of back-to-school cooking with food that’s fast, fun, and full of flavor. First, we talk with Peter J. Kim, author of Instant Ramen Kitchen, about transforming those humble packets you associate with college kids into surprisingly elegant meals. Peter shares why instant ramen deserves a spot in your pantry and leaves us with his recipe for Aglio e Olio. Then, we catch up with chef David Nayfeld and his approach to quick, comforting meals. Known for his acclaimed restaurant Che Fico in San Francisco, David opens up about learning to cook for (and with) his daughter as a single dad. His new book, Dad, What’s for Dinner?, features kid-friendly recipes like the one he shared with us: Zucchini Parmigiana. Broadcast dates for this episode: August 22, 2025 (originally aired)Generous listeners like you make The Splendid Table possible. Donate today to support the show. 

This week, we talk about cuisines from opposite ends of the world. We start by diving into the first, traditionally-published cookbook about Salvadorian cuisine with Karla T. Vasquez. She collected traditional recipes and techniques while documenting stories from the hands that made the dishes. Karla is the author of The SalviSoul Cookbook: Salvadoran Recipes and the Women Who Preserve Them. She left us with her recipe for a delicious Salvadoran Quesadilla. Then, we explore Southern Thai regional cuisine with author Austin Bush. Austin researched the diverse and unique cuisine of Southern Thailand through travel and cooking alongside local cooks He’s the author of The Food of Southern Thailand and he leaves us with a recipe for Simple Thai-Style Rice Salad - Khaao Yam.Broadcast dates for this episode:August 30, 2024 (originally aired)August 15, 2025 (rebroadcast)Donate to The Splendid Table today and we will show our appreciation with a special thank-you gift.