This week, we explore some of the iconic dishes of the Midwest. First, we talked to chef Paul Fehribach about Midwestern cuisine and the history of its unique dishes as they evolved from generations of immigrants. From the evolution of Midwestern-style barbecue to Cincinnati chili, considered by Paul to be one of the oldest examples of fusion cooking. Paul Fehribach is the author of Midwestern Food, A Chef’s Guide to the Surprising History of a Great American Cuisine. Then, we take a field trip to New York City and visit Burger Scholar George Motz at his new restaurant, Hamburger America, to see what makes an epic hamburger. He walks us through some of the most iconic burgers he’s tasted, their histories, and their different cooking techniques. George Motz is a filmmaker and author. His latest book is The Great American Burger Book.Broadcast dates for this episode:January 12, 2024 (originally aired)January 3, 2025 (rebroadcast)

In this conversation, Lisa Kyung Gross, founder of The League of Kitchens, shares the joy of food and community during the holidays, highlighting family recipes from immigrant women. She introduces an Afghan Cake Jawari recipe, bursting with rosewater and cardamom. Food critic Helen Rosner adds her delicious insights on thoughtful gifting and presents last-minute culinary gift ideas. Listeners explore cozy winter flavors, unique dishes calling back to their culinary heritage, and the art of gifting through meaningful connections.

Discover the secrets of cooking with food historian Bee Wilson and food writer Sylvie Bigar. Learn about finding joy in the kitchen, the transformative power of garlic, and the therapeutic aspects of cooking. Explore the obsession with the iconic French dish Cassoulet and its regional variations.

It’s the holiday season, and we’re kicking it off this week with some sweet treats. First, food editor and recipe developer Ben Mims joins us with his latest project, covering over 300 cookie recipes from Asia to the Levant to Scandinavia to the Caribbean. The varieties are astonishing.  We get into cookie styles, the fascinating ingredients in regional cookies, and the hundreds of flavor combinations. Ben is the author of Crumbs: Cookies and Sweets from Around the World. And he left us with a recipe for Guava-Filled Butter Cookies from Brazil. Then, we step into the world of wild chocolate with Rowan Jacobsen. We hear about the new breed of cacao farmers and the amazing flavor profiles found in wild chocolate and meet some of the farmers who are making it. Rowan is the author of Wild Chocolate: Across the Americas in Search of Cacao’s Soul.Broadcast dates for this episode:December 6, 2024 (originally aired)Your support is a special ingredient in helping to make The Splendid Table. Donate today

Join baker Samantha Seneviratne, known for her teaching style in 'Bake Smart', as she reveals a butter trick for her delicious Gooey Cranberry Crumb Cake. Chef Jon Kung shares his experience as a third-culture kid through his debut book, 'Kung Food,' featuring a fusion recipe for Hong Kong-style Chicken and Waffles. Restaurateur Rose Previte discusses her culinary travels and her passion for live-fire cooking, spotlighting dishes like Omani Grilled Shrimp Kebabs. Dive into a delightful mix of baking tips and cultural culinary explorations!

Food scientist Nik Sharma shares favorite holiday traditions & food pairings. Claire Saffitz gives top holiday dessert ideas, including citrus desserts & holiday cookies. Author Toni Tipton-Martin talks about historical cocktail recipes & modern interpretations.

Join Tiffany Derry, a celebrated chef from Dallas, Joe Yonan, food editor at The Washington Post, Andrea Nguyen, acclaimed cookbook author, and pastry chef Paola Velez as they revolutionize Thanksgiving. They share tips on plant-based main courses and unique side dishes, discuss nostalgic comfort foods like mashed potatoes, and offer practical turkey cooking techniques. The conversation flows from innovative baking inspired by bodegas to celebrating multicultural traditions, showcasing a Thanksgiving filled with creativity and culinary joy.

We are a week away from Thanksgiving, and this week, Award-winning authors J. Kenji Lopez-Alt and Deb Perelman give us the best advice on making the perfect Thanksgiving spread. From gravy hot takes to best brining practices and the ideal way to cook a perfect turkey we have you covered. J. Kenji López-Alt and Deb Perelman are co-hosts of "The Recipe with Kenji and Deb" podcast. Deb left us her recipe for delicious dinner rolls, Sour Cream & Chive Fantails. Then, we move on to delicious Indian-inspired desserts with cookbook author Hetal Vasavada. Her flavor combinations will transform your typical bars, cookies, and pies into deliciously nutty and sometimes spicy desserts. Hetal is the author of Desi Bakes, and she left us her recipe for Pistachio & Cardamom Muddy Buddies.Broadcast dates for this episode:November 22, 2024 (originally aired)Donate to The Splendid Table today and we will show our appreciation with a special thank-you gift.

Guests Amy Thielen, Eric Ripert, and Pierre Thiam share tips on stress-free Thanksgiving hosting, cooking moist turkey, simple seafood dishes, West African flavors, and crispy roasted Brussel sprouts. They discuss their books, including Thielen's Company, Ripert's Seafood Simple, and Thiam's Simply West African. They provide techniques for cooking salmon gently, creating reimagined Thanksgiving side dishes, and incorporating unique flavors like palm oil and collard greens.

Yotam Ottolenghi, beloved for his Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, shares insights from his latest book, discussing how dishes like 'Thousand Hole Pancakes' connect us to memories and emotions through texture and taste. Luisa Weiss, author of 'Classic German Cooking,' reflects on her childhood favorites, such as hearty school lunches and the comfort of ‘abendrot’ dinners. Together, they explore the cultural significance and global diversity of comfort food, challenging stereotypes while celebrating the richness of traditional German dishes like Käsespätzle.