Dinner SOS by Bon Appétit

Discover the secrets to crafting the perfect dinner party menu, from strawberry-picking picnic lunches to thrilling murder mystery dinners. Hear expert tips on simplifying hosting and catering to diverse dietary restrictions. Delight in innovative appetizer ideas and effortless beach gathering dishes, ensuring a memorable experience for all. Plus, get inspired with accessible recipes that bring friends together while keeping stress at bay. It's all about celebrating connections through delicious food!

Natalie and her husband are capable, adventurous cooks, but they can't seem to get leafy greens on the menu outside of a salad. So Chris and Kendra Vaculin team up to sell Natalie on their favorite greens and techniques.Recipes & Links:Lemony Tortellini Soup with Spinach and DillSalmon Rice Bowl with Green Curry Creamed SpinachMostly Chard Tiny Pasta SaladCharred Kale with Citrus and Green TahiniGarlic-and-Parmesan Braised Greens Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Join Jesse and Shilpa to dive into each layer of Jesse's decadent, pantry-friendly Millionaire's Shortbread and answer questions from bake clubbers. Starting with the key differences that make this shortbread extra-toasty and tender, this episode travels through Jesse's caramel-studded past and obsession with the perfect, aesthetic slice.Recipes & Links:Millionaire's ShortbreadChocolate Chipless CookiesCaramel Apple Monkey BreadBalsamic Butterscotch SauceBanoffee PieChocolate Olive Oil Cake Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Shilpa Uskokovic, an asparagus enthusiast and cooking expert, joins Chris to explore the delight of spring's bounty. They discuss the vibrant flavors of spring produce and share personal foraging experiences. Shilpa debunks myths about asparagus while emphasizing its versatility in dishes. The duo also dives into the dual uses of rhubarb in both savory and sweet recipes, and they answer listener questions about ramps and seasonal cooking challenges. Get ready to embrace the freshness of spring with creative cooking tips!

Gillian has found herself working from home permanently and finds getting to the grocery store just isn't what it used to be. So, she's turned to Chris and Shilpa to help her stock her pantry and get her out of her weeknight rut.Recipes featured in the episode:Jammy Onion and Miso PastaCreamy Tahini and Harissa BeefHummus Bowls with Merguez-Spiced Tempeh Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Janae has been struggling to make the perfect matzo balls for 6 Passovers now. What's worse, even though everything else on Janae's seder table is delicious, her mother-in-law won't let her forget her matzo ball fails. So Janae turns to Chris & Kate Kassin for help making tender, fluffy dumplings that won't fall apart in her soup.Recipes & Links:No-Nonsense Matzo BallsMatzo Ball SoupAn Ode to Matzo Ball MixManischewitz Matzo Ball MixStreit's Matzo Ball Mix Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Pistachios are Having A Moment. And Shilpa LOVES cake. Enter: the tender, flavorful Pistachio Bundt Cake. Jesse and Shilpa break down why this blender cake (and other nut-based cakes) work and address listener questions, including the one on everyone's mind this month: how to properly grease a bundt pan so your cake comes out in one piece, every time.Plus! Shilpa and Jesse introduce listeners to Rose Levy Berenbaum, author of the iconic Cake Bible. Rose joins the fearless Bake Club leaders to answer a listener question about egg substitutes—and explain what eggs are actually doing in your favorite baked goods.Recipes & Links:Pistachio Bundt CakeChocolate Olive Oil CakeBaker's Joy SprayCake GoopFran CostiganThe Loopy WhiskEgg Replacements  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Cait often devotes her weekends to involved kitchen projects that yield restaurant-quality results. But she's looking to bring that feeling into her weeknights, when time is harder to come by. Chris enlists Kendra Vaculin's help to give Cait's weeknight cooking that chefy quality she's been missing.Recipes & Links: Meatball Soup with Beef Stew VibesGorgeous Green Shrimp Everything-Spice Fish with Tomato SaladCreamy Spinach and Chickpeas Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

George struggles with cooking quinoa despite its reputation as a superfood. Discover the power of lentils and tofu, which outshine quinoa in protein content. The hosts provide practical tips to master quinoa's texture and flavor, while also exploring diverse ways to incorporate plant-based proteins into meals. They share innovative recipes and personal cooking experiences, highlighting the versatility of lentils and the cooking techniques needed to transform tofu into a delicious experience. Tune in for a flavorful exploration of plant-based cooking!

Welcome to Back to Basics Week! All week, Chris and his Bon Appétit colleagues are answering listener questions about the fundamentals of cooking, to help level you up as a home cook.In this final installment, Chris and Shilpa talk about the intangibles of cooking— how to get into the right mindset, manage your time efficiently, and course correct when something goes wrong. They also answer a grab bag of sliiightly more advanced questions to help listeners with everything from salt to the perfect batch of pancakes.Recipes & Links:BA's Best Chocolate Chip CookiesLazy Day Pancakes Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices