Dinner SOS by Bon Appétit

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

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.Today, Chris and sauce king Jesse Szewczyk stir up a discussion on the wide world of sauces, dressings, glazes, and more. They dive in to aromatics, making the case for the humble shallot, and discuss the art of making pan sauces and delicious finishers with pantry staples. Recipes & Links:The Five Mother SaucesMake 'Em Sweat (Veggies, That Is)It's Time to Stop Making These Garlic Common Mistakes and Start LivingHow to Make a Pan SauceOrange-Wine-Braised Chicken ThighsDark and Stormy–Braised Pot RoastHow to Make a Roux for Mac and Cheese, Gumbo, Gravy, and More Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

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.Why is making stovetop rice so dang hard?! Today, Chris and Kendra Vaculin address the world of grains, including how to make the perfect pot of rice and why the package directions might be the reason behind a bad batch. Plus, Kendra makes the case for her favorite quick grain and dissects when it's time to pull out the colander and just cook your grains like pasta.Recipes & Links:The Perfect Pot of RiceThere are 40,000 Types of Rice in the World—Here's How to Pick the One You NeedDo You Need to Rinse Your Rice?Kokuho Rose Rice21 Typles of Whole Grains and Pseudo Grains and How to Cook Each OneBulgur is the Whole Grain for Busy People One-Pot Salmon and Shiitake RiceKendra's Crispy Rice Method Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

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.Animal proteins can be the most expensive part of your dish, and that's a lot of pressure. So today, Chris and Amiel Stanek are here to make perfection attainable, from juicy chicken breast to tender steaks and delicate seafood. Grab your meat thermometer and kosher salt; we're diving in!15 Ways to Make Your Fresh-Off-the-Grill Steak Even BetterHow to Roast a Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe, Tips, and MoreThe Optimal Temperature for Every Part of a ChickenThermoworks Thermapop ThermometerWhat Is Salsa Verde? 4 Types to MemorizeHow to Make Beurre Blanc (Because Everything Tastes Better with Butter)Chicken PiccataShrimp ScampiShrimp and Basil Stir-Fry Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices