The Sporkful

Dan Pelosi, known as Grossi Pelosi, brings his entertaining culinary flair as the author of "Let's Party," while comedian Negin Farsad, host of "Fake the Nation," spices things up with her humor. They delve into food disputes, debating when to take that first bite of a meal and how to reheat leftovers like a pro. The duo also shares their takes on cupcake recipes and a taboo ingredient in marinara. Join the laughter as they explore the quirks of food preferences in relationships!

Join a unique culinary matchmaking adventure as listeners dive into blind Zoom dates inspired by food! Experience the charms and quirks of two couples navigating sushi dinners, while reflecting on food's role in romance. Hear heartfelt stories intertwined with humor about body image and identity within the LGBTQ+ community. Enjoy light-hearted debates on life's philosophical quirks, mixed with playful banter about virtual dating dynamics. Will true culinary love bloom, or will these connections fizzle out like cold fries?

Sara Bir, an author and recipe developer with a passion for foraging, takes listeners on an adventurous hunt for the elusive pawpaw, North America’s largest native fruit. She shares why pawpaws are both beloved and challenging, likening their flavor to a mix of mango and banana, while discussing their rarity and quirky culinary uses. As Sara and her co-host embark on this delicious quest in New York, they dive into the vibrant community surrounding pawpaw festivals and the deeper cultural significance this enigmatic fruit holds.

Casey Elsass, the cookbook doula behind nearly 20 cookbooks and author of What Can I Bring?, shares his secrets to being the ultimate dinner party guest. He emphasizes bringing the right dish based on your arrival time and reveals the importance of thoughtful gift-giving. Casey demonstrates a delicious olive and rosemary focaccia while discussing etiquette and the art of communication about dietary preferences. Tune in for tips on navigating leftovers gracefully and ensuring a memorable dining experience for everyone!

Sarah Sanneh, cofounder of Heap's Ice Cream and Pies and Thighs, dives into the creative process behind a wildly unique ice cream sandwich. She and Dan Pashman share their passion for inventive flavors, like fried plantain ice cream and a grape nut rum raisin combo. They discuss the playful challenges of flavor pairing and the surprising use of cereal in desserts. Listeners get a taste of the delicious experimentation and laughter that culminates in a sweet rendition of Cherry Crisp a la mode, highlighting the joy of culinary innovation.

Gary England, a legendary Oklahoma City weatherman, joins for a delightful exploration of desserts inspired by severe weather. He ranks treats based on the intensity of the phenomena they’re named after, from classic Blizzards to playful McFlurries. The conversation dives into how weather impacts our taste preferences, revealing nostalgia tied to comfort foods during storms. Plus, a creative take on the Shattuck Tornado dessert promises a mix of cherry cobbler and vanilla ice cream that looks just like the storm it’s named after!

In this fun-filled segment, Rachelle Hampton, host of Normal Gossip, takes on the challenge of identifying the real chef among three contestants. Listeners get a delightful mix of culinary stories and surprising anecdotes, including unconventional relationships and memorable kitchen mishaps. Rachelle showcases her passion for cooking while cracking jokes about the game and her journey from law to the culinary world. Play along and see if you can spot the impostor chef in this entertaining culinary deception challenge!

This week, Marc Maron, a comedian and host of WTF, joins Dan for a passionate food debate. They spar over the optimal temperature for sandwiches and whether sausage gravy lives up to its delicious reputation or brings on food shame. Nostalgia kicks in as they reminisce about family traditions like making melon balls, questioning their relevance in modern cuisine. Their lively discourse encapsulates the joy and guilt intertwined with culinary indulgence, making for an entertaining and relatable conversation.

Join Amanda Mull, a senior reporter at Bloomberg Businessweek, and Swetha Sivakumar, a food writer and recipe developer, as they dissect the culinary contrasts between the U.S. and Europe. Discover why pasta in Italy feels different compared to American versions, and explore the science of ingredients and cooking techniques that can enhance your dining experience. They also tackle the paradox of high-end restaurant food quality and share tips on reevaluating your choices—from bagged salads to how you reheat rice.

Join Aaron Carroll, a pediatric professor and health myth-buster, along with Andrea Nguyen, a celebrated author and cooking teacher focused on Vietnamese cuisine. They tackle the enduring myth surrounding monosodium glutamate (MSG) and its unfair reputation linked to racial biases. Discover the natural science of MSG and how it enhances flavors in dishes. They also share cooking insights, including how to craft the perfect Bloody Mary, blending culinary tradition with a modern twist.