Sara,
I’ve loved learning about West Virginia’s foods through you! I can’t believe I haven’t visited yet but remember you making us pepperoni rolls in our Queens apartment. I need to try the real thing in WV, especially Emma’s latest find.
I’ve been in a cooking rut for sure. The horrible state of the world might have something to do with it. But learning something new about food, and the people who make it, definitely helps. With hopes that I’ll be inspired back into the kitchen soon.
As you know well, long lists of content recs are one of my love languages. So here are some of my current favorite food related shows, podcasts, and more! With a choice episode of each for you to start with.
Stanley Tucci Searching for Italy
In this really spectacular series, Stanley Tucci travels through Italy, learning about its history and culture through the food. In each episode he visits a different region, meeting the local chefs, farmers, and historians. All while getting to cook and eat some of the most incredible delicacies. The show was cancelled on CNN but it seems it’s returning on Nat Geo. There were a few regions he didn’t get to and now I’m dying to see them.
Rec for Sara: It’s too hard to pick a favorite of the region episodes but one unique one the episode about Italian cooking in London! I knew nothing about this special food culture and history. The blog post rounds up all the places visits and some additional resources, if you want to follow his footsteps.
Beryl Shereshewsky
Beryl is a food content creator who loves to source recipes from all over the world and recreate them in her New York kitchen. Her usual video format is five dishes using a specific ingredient, sourced from her viewers from all around the world. Each recipe is introduced by the contributor, who shares the significance and background of the dish. I love her community driven and collaborative approach to cooking. You can find all of the accompanying recipes on her website.
Rec for Sara: For my spicy queen, her Five Chili Dishes from all over the world is great one to start with. Ema Datsi, a dish from Bhutan, is one I’d love to try!
The Recipe with Kenji and Deb
Hosted by Deb Perelman and J. Kenji López-Alt, this podcast is equal amounts of educational and comforting. The format of two closes friends, swapping recipes and sharing tips, feels like you’re just hanging out in the kitchen with them. Each episode, they pick a pretty simple dish or ingredient. Then they deep dive into approaches and test a bunch of versions in pursuit of the perfect recipe. They’re also both just home cooking geniuses, with very different styles so the banter is great. For example, debating the very important issue below.
Rec for Sara: The Tomato Soup episode will give you millions of ideas. I loved Jenji’s suggestion to use leftover creamy tomato soup to make a shortcut Tikka Masala sauce, for when you’re souped out.
If you check them out, let me know what you think!
A running letter between long distance friends who love to eat
Do you miss your best friend? Are really hungry you right now? If the answer to either of these is yes, you know what to do.