A Couple Cooks | Small Bites: Recent Episodes
Alex and Sonja Overhiser
A Couple Cooks: The Podcast is a show celebrating the joy of home cooking. Hosted by husband and wife Alex and Sonja Overhiser from the nationally recognized food blog A Couple Cooks, the show explores how to cook seasonal produce at home and integrate delicious (and healthy) recipes into everyday life. Listen for fresh weekly recipes, kitchen tips, conversations from their popular blog series Healthy + Whole, and anecdotes behind the scenes in the A Couple Cooks kitchen. For more recipes, see www.acouplecooks.com and catch up with A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter @acouplecooks.
Food & Wine Culinary Director Justin Chapple joins us for this episode and shares some mad genius cooking tips for spicing up your kitchen! Inspired by his grandmother’s way of making something out of nothing, Justin has gone on to have an illustrious career helping home cooks cook better, quicker, and more delicious food. For our small bite, we eat a smoky marinara soup that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
Connect: Find Justin on Instagram as @justinchapple and on Food & Wine’s video series Mad Genius Tips
Book: Just Cook It by Justin Chapple
Small Bite Recipe: Smoky marinara soup from Just Cook It
Find A Couple Cooks: Find Sonja & Alex on Instagram at @acouplecooks or online at www.acouplecooks.com. Find Pretty Simple Cooking online and everywhere books are sold.
Are carbs bad? Are detox diets worth it? In this episode we sit down with two Registered Dieticians with an evidence based approach to eating: Jess and Wendy of Food Heaven Made Easy and the Food Heaven Podcast. They break down food myths and help us with a few practical meal planning tips. For our small bite, some crispy, salty stovetop potatoes that count as part of a balanced diet!
Connect: Find Wendy and Jess on the Food Heaven Made Easy website, on Instagram as @foodheavenshow, or as hosts of the podcast Food Heaven Show
Small Bite Recipe: Crispy Stovetop Potato Rounds from Food Heaven Made Easy
Find A Couple Cooks: Find Sonja & Alex on Instagram at @acouplecooks or online at www.acouplecooks.com. Find Pretty Simple Cooking online and everywhere books are sold.
Hosting tips straight out of Hollywood from an actress and mom of two! It’s Tiffani Thiessen, who you might know as Kelly Kapowski from Saved by the Bell. Tiffani shares her passion for bringing people together over food, and breaks down some fun ways to help people connect at the dinner table. With her interview, we pair a lemon feta dip from her new book, Pull Up a Chair.
Book: Pull Up a Chair: Recipes from My Family to Yours by Tiffani Thiessen
Small Bite Recipe: Lemon Feta from Pull Up a Chair
Find A Couple Cooks: Find Sonja & Alex on Instagram at @acouplecooks or online at www.acouplecooks.com. Find Pretty Simple Cooking online and everywhere books are sold.
Why eat organic? It’s a complicated question, so we’ve brought in an expert: the famed Gary Hirshberg who founded America’s largest organic yogurt company. Gary breaks down the benefits of organic for us as a Win, Win, Win: and helps us understand how to start with some organic baby steps. For our small bite with Gary’s interview, our fan favorite apple manchego salad. Another must listen!
Connect: Gary’s “origin story” interview on How I Built This
Book: Stirring It Up: How to Make Money and Save the World
Resources:
Dirty Dozen List: the top 12 products you should splurge on for organic produce
Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Gary’s StonyFIELDS project to remove pesticides from playing fields
Small Bite Recipe: Apple Manchego Salad from A Couple Cooks
Find A Couple Cooks: Find Sonja & Alex on Instagram at @acouplecooks or online at www.acouplecooks.com. Find Pretty Simple Cooking online and everywhere books are sold.
“I don’t expect perfection: I long for relationship.” Cookbook author and video series host Ashley Rodriguez joins us to talk about life around the table. In an Instagram-saturated world, how do we overcome our desire for a perfect meal and simply gather around the table? We also chat about teaching kids of all kinds learn to embrace the beauty of food. With Ashley’s interview, we pair a charred scallion dip from her new book, Let’s Stay In.
Connect: Find Ashley Rodriguez at the Not Without Salt website, on Instagram as @ashrod, or as the host and producer of the video series Kitchen Unnecessary
Book: Let’s Stay In by Ashley Rodriguez
Small Bite Recipe: Charred Scallion Dip from Let’s Stay In
Find A Couple Cooks: Find Sonja & Alex on Instagram at @acouplecooks or online at www.acouplecooks.com. Find Pretty Simple Cooking online and everywhere books are sold.
Culinary legend Mark Bittman joins us for an intimate conversation about trendy diets and how to make our world a better place through food. His book Food Matters was a part of a growing food movement 10 years ago, but are we eating better today? After writing a 20-year New York Times food column, authoring countless books and being in 4 television series’, there’s still conversation to be had. With Mark's interview, we pair a simple bruschetta you can make in 5 minutes with simple ingredients.
Connect: Find Mark Bittman at markbittman.com, subscribe to his newsletter here, and follow him on Instagram @markbittman
Small Bite Recipe: White Bean Bruschetta, Idea 19 from 101 Simple Appetizers in 20 Minutes or Less
Find A Couple Cooks: Find Sonja & Alex on Instagram at @acouplecooks or online at www.acouplecooks.com. Find Pretty Simple Cooking online and everywhere books are sold.
This episode stars one woman who’s combating Islamophobia in America one bite at a time! Amanda Saab is founder of Dinner with Your Muslim Neighbor, an organization that brings Muslims and non-Muslims together over home-cooked meals. She’s also the chef behind the Butter Bear Shop bakery in Detroit and star of a new television show called Chef in Hijab. With Amanda’s interview, we pair it with a small bite: a cookie from her Butter Bear Shop.
Connect: Find Amanda Saab at amandasplate.com and on Instagram @amandasplate
Small Bite Recipe: Chocolate Cardamom Halawa Cookies from Butter Bear Shop
Find A Couple Cooks: Find Sonja & Alex on Instagram at @acouplecooks or online at www.acouplecooks.com. Find Pretty Simple Cooking online and everywhere books are sold.
Can what we eat affect climate change? In this episode we take a bite into the big topic of how what we eat affects the planet. We’re joined by Eliza Barclay, Science and Health Editor at Vox.com, to break it down and share practical takeaways to help our world by eating more plant based meals. With Eliza’s interview, we pair a small bite: irresistible tomato almond dip from our vegetarian cookbook, Pretty Simple Cooking.
Read: Eliza Barclay and Umair Irfan’s article, 10 ways to accelerate progress against climate change
Connect: Find Eliza Barclay at Vox.com and on Twitter @elizabarclay
Small Bite Recipe: Irresistible tomato almond dip
Find A Couple Cooks: Find Sonja & Alex on Instagram at @acouplecooks or online at www.acouplecooks.com. Find Pretty Simple Cooking online and everywhere books are sold.
In this episode, we’re transported to Spain by the writer behind the popular blog Gimme Some Oven. Ali Martin reports in from Barcelona about lingering over the table and Spanish tapas. Where American culture is all about speed when it comes to food, Spain is about nourishing relationships around the table. With Ali’s interview, we pair a small bite: homemade roasted patatas bravas.
Connect: Find Ali Martin at www.gimmesomeoven.com, and on Instagram at @gimmesomeoven and @gimmesomeali
Small Bite Recipe: Patatas bravas
Find A Couple Cooks: Find Sonja & Alex on Instagram at @acouplecooks or online at www.acouplecooks.com
In this episode, cookbook author Julia Turshen shares with us how to reinvent leftovers into new dishes, à la her new cookbook Now & Again. Plus, she provides inventive ideas on what to bring if you’re a dinner guest, and how to connect to your community through food. With Julia’s interview, we pair a small bite: charred broccoli crostini with creamy goat cheese.
Connect: Find Julia Turshen on Instagram at @turshen
Book: Find her book Now & Again: Go-To Recipes, Inspired Menus + Endless Ideas for Reinventing Leftovers
Small Bite Recipe: Make crostini, spread with soft goat cheese (chevre), top with roasted broccoli squeezed with fresh lemon juice (we used the Charred Broccoli recipe from Now & Again)
Find A Couple Cooks: Find Sonja & Alex on Instagram at @acouplecooks or online at www.acouplecooks.com
“Mindset matters. Everyone talks so much about what the perfect diet is—we debate what foods you should take out of your diet, and whether you should exercise or meditate in the morning or the night. And those are all important, but they are totally missing the point if you have a mindset that has you suffering and feeling like you’re a failure.” That’s Robyn Downs, and along with her husband Dr. Andrew, they’re fascinated with the mindsets that lead to healthy eating. This podcaster teamed up with her psychology professor husband to conduct a study on the way we think about food—and the results were surprising. They joined us to talk about their story and what mindsets can help us to be actually healthy.
Robyn & Dr. Andrew Downs
Real Food Whole Life
The Feel Good Effect Podcast
Their online course! Actually Healthy
Vegan pot pie with sage crust | A Couple Cooks
Preorder A Couple Cooks cookbook >> Pretty Simple Cooking
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Want to be transported to the Eternal City without leaving your couch? We got Rome on the phone in this episode and chatted with Kristina Gill, author and photographer behind the cookbook Tasting Rome. Hear about her love affair with the city that’s kept her there for nearly 20 years, and what she’s learned about authentic Italian cuisine from cabbies to restaurateurs.
Kristina Gill
Instagram | Kristina on Design Sponge
Order her book: Tasting Rome
Rome Travel Guide | A Couple Cooks
Cacio e pepe | A Couple Cooks via Date Night In
Pizza dough | A Couple Cooks
Pizza with egg | A Couple Cooks
Preorder A Couple Cooks cookbook >> Pretty Simple Cooking
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Ever wondered what it’s like to write a book—and adopt a baby at the same time? This episode is an exclusive with Alex and Sonja about the process of writing their new cookbook, Pretty Simple Cooking. They share about starting A Couple Cooks, deciding to write a book, adopting their son Larson, and all the trials and triumphs in between. Along the way, you’ll learn the entire process of book writing from agent to proposal to launch.
Preorder A Couple Cooks cookbook >> Pretty Simple Cooking
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
"You have to see things not as they are, but as they could be. That's what an artist does. And that's what I am at heart." That’s Majora Carter, real estate developer and urban revitalization strategist who’s won a long list of accolades for her work, including the coveted MacArthur Genius fellowship. Her 2016 TED talk was one of the first 6 on that groundbreaking website. Majora joins us to talk about beautifying our neighborhoods, the value of coffee shops and groceries, and how to create “demand” for real good food. She shares about the Boogie Down Grind Cafe, a coffee shop she helped to start serving high quality coffee (and veggies) in the South Bronx, and the value of taking risks to try new things.
Majora Carter
Website | Instagram
Boogie Down Grind Cafe | Coffee lovers gift available on Instagram
Roasted Brussels sprouts with goat cheese & harissa | A Couple Cooks
Preorder A Couple Cooks cookbook >> Pretty Simple Cooking
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
“Treat sugar like salt.” That’s Bill Yosses, former White House pastry chef for Barack and Michelle Obama. When the First Lady asked him to create healthier treats for her family, he discovered that dialing back the sugar actually made his desserts taste better. In this episode, we learn Bill’s secrets to creating stellar, decadent tasting desserts that are “healthified” but still incredibly delicious. Plus, he shares the behind-the-scenes to making everyday meals at the White House, and President Obama’s favorite dessert.
Bill Yosses
Website | Instagram
Order his book: The Sweet Spot
Chai-spiced snowball cookies | A Couple Cooks
Soft gingerbread cookies | A Couple Cooks
Maple macadamia vegan blondies | A Couple Cooks
Bliss bites | A Couple Cooks
Preorder A Couple Cooks cookbook >> Pretty Simple Cooking
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
“I love the imperfections in a dinner party. When we micromanage, we lose all ability to see what the dinner party is about. In all truth, no matter what Pinterest tells us or what we see in a magazine, the only things that really matter are the food and the people.” That’s Megan Gilger, Creative Director of the Fresh Exchange blog and brand. She’s passionate about getting people around the table, for events simple and elaborate. This episode is all about the dinner party: practical tips for pulling one off, and how to focus on what matters most: building relationships, shunning perfection, and making it work for you.
The Fresh Exchange
Website | Instagram
Some Fresh Exchange gatherings:
Fall harvest
A late evening on the front porch
Ladies night
Barebones Living coolers
How and why to start a cookbook club | A Couple Cooks
Preorder A Couple Cooks cookbook >> Pretty Simple Cooking
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
It’s not every day that you get to hear from an entire family of cooks, especially one that’s had such an impact on American food culture. Enter the Pollan Family: Corky, Lori, Dana, and Tracy. Only missing brother Michael Pollan, bestselling author about food and agriculture, the Pollan family shares the story of growing up around the table. Mom Corky passed down a culture of cooking and eating together, which has now been passed down to a new generation of cooks. Along they way, they wrote a cookbook: accessible, everyday recipes, heavy on the vegetables, to inspire families to come together around the table.
The Pollan Family Table
Website | Instagram
Their cookbook: The Pollan Family Table
Recipes:
Pumpkin goat cheese baked gnocchi | A Couple Cooks
Preorder A Couple Cooks cookbook >> Pretty Simple Cooking
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
“The day to day romantic vision you have of farming: that is completely gone. It’s full panic mode from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep. We have that in our chest from March until August.” That’s Taylor and Andrea Bemis on what it takes to run a farm as a husband-wife team. Theirs is Tumbleweed Farm, a picture perfect mountain-view farm outside of Portland, Oregon. What’s more, Andrea is a farmer with a first-class food blog and a popular cookbook. For Dishing Up the Dirt, Andrea develops recipes with the produce she grows and photographs them in her home studio. Hear about how she got a cookbook deal to tell their story and behind the scenes of a successful organic vegetable farm. While running a farm is not as romantic as it seems, in the end it’s the most fulfilling work they’ve known.
Andrea and Taylor Bemis, Dishing Up the Dirt & Tumbleweed Farm
Dishing Up the Dirt | Instagram
Tumbleweed Farm
Her cookbook: Dishing Up the Dirt
Recipes:
Chard quiche with almond crust
Grilled bok choy and turnip rice bowls with soy sesame sauce
Preorder A Couple Cooks cookbook >> Pretty Simple Cooking
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
“Everyone is so busy. We're constantly getting fast food or ordering out because our schedules are so, so busy. Sitting around the table and enjoying a meal, or being in the kitchen and preparing a meal with other family members, the joy and the love of that experience has gotten drowned out. And I really want to make sure that doesn't happen." That’s Jocelyn Delk Adams, the personality behind Grandbaby Cakes. She’s appeared on The Today Show, Everyday with Rachael Ray, and the Cooking Channel with her modern takes on her grandmother’s traditional recipes. Jocelyn sat down with us to chat about her family history in the kitchen, her road to becoming a mother, and how food can have a place in expanding diversity and understanding.
Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby Cakes
Website | Instagram
Her cookbook: Grandbaby Cakes
Julia Turshen’s new cookbook: Feed the Resistance
Recipes:
Creamy vegan pasta marinara | A Couple Cooks
Spicy oven fried catfish | Grandbaby cakes
Links:
This Lebanese cookbook author’s career was inspired by her father’s encouraging words when she was a child
Why eating the same food increases people’s trust and cooperation
Preorder A Couple Cooks cookbook >> Pretty Simple Cooking
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
“‘If the front door is closed, climb in through the window.’ That's my life motto. You don't stop when someone says no. You don't stop when there's a bump in the road. You just have to keep going through it. It's tenacity, grit, and perseverance that gets you to the other side of tough times and to your goal.” Ellen Bennett of Hedley & Bennett lives that inside and out. In just five years, she’s built a multi-million dollar apron company from the ground up. She now sells to 6,000 restaurants all over the world, and counts Martha Stewart and Mario Batali as customers. Hear about her Mexican roots that led her to Mexico City for culinary school, and how she’s propelled herself to the top of her game by age 30. This lady’s got major hustle, and her positive, no-nonsense approach will have takeaways for your kitchen and life.
Ellen Bennett of Hedley & Bennett
Hedley & Bennett website
Hedley & Bennett on Instagram
Ellen on Instagram
Recipes:
Homemade sopes with black beans | A Couple Cooks
Pizza dough video | A Couple Cooks
Preorder our cookbook >> Pretty Simple Cooking
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
“It’s one thing to be influenced and inspired by a food tradition, but it’s another thing to believe that’s the only way to do it. When I was in Italy I loved so many things about it, but I knew the most Italian thing I could do was to use things in my backyard.” That’s Chris Bianco, award-winning chef and grandfather of artisan pizza in America. He joins us to chat about his new book, Bianco, and how he went from making pizza in the back of a Phoenix grocery store in the 1980’s to one of the top pizza chefs in the country. Along the way, he shares how to be inspired as a home cook, cook for your eaters, and craft something truly simple. Hear us chat with one of the greats in American pizza-making.
Chris Bianco
Pizzeria Bianco website | Instagram
Chris Bianco makes pizza with Jimmy Kimmel & Billy Crystal
Buy his cookbook >> Bianco: Pizza, Pasta, and Other Food I Like
Recipes:
Homemade pizza dough (video) | A Couple Cooks
White pizza with pecorino, scallions and egg | A Couple Cooks
Kale & pistachio pizza | A Couple Cooks
Preorder our cookbook >> Pretty Simple Cooking
Pizza tools: Tipo 00 flour | Pizza peel (standard) | Pizza peel (conveyor) | Pizza stone
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Feeding yourself is one thing, but feeding other people with various diets and food preferences? It can feel terribly overwhelming. Author and blogger Catherine McCord of Weelicious joins us for this episode to talk about her journey from modeling to culinary school to starting a blog focused on feeding families. We chat about the moment she redefined her career around food, how her son’s health issues disappeared after eating a smoothie per day, and how to adjust to picky eating “seasons”. And, we add few strategies of our own for cooking meals for eaters of all kinds.
Recipes:
Grilled shrimp and vegetable skewers | A Couple Cooks
Refried bean tacos with chipotle cashew cream | A Couple Cooks
Broiled salmon with fruit salad | Weelicious
The Smoothie Project | Weelicious
Catherine McCord
Website | Instagram | Twitter
Her cookbooks:
- Weelicious
- Weelicious Lunches
Her organic meal kit delivery service, One Potato
Use code “COUPLES25” to get $25 your order. One Potato delivers to the following US states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Food is the great connector—nothing transcends our differences like sharing food around the table. And no one knows that more than Daniel Klein, producer of The Perennial Plate, a James Beard award-winning online documentary series. Daniel has traveled the globe with his filmmaker wife Mirra making short films about sustainable food and the people who make it. He shares his journey from chef to shooting the first season in Minnesota to traveling the word. Along the way, we touch on some big questions: What’s sustainable food, anyway? Should we buy organic? In the current political climate, how do we embrace people different from us and transcend differences? Daniel shares about his latest project telling positive immigrant stories, and we add a story of our own about how sharing food unites us all. All that, and a few new recipes to inspire your kitchen journey.
Recipes:
5 ingredient classic hummus
Herby tomato flatbread with rye cracker crust
Daniel Klein, of The Perennial Plate online documentary series
Website | Instagram | Twitter
Watch at: theperennialplate.com
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Twenty-one-year old British cooking phenom Izy Hossack started in food at the tender age of 15 with her food blog, Top with Cinnamon. Now an author of two cookbooks with a large Instagram following, she’s a college student who proclaims a message of sensible, balanced eating—which isn’t such a sexy message, she admits. Her latest book, The Savvy Cook, is all about everyday cooking with real, whole foods that even works on a college student’s time table and budget. A student of nutrition science, she’s also passionate about the spread of misinformation and health fads. As she cautions, “Don’t believe anything you read on the internet!” All that, plus her recipe for spaghetti and vegetarian meatballs, and a few cooling summer treats.
Recipes:
Vegetarian spinach meatballs with spaghetti
Chocolate drizzled peanut butter popsicles
Cookie dough glow pops
Izy Hossack, author of Top with Cinnamon
Website | Instagram
Get her cookbook: The Savvy Cook!
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
“Slow it down and enjoy the journey” is author Nicole Gulotta’s motto. She wrote an entire cookbook in the spare time in between her day job and raising her young son. This episode slows it down and explores Nicole’s story, including her journey into the kitchen first for survival and later as a meditative practice. Learn how she made time for things that made her feel alive, like cooking and poetry, and how this evolved into the website and cookbook, Eat This Poem. Plus, a simple and satisfying simple weeknight meal inspired by a poem.
Recipes:
Mushroom and brie quesadillas
Nicole Gulotta, writer and author of Eat This Poem
Website | Instagram
Cookbook: Eat this Poem
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
This episode’s guest had an office job for 15 years before landing on her dream cooking competition show, Master Chef! It’s Tanorria Askew, quarterfinalist of Season 7 of the show. She shares about how she went from office job to personal chef, what it’s like to be “famous”, and how staring into Gordon Ramsey’s baby blues makes her weak in the knees. She also shares about her passion for diversity and inclusion, and how eating around the table together brings unity even during difficult discussions. Plus, Alex surprises Sonja with her own mystery box challenge right in the A Couple Cooks studio.
Recipes:
Coconut bacon
Baked shrimp with tomatoes and feta
Garnish like a Salt Bae
Tanorria Askew, Personal Chef and Master Chef Quarterfinalist
Website | Instagram
Contact Tanorria about a Unity table
Join Tanorria on a Master Chef Cruise!
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
You’ve heard of four seasons, but six? This episode stars Joshua McFadden, chef/owner of the acclaimed Ava Gene’s in Portland. Joshua shares about his massive cookbook project, Six Seasons, intended to teach everyone from first time cooks to foodies how to make seasonal vegetables taste incredible. He also chats about his journey from film school to chef of one of the premier restaurants in the country. Plus, we share how to make raw falafel, and tips for shopping affordably at your local farmer’s market.
Recipes:
Raw falafel buddha bowls
Joshua McFadden, Ava Gene’s Chef/Owner (Portland)
Website | Instagram
>>Order the cookbook: Six Seasons
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Think the Midwest is all cornfields and cow tipping? Shelly Westerhausen, author of the cookbook Vegetarian Heartland, joins us for this episode about adventurous eating in the Midwest. Shelly shares about her story growing up in the Midwest as a vegetarian, and how this overlooked region is full of culture, vibrant food, waterfalls, caves, and forests. We chat recipe ideas galore, and her favorite delicious restaurants in the heartland of America. (Giveaway included!)
Recipes:
Vegetarian reuben sandwich
Coconut curry shakshuka
Restaurants:
Bloomington, Indiana:
King Dough | Instagram
Siam House
Taste of India
The Owlery | Instagram
Chicago:
The Chicago Diner | Instagram
Shelly Westerhausen, Vegetarian Ventures
Website | Instagram | Facebook
>>Order the cookbook: Vegetarian Heartland
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Do you find yourself turning to food in times of stress or anxiety? If you’ve ever stress-eaten a pint of ice cream, this episode is for you. We go deep with Kathryne Taylor of Cookie and Kate about emotionally healthy eating and her new cookbook, Love Real Food. We also share a new tacos recipe that’s simple and filling, and a life hack: how to manage your email inbox.
Life Hack: Inbox app for Gmail
Recipes:
BBQ bean tacos with pineapple salsa | A Couple Cooks
Extra vegetable fried rice | Cookie and Kate
Kathryne Taylor, Cookie and Kate
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Her cookbook: Love Real Food
Emotionally healthy eating: Survival Tips
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
This episode is all about our favorite sugary syrup: maple! Our quest to learn more takes us to a maple farm in upstate New York, where we learn everything from how it’s made to the confusing grading system (Grade A, Grade B?). Plus a few of our favorite recipes on how to use it, including our most popular one: bliss bites.
How to grow herbs
Recipes:
Bliss bites | A Couple Cooks
Tart cherry greek yogurt bowl | A Couple Cooks
Get your greens pizza | A Couple Cooks
Ben Hoelscher, Roxbury Mountain Maple
Website | Order maple
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
This episode we talk with Jessamyn Waldman Rodriguez of Hot Bread Kitchen, a social enterprise bakery that employs and empowers immigrant women, providing them with the skills to succeed in the culinary industry. Then, we pitch our own social enterprises, chat about bread salad and hot bread recipes, and Alex rants about coffee.
Recipes:
Red lentil curry (mesir wat) | A Couple Cooks
Panzanella with cherry tomatoes and bell peppers | A Couple Cooks
Garlic herb focaccia bread | A Couple Cooks
Jessamyn Waldman Rodriguez, Hot Bread Kitchen
Website | Instagram | Order bread
Books:
Hot Bread Kitchen, Artisanal Baking from Around the World
Jessamyn speaks at The Patachou Foundation Speaker’s Forum in Indianapolis on April 27 -- order tickets here!
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Israeli-born chef Einat Admony is one of the few female chefs who is a wife, mother, cookbook author, and owner of not just one but three successful Israeli restaurants in New York City. She joins us in this episode to chat about what a balaboosta is (and how to be one), tasty falafel and tahini, and her relentless passion for cooking for people she loves. Plus, we chat about fearless cooking and a few Mediterranean-inspired recipes of our own.
Recipes:
Baked falafel salad bowl | A Couple Cooks
Falafel patties with harissa yogurt | A Couple Cooks
Books:
Balaboosta by Einat Admony
Chef Einat on Instagram
Restaurants
Taim (NYC)
Balaboosta (NYC)
Bar Bolonat (NYC)
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
In this episode, we share another big announcement, one that starts with c and ends with ookbook! We give you an update on how parenthood is treating us, then catch up with Laura Wright to chat about her book The First Mess, a book full of delicious plant-based recipes. She shares her journey of learning to eat vegetables, volunteering in community cooking classes, and then starting a blog to share them with the world.
Recipes:
Fudgy Vegan Brownies
Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Books:
The First Mess by Laura Wright
Laura Wright | The First Mess
Website | Instagram
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
In this episode, we share a BIG announcement. Then, Sonja sits down for a heart-to-heart with Jessica Murnane to chat about her new cookbook, One Part Plant. A few years ago after some extreme symptoms, Jessica transitioned to a plant-based diet, which significantly improved her endometriosis. Now, she challenges us all to eat one plant-based meal per day. Plus, some behind the scenes on writing a cookbook, and what foods can make you nicer.
Recipes:
Mexican fried rice nachos
Books:
One Part Plant by Jessica Murnane
Jessica Murnane
Website | Instagram
One Part Podcast
The Cookbook Deal Podcast
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
In honor of that love holiday, this episode is all about cooking with those you love. To kick things off, we play the Newlywed Game to see how well we know each other after 10 years! We share our tips for how to have a successful cooking date—and our experience with a cooking date gone wrong. Plus, our favorite heart-shaped foods and our newest recipe for a simple, stunning dessert. (Extra points if you count how many times we say love in this episode.)
The newlywed game
But really: Is it desert or deserted island?
Recipes:
Salmon en papillote
Heart-shaped pizzas
All natural pink swirled chocolate bark
Cacio e pepe pasta
10 romantic Valentine’s Day recipes
Our FANCY PIZZA PEEL (works like a charm)
Books:
Date Night In by Ashley Rodriguez
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
“If you’re alive, you’re a creative person,” says Elizabeth Gilbert in Big Magic. That said, this episode is all about creativity in the kitchen, whether you think you’re creative or not! Our guest is Tess Masters of The Blender Girl, who’s full of interesting ideas on how to keep the kitchen fresh. Hear about Tess’s new cookbook, her favorite global flavor inspirations, and some crazy smoothie flavors (dill pickle?), along with our recipe ideas for creative riffing on a theme.
Recipes:
Vegan Banana French Toast (The Blender Girl)
Thai Curry Naan Pizza
Mexican Pizza
Hot Wings Hummus
Shocking Pink Beet Hummus
Dark Chocolate Hummus
Books:
Get it! The Perfect Blend | Tess Masters
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear | Elizabeth Gilbert
Tess Masters, The Blender Girl
Website | Instagram | Facebook
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
It all started with our neighbor’s question: if I’m supposed to eat “real food”, what do I bring to the office for lunch? In this episode we unpack the term real food and what it means in real life. Author and blogger Lisa Leake of 100 Days of Real Food shares the story of taking her family on a 100-day challenge, including tips for how to help picky eaters learn a love for whole foods. And of course, lots of recipes and laughter.
Recipes:
Chickpea Salad
Hot Wings Hummus
Curried Red Lentils or Quick Coconut Curry Lentils with Greens
Books:
Get it! 100 Days of Real Food: Fast and Fabulous | Lisa Leake
In Defense of Food | Michael Pollan
Food Rules | Michael Pollan
French Kids Eat Anything | Karen Le Billon
Lisa Leake, 100 Days of Real Food:
Blog | Instagram | Facebook
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
It’s a new year, and for many of us that means gray skies and cold weather. In this episode, we chat about survival techniques: theme words for 2017, how to stay cozy (hygge), and embracing warm, nourishing foods. Sonja has a fireside chat with recurring guest Melissa Coleman of The Fauxmartha, and we share soup recipes, book picks, and workout recommendations to keep you going through the winter months.
Melissa Coleman is The Fauxmartha: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Our podcast about “hygge” was Episode 3
Recipes:
Tomato artichoke lentil stew | A Couple Cooks
Creamy coconut curry pantry soup | A Couple Cooks
Sweet potato soup with harissa and greens | A Couple Cooks
Pomegranate spice “hygge” cocktail | A Couple Cooks
Books:
11/22/63 | Stephen King
The Book Thief | Markus Zusak
Workout videos:
Best Abs Ever | Rebecca Louise
45-Minute Cardio + Toning Workout | Jeanette Jenkins
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
There are many ways to fight hunger -- but through fashion? In this episode we’re highlighting two inspirational organizations doing work here in America and around the globe: The Patachou Foundation and Half United. Plus, a few new recipes and a giveaway open to everyone around the globe!
Tomato artichoke soup | A Couple Cooks
Red beans and rice | A Couple Cooks
Very verde dip | A Couple Cooks
Matthew Feltrop is Executive Director of
The Patachou Foundation | Instagram
Christian Black is Founder of
Half United | Instagram
Giveaway: Fighting hunger necklace >> and we’ll ship to anywhere in the world!
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
How to survive the holidays without increasing a few pant sizes in the process? We’ve got you covered, with “healthy-ish” takes on holiday sweet treats and ideas for indulging in moderation. Starring Kathryne Taylor and her sweet dog Cookie, of the popular food blog Cookie and Kate (plus an additional secret cameo).
Kathryne Taylor is Cookie and Kate Website | Instagram | Facebook
Maple peanut butter chocolate chip oatmeal cookies | Cookie and Kate
Salted oat fudge | Cookie and Kate
Peppermint meringues | A Couple Cooks
Chocolate peanut butter buckeyes | A Couple Cooks
Soft healthier gingerbread cookies | A Couple Cooks
Our guide to holiday gift ideas for people who love to cook: cookbooks, kitchen tools, our 2017 daily recipe calendar, and more
9 tips for eating in moderation
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
The tables are turned: we’re celebrating 1 year on the podcast by hearing from you! In this episode, we chat with listeners about their favorite podcast moments, kitchen goals for next year, and answer a few questions. Plus our favorite fall recipes for Thanksgiving and beyond, and a sweet giveaway (make sure to listen for the code word!).
Past episodes mentioned in this podcast:
The one where Alex mixes a cocktail
The one with Mario Batali
The one about minimalism and cleaning your spice drawer
The one about the great ramen adventure
The one with the charming Rick Bayless
The one with the coffee roasters
The one where we learned to slurp olive oil
The one where that guy thought “hangry” was an app
The one where we interviewed a cow
The one where we told our story
Vegetarian shepherd’s pie with french lentils | A Couple Cooks
Pumpkin pecan parfaits | A Couple Cooks
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Did you know 25% of adults would rather watch a cooking show then cook a meal themselves? In this episode, Sonja travels to the Love and Lemons kitchen in Texas to prove that cooking doesn’t require lots of advanced planning to make a beautiful and nourishing meal. With Jeanine Donofrio, the two make a Chopped-style recipe out of the ingredients on-hand in Jeanine’s refrigerator. Plus, some foodie trivia and a simple concept for fall meals with seasonal vegetables.
Jeanine Donofrio of Love and Lemons
Website | Instagram | Facebook
The recipe: Roasted fall vegetable grain bowl | A Couple Cooks
This episode was sponsored by ReclaimTheKitchen.com
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Summer might be over, but our love for tomatoes hasn’t died! In this episode, we talk about our favorite ways to use canned tomatoes throughout the winter. We phone our friend The Faux Martha, who shares her favorite minimalist recipes for canned tomatoes. Plus, people we love to cook for, our favorite foodie cities, a dinnertime challenge, and listener kitchen victories.
Roasted tomato shrimp over creamy polenta | A Couple Cooks
Melissa Coleman is The Faux Martha: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Her recipes:
20-Minute tomato soup | The Faux Martha
4-ingredient tomato sauce | The Faux Martha
Chickpea indian bowl | The Faux Martha
What’s your favorite foodie city? Sonja just went to Austin and enjoyed Tacodeli, Torchy’s Tacos, and The Beer Plant
This episode was sponsored by Muir Glen Organic
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Instead of kitchen failures, how about triumphs? This episode features Julia Turshen, cookbook author for the stars (like Gwyneth!). Julia’s now published her own solo act, Small Victories. about tips and tricks that build kitchen confidence. Julia’s victories come from a lifetime of experience spent in the kitchen. We talk about uber simple desserts, nachos for breakfast, and a health challenge that’s helped her focus on what matters.
Julia Turshen: Website | Instagram | Twitter
Small Victories
...is getting some very good press
Blood orange granita | A Couple Cooks via Small Victories
Simple black beans & scrambled tofu | A Couple Cooks via It’s All Good
This episode was sponsored by Crunchmaster gluten-free crackers
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Time for something a little different. The tables are turned in this episode, with Jessie Artigue of Marriage is Funny as our guest host, and us as the guests. The goal: sharing our food journey all in one place. Along the way, we share about challenges like cancer and adoption, how we started what we’re doing today, and some exciting updates on where we’re headed.
Jessie Artigue is host of the podcast Marriage is Funny
Jessie on Instagram | Gerard and Jessie on Twitter
Rule 26: Keep your marriage spicy by heating up the kitchen (A Couple Cooks on the Marriage is Funny podcast)
Italian white bean soup | A Couple Cooks
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
The secret to losing weight? It might not be what you think it is. In this episode, we go straight to the source and interview a doctor about healthy eating, exercise, and what’s most important for losing weight. Then, we interview our favorite Youtube fitness instructor to see if she agrees (spoiler alert: she does). Plus, our favorite delicious yet healthy recipes starring superfoods and Thai sweet potatoes.
Why you shouldn't exercise to lose weight | Vox
Superfood salad | A Couple Cooks
Thai baked sweet potatoes | A Couple Cooks via Minimalist Baker’s Everyday Cooking
Dr. Andrew Overhiser | Instagram
Rebecca-Louise and her Youtube channel of workout videos
Website | Instagram | Facebook
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Gooey mac & cheese, crispy fries, and a bowl of creamy ice cream are ours: what are your favorite comfort foods? In this episode, we talk about a balanced approach to comfort foods, and share our favorite healthy-ish recipes for old favorites. Plus a live Twitter poll on a nagging question, WWMPS, and a call to expert Amanda Paa on gluten-free living and tips on comforting, whole food recipes.
Crispy baked fries with garlic rosemary aioli | A Couple Cooks
Smoky mac and cheese with squash and spinach | A Couple Cooks
Mocha almond fudge vegan ice cream | A Couple Cooks
Food Rules by Michael Pollan
Amanda Paa of Heartbeet Kitchen | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Skillet white chili dip | Heartbeet Kitchen
Gluten-free angel food cake | Heartbeet Kitchen
Get ‘em>> Scotcheroo Bar Baking Kit!
What is your favorite healthy take on comfort food?
Is mac & cheese a main or a side? (Here are the results of our Twitter poll.)
Giveaway! Click here to enter to win a Scotcheroo Bar Baking Kit (Cake in a Crate)!
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Hangry much? In this episode, we dive into how to combat hanger, that dreaded combination of Hunger + Anger. We take to the streets for a random survey on how to survive hanger, and offer up three of our favorite 20-minute nourishing dinner recipes. Plus hangry snack ideas, and more.
Quick garlic shrimp and couscous | A Couple Cooks
Farmer’s market grain bowl | A Couple Cooks
Simple black beans and eggs | A Couple Cooks
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Field trip! In this episode we’re on location at Trader’s Point Creamery, an organic dairy farm. We meet Bella the Cow, visit the Dairy Bar, and taste an aged cheddar that’s never before been unveiled to the public. We also uncover the mystery behind organic, grass-fed dairy: why it’s important, and what to look for on the label when you’re shopping for milk, yogurt, and cheese. Plus, our favorite way to eat grass-fed yogurt, and a few summery cheesy recipes inspired by Greek islands and our basil plant.
Greek salad | A Couple Cooks
Roasted tomato basil grilled cheese | A Couple Cooks
Our photos from Santorini, because...sigh.
Trader’s Point Creamery is an organic, grass-fed dairy farm in Indianapolis
Website | Instagram | Twitter
**Giveaway of cheeses, yogurts, and more from Trader’s Point Creamery! Click here.
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Hold onto your hats, we’ve got the amazing and talented Martha Collison, youngest ever competitor on The Great British Bakeoff (or, The Great British Baking Show in the US)! She’s the charming 17-year-old who stole our hearts on our favorite new cooking show, set in idyllic farm country in Britain. Martha shares about what it’s like to be a cooking competition contestant, how to keep things creative in the kitchen, and even her thoughts on Brexit. Plus we share our favorite cucumber recipes inspired by our overflowing garden, and a story of our latest flaming kitchen incident.
Authentic tzatziki | A Couple Cooks
Gurkensalat (German cucumber salad) | A Couple Cooks
Quick refrigerator dill pickles | A Couple Cooks
The Great British Baking Show: check it out on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and PBS
Martha Collison, Quarter-Finalist on the Great British Baking Show
Website | Instagram | Twitter
Her new cookbook: Twist!
Anti-human trafficking efforts through culinary training:
- Martha worked with a baking program through Tearfund & Bramber Bakehouse
- A Couple Cooks worked with a culinary training program through Center for Global Impact
For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. (Oops.)
**Giveaway of the new Twist cookbook! Click here.
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Molly Yeh is the star of this episode, classical musician turned food blogger and author of the new cookbook Molly on the Range. She shares her unlikely story of moving from New York City to a sugar beet farm in Northern Minnesota, and eating her way from lunchables to bahn mi to casseroles. Plus, Molly’s escapades cooking in Julia Child’s kitchen, a naked chef, and “The Best” peach pie recipe you’ll ever eat.
The Best Peach Pie | A Couple cooks
Molly Yeh of My Name is Yeh
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Her new cookbook: Molly on the Range Preorder it now!
How to organize your spices...the minimalist way (and Before + After photos of our spice drawer)
Our favorite cooking shows:
Good Eats | Alton Brown
The French Chef | Julia Child
The Naked Chef | Jamie Oliver
What are your favorite cooking shows? We’d love to hear in the comments below.
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Who doesn’t love honey? In this episode we share our favorite recipes with the sticky nectar, from a salad to a dessert to our signature naturally sweet whiskey sour. We talk with bee expert Kate Franzman about the fascinating life of bees, and what we can do to help them. Plus, our thoughts on moderation: how can we embrace sweet treats without going overboard?
Roasted two-potato salad with honey mustard dressing | A Couple Cooks
Strawberries with balsamic, Greek yogurt and mint | A Couple Cooks
Naturally sweet whiskey sour | A Couple cooks
Kate Franzman of Bee Public
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Our 9 tips for eating in moderation
020 -- Homemade Bread...in 5 Minutes
Making bread at home sounds daunting, but it’s easier than you think: only 5 minutes per day and 40 cents per loaf. Not convinced? We talk with Zoe Francois, former pastry chef and author of the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes Per Day series, along with coauthor Dr. Jeff Hertzberg. Also, a real life mom who found a way to make bread-baking fit into her lifestyle -- and we taste our bread on the air.
GIVEAWAY: $100 from Bob’s Red Mill!
Multigrain Artisan Bread | A Couple Cooks
Zoe Francois is:
Zoe Bakes: Website | Instagram | Twitter
Artisan Bread in 5: Website | Instagram | Twitter
Books:
Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day
Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day
Gluten-Free Bread Artisan in Five Minutes a Day
Zoe’s epi!
Do you, like Alex, suffer from misophonia?
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
50 shades of what? This episode, we talk brain food with Dr. Drew Ramsey, author of the books 50 Shades of Kale and Eat Complete. What we eat affects how we look, but what about how we feel? Psychiatrist Dr. Ramsey shares the best foods to eat to boost our brain and soothe our moods, and we add our favorite kale-tastic recipes.
Get your Culinary Box from Chef José Andrés today! Visit quarterly.co/YUM and enter code "SPAIN" at checkout for 10% off your first box.
Tuscan Raw Kale Salad
Spicy Kale Lasagna
Rice Bowl with Kale, Red Pepper, and Egg
Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers with Quinoa Pesto
Scallop and Plum Ceviche
Dr. Drew Ramsey
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
His books:
Eat Complete | 50 Shades of Kale
Brain Boost Videos
A farm on a hospital
Dr. Ramsey's favorite Indy spots: Trader’s Point Creamery, Milktooth and Tinker Street
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Ending world hunger is not the typical 17-year old’s top priority, but Katie Stagliano is not the typical 17-year old! Join us as we learn about the non-profit Katie started to inspire growing vegetable gardens all over the country. Plus, our favorite addicting Italian soup chock full of vegetables, and a few tips on growing herbs.
Italian Vegetable and Gnocchi soup
How to grow herbs
And a video
Katie’s Krops
Ichiban japanese eggplant
Some of our favorite cabbage recipes: Peanut Noodles with Napa Cabbage, Roasted Cabbage Wedge Salad, Cabbage and Apples
Fresh Food Matters
Sub-Zero will donate $5 up to $25,000 to Katie’s Krops for every hashtag with #freshfoodmatters. Join us!
The Mediterranean diet is here to stay, and with it, olive oil. Join us on olive oil tasting with an expert in California where we slurp through oils like the best of them. Along with sharing our favorite basic homemade dressing recipe and a life-changing Mediterranean rice bowl, we’ve got a visit from our favorite minimalist and a special giveaway.
How to make homemade salad dressing
Basic Vinaigrette (A Couple Cooks)
Balsamic
Vinaigrette (The Faux
Martha)
Italian Vinaigrette (The Faux Martha)
Mediterranean Rice Bowl recipe (A Couple Cooks)
Maia Hirschbein’s
Challah with Olive Oil
California Olive Ranch
Want three bottles of California-made olive oil? Enter to win.
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Coffee fanatics unite! This episode is dedicated especially to that enchanting morning elixir. We demonstrate our best quick-and-easy coffee-making method on the air, and share a favorite coffee-centric dessert. Plus, a visit to indie Indy coffee roaster couple Blue Mind Roasters and a special giveaway.
How to Make Coffee with an Aeropress
Toasted almond mocha affogato
Mocha almond fudge vegan ice cream
Peppermint ice cream and hot chocolate affogato
Local craft coffee at Blue Mind Roasting.
The inspiration for the business name? Alexi Murdoch’s song: Blue Mind.
Want an Aeropress coffee maker? Enter to win or order one.
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
“I don’t miss meat. I just like eating really good food.” This episode, we join author and photographer husband and wife duo Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Matthews for a behind the scenes on their new cookbook, Love & Lemons. We talk everything from eating lots of vegetables to savory mushrooms to kitchen improv -- plus, a spring recipe of our own that proves tacos can be more than simply Mexican flavors.
Ricotta scrambled egg and asparagus tacos (A Couple Cooks)
Jeanine and Jack are Love and Lemons
The Love and Lemons Cookbook
Mushrooms are meaty...really.
Jack’s pretzel recipe
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
“The” chef Rick Bayless joins us on a journey to explore Mexican cuisine. From huevos rancheros tacos to roasted tomatillo salsa, we discuss authentic flavors, Baja California, his newest (secret) restaurant project, and what it’s like to compete on a cooking show. Plus, fun tips like how to regulate the heat of your salsa and make impressive giant flames. It’s a legit fiesta.
Links:
Loaded huevos rancheros tacos (A Couple Cooks)
Roasted tomatillo salsa (A Couple Cooks via Rick Bayless)
Homemade tortilla chips (A Couple Cooks)
More Mexican from A Couple Cooks
Rick Bayless:
His bio
His new book: More Mexican Everyday
His restaurants: Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Xoco
His new project?
Valle de Guadalupe: the Napa Valley of Mexico
Finca Altozano
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
The best food inspirations (foodspirations?) can come from travel, but what about in your very own city? In this episode we explore one of the decade’s hottest American food trends, ramen, first at a restaurant and then in our very own kitchen. And we create our own quick vegetarian version just for the podcast!
Our quick vegetarian ramen
How every city became Brooklyn | Bon Appetit
Rook
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
In this episode: we answer your questions! How to shop and balance nutrition + cost, our Instagram food photo tips, baking versus roasting, and how often we disagree in the kitchen.
Alex was right with tomato artichoke lentil stew
Cherry hazelnut energy bars taste like heaven on top of a mountain
Garam masala was on point in this cauliflower curry
acouplecooks.com is redesigned, featuring a new acouplecookspodcast.com page
The Faux Martha shares her iPhone editing tips
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
There are many reasons for eating local, but how about it’s just plain fun? In this episode we share why we love markets and how to make it eating local doable. We’ve got a fantastic pair of local guests: photographer and film maker pair Kelley and JD Schuyler, who share what it’s like behind the scenes of their documentary. Plus fishing stories from Alaska, a handful of fresh recipes, and a kitchen tip for neat freaks.
Turmeric yellow rice bowls with broccoli and kale
Salmon, caper and dill dip
Mocha almond fudge ice cream (for the soul)
Kelley and JD Schuyler of Last Man Fishing:
Kickstarter | Website | Instagram
Sonja catches a fish
Kelley catches a fish
Video collaboration circa 2011 with JD that started it all
Cluttered kitchens might urge us to overeat
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
Do you cook together with your significant other, or is it just too painful? In this episode we explore what it means to have a creative partnership in the kitchen, or whether it’s better for all involved to divide and conquer. Special guests Lindsay and Bjork Ostrom of the prominent food blog Pinch of Yum share behind the scenes in their own relationship, and we share our favorite recipe for a cooking date.
Cooking date perfection: Simple shrimp and artichoke paella
Veggie version: Simple vegetable paella
Add stations Indie in the Kitchen for cooking and Cocktail Party Jazz for eating
Our tips for cooking together as a couple
Should you cook with your S.O.? Take our quiz.
Lindsay and Bjork Ostrom run Pinch of Yum
Pinch of Yum on Instagram
Date Night In by Ashley Rodriguez
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
In this episode: we answer your questions! Our best kitchen tools, the best vegetable for a vegetable hater, salted versus unsalted butter, our best party appetizer, and how cooking together has affected our marriage. Plus, a question for you!
Baked sweet potatoes with salsa
Spinach isn’t just for salads: put it in soups, curries, pastas and sandwiches
Best party app: our addicting tomato almond dip
What are you doing for Valentine’s Day?
Shocking pink hummus
Our new (non-romantic) favorite show
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
In this episode: we explore the fun of eating global flavors and travel-inspired meals with featuring celebrity chef Carla Hall, Top Chef finalist and host of ABC’s The Chew. We talk everything from herbs and spices to her philanthropic trip to Mozambique; plus, our favorite Indian-inspired comfort food turned to simple weeknight meal.
Cauliflower and Tomato Coconut Curry (A Couple Cooks)
All about Carla Hall
Her book: Carla’s Comfort Foods: Favorite Dishes from Around the World
Carla Hall on Instagram
Our time in Greece inspired these recipes
A video we took at the Cambodian market
25 Healthy Recipes with Global Flavors
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
In this episode: we explore minimalism in the kitchen with Melissa Coleman of the website The Faux Martha, graphic designer and self-proclaimed minimalist. Plus how to design a meal, an easy weeknight dinner, and cleaning out that spice drawer.
Fried Eggs with Bulgur and Spinach (with VIDEO) (A Couple Cooks)
Simplify your kitchen in the new year (Mark Bittman via New York Times)
Melissa Coleman is The Faux Martha
Her top minimalist recipes:
Balsamic Pasta using this vinaigrette
Amazing Soba Bowl
Chickpea Indian Bowl
Quick Summer Pasta
Baked Oatmeal
The Faux Martha on Instagram
How to design a meal (by Jeanine Donofrio of Love and Lemons, on A Couple Cooks)
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
What are your favorite easy weeknight meals? Drop us a line at acouplecooks@gmail.com.
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
In this episode, we talk PIZZA: its evolution from peasant food to worldwide fame, a wood-fired pizza shared in Rome, and a years-long quest to recreate it. Plus, our best tips for making pizza at home, and our chat with premier pizza restaurateur Caleb Schiff of Pizzicletta.
VIDEO: Homemade pizza dough
Pizza dough recipe - stand mixer method
Pizza dough recipe - food processor method
Gluten-free? Check out Gluten-free artisan bread in 5 minutes a day
How to make a sourdough starter
Tipo 00 flour
Pizza peel (standard)
Pizza peel (conveyor)
Pizza stone
Pizza margherita
Pesto & tomatoes
White pizza with pecorino, scallions and egg A favorite
So Cal
Greek
Kale & pistachio
Mexican
Thai curry
Caleb Schiff of Pizzicletta (Flagstaff, Arizona)
Pizzicletta on Instagram
Our honeymoon in Rome (revisited 7 years later)
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
In this episode: we make dark chocolate bark on the air in our kitchen -- a perfect anytime treat that’s a little bit fancy + supremely simple. Then we talk recipes with entertaining queen Annie Marshall from the blog Annie’s Eats, including DIY food projects like bread, tortillas, yogurt, ice cream, and more.
Our recipe of the week: Dark chocolate quinoa bark
Raw brownies are dark chocolatey and wholesome; they’re a hit in our house.
Alex quotes from Michael Pollan’s Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual, which has had a huge influence on our philosophy on food.
We talk recipes with Annie Marshall of Annie’s Eats
Our garlic and rosemary white bean dip was part of her holiday spread
Her go to’s for family dinners: Mexican quinoa & Salmon salad with honey mustard vinaigrette
Our DIY challenge: try one new-to-you homemade recipe:
Flour tortillas or Corn tortillas (Annie’s Eats)
Multigrain artisan no-knead bread (A Couple Cooks)
Light wheat sandwich bread (Annie’s Eats)
Stand mixer pizza dough (A Couple Cooks)
DIY Greek yogurt (Annie’s Eats)
Ricotta cheese (Annie’s Eats)
Waffle cones or sugar cones (Annie’s Eats)
Sweet corn black raspberry ice cream (Annie’s Eats)
Salted butter caramel ice cream (Annie’s Eats)
Salted chocolate pistachio creamy vegan ice cream (A Couple Cooks)
Mocha almond fudge vegan ice cream (A Couple Cooks)
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
In this episode: we talk with celebrity chef Graham Elliot about having fun in the kitchen and his approach to healthy living. Plus, how we went from hating to craving healthy foods, comforting casseroles, bird food, and lighting rounds.
Our recipe of the week: Roasted broccoli cheddar millet bake (A Couple Cooks)
Millet’s PR problem
Graham Elliott
Master Chef and Master Chef Junior
His cookbook, Cooking Like a Master Chef
Sonja’s salsa dancing skillz
What are your top 5 foods? A couple of ours:
Pizza margherita
Paella
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
In this episode: we interview a real urban farmer (Amy Matthews) and brainstorm what to do with her seasonal eats. Plus, we share the story of how we got into cooking in the first place, an innovative pad thai variation, new comfort foods to get through the winter months, and our favorite podcasts.
Our recipe of the week: Spaghetti squash pad thai (A Couple Cooks)
Sonja’s recipe pick: Red curry lentils (Lindsay Ostrom of Pinch of Yum)
Alex’s recipe pick: Mushrooms and greens with toast (Tara O’Brady in Seven Spoons Cookbook via Smitten Kitchen)
Bonus: Dolsot bibimbap (I am Food Blog | Stephanie Le) or Vegetarian dolsot bibimbap (Emily Ho | The Kitchn)
Our tour with Amy at South Circle Farm
Recipes with Amy’s produce:
Fennel: Italian white bean soup (a favorite!)
Bok choy: Market vegetable fried rice
Parsnip: Roasted root vegetables
Rainbow carrots: Raw with Garlic and rosemary white bean dip or Greek yogurt ranch dip
We recreated the the homemade sushi dinner that started it all
Julia Child, the mother of all cooking shows (complete with old episodes)
Alton Brown’s Good Eats
Jamie Oliver
Who inspires you to cook (on TV or in real life)?
Our favorite podcasts - what podcasts do you love?
Amy's podcast recommendation: The Memory Palace.
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
In this episode: we talk with rock star Mario Batali about the true rockstars: local farmers. And, our favorite Italian stew, cooking without a recipe, pickles, tiny houses, and bucket lists.
Our recipe of the week: Tomato artichoke lentil stew (A Couple Cooks)
Sonja’s recipe pick: Spicy peanut stew with butternut squash and chickpeas (Ashlae Warner of Oh Ladycakes)
Alex’s recipe pick: Roasted leeks with tangerine vinaigrette (Michael Anthony from V is for
Vegetables)
Our honeymoon here, revisited: Rome + the Amalfi Coast
The Flavor Bible by Karen Page.
What’s in season near you? A seasonal food chart.
Sonja’s mom’s peach pie.
Mario Batali: his empire. His book, America: Farm to Table.
Find a farmer’s market near you.
Our refrigerator pickles. Mario’s pasta a la norma.
What’s on your bucket list?
-Sonja’s bucket list was fulfilled in Alaska. And also, here.
-Alex’s bucket list desire: a magical dinner.
Tiny houses.
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
In this episode: Alex unveils a surprise signature cocktail on the air, and we share colorful, seasonal recipes for a Thanksgiving menu (or anytime). Plus salty listener questions answered, eating mindfully, and hygge.
Our recipes of the week:
Lentil and Goat Cheese Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Green Beans with Hazelnuts
Roasted Cauliflower and Apples with Dill
Pumpkin Pie Mousse Shooters
Our Winter 2015 signature cocktail: pomegranate spice hygge cocktail.
What is hygge? Now you know. (We first heard about it here.)
Eating mindfully.
Delicata squash fries, with our favorite seasonal squash.
A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter
In this episode: a big bowl that unites random refrigerator components, what we learned from Julia Child, and the best way to make cooking fun. Plus, we confess our biggest kitchen disaster and our favorite food memories (hint, Italia).
Our recipe of the week: Roasted nourish bowl (A Couple Cooks)
Sonja’s recipe pick: Ribollita (Tuscan white bean soup) (Jeanine Donofrio of Love and Lemons)
Alex’s recipe pick: Spicy pita pockets with lentils and tahini sauce (Food and Wine)
Bonus: Ribollita from A Couple Cooks, recipe from Green Kitchen Travels cookbook by Green Kitchen Stories
Our tips on salt
The butternut squash soup we used for our on-air salt experiment
Cooking as a couple - how we do it, and why to cook with a friend, spouse, partner, etc.
The recipe behind our biggest kitchen disaster. Share with us your failure stories?
What is your favorite food memory? We’d love to hear.
Alex’s favorite food memory in Rome (search for the word “Campoleone”)
Sonja’s favorite food memory in Positano (search for the world “Peach”)
A Couple Cooks on Instagram
In this episode: chili with a magical secret ingredient and a life changing way to make vegetables. Plus, the joy of hosting a dinner party and an encouraging tip from an expert.
Our recipe of the week: Quinoa and black bean chili (A Couple Cooks)
Sonja’s recipe pick: Spaghetti squash burrito bowl (Kathryne Taylor of Cookie & Kate)
Alex’s recipe pick: French Green Beans with Shallots (Jacque Pepin via New York Times)
Roasting is our favorite way to prepare vegetables in the fall and winter. Some of our favorite recipes:
Spiced roasted cauliflower or roasted cauliflower
Roasted brussels sprouts with pecorino and pecans (pecorino and pecans optional)
Roasted fingerling and new potatoes with rosemary
How to Throw a Healthy Dinner Party from Anna Watson Carl of The Yellow Table
What should Sonja make with an 8-pound green cabbage? Sonja’s farmer’s market haul
Did you find the Easter egg?
A Couple Cooks on Instagram