Faith Middleton Food Schmooze

No one becomes a better cook on her own. Faith has an enlightening conversation with cooking teacher Samin Nosrat about her book, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. Plus, Amanda Glover (a.k.a. Amanda Bakes) joins the party with a chocolate merlot cake we can't stop thinking about.

Are you ready for National Rum Day? Bailey Pryor of The Real McCoy spirits company joins the party with a fabulous tiki cocktail (named after Faith!). We try an affordable white wine from Italy, and Chef Rossi, author of The Raging Skillet talks about her memoir-turned-stage-play running at Hartford's TheaterWorks until August 27.

If you haven’t taken a road trip to White Gate Farm in East Lyme, CT yet, you must. This week, the whole gang tours the farm and sits down to an organic feast with the farm’s owner, Pauline Lord, and farm manager Kent Girty. Pauline and Kent share recipes from the farm stand, including Zucchini and Carrot Ribbon Tart, Kale and Orange Cupcakes, Fennel Vichyssoise, and Chocolate-Zucchini Cupcakes. Alex Province helps us pair it all with a fresh vintage of a rosé we love.

What's in your picnic basket? Take a peek in ours. Plus, we're celebrating strawberry season with ideas for chilled strawberry soup, Chris Prosperi's super-simple strawberry daiquiris, and the dreamy strawberries and whipped cream cake of Faith's childhood.

Doesn't a corn BLT sound good to you right now? We're inventing one and offering up the quickest way to shuck corn on the cob. Plus, we've got a food-friendly Sauvignon Blanc to share and recipes from Tess Masters, a.k.a. Blender Girl.

Ready for summer? You will be now. This week, Add a Pinch author Robyn Stone shares fresher, lightened-up versions of her family's recipes for Citrus Shrimp, Peach Crisp, and Lemon Meringue Pie (Hello, baby shower or bake sale!). Plus, Faith and the gang create a Shrimp Cocktail Bloody Mary using local mixes, and Alex Province pours the most intense rosé we've ever tasted.

Learn how to make delicious pork on the grill or sear-roasted. Then, prepare to be transported. Alex Province details his trip to Spain and photographer Dan Goldberg takes us to Cuba with beautiful photos from his new cookbook, Cuba. You MUST make the Mojito Cake!

Get creative with your 4th of July burgers. Stuff them with caramelized onions, roasted fennel, or your favorite cheese. What do you consider the best lobster roll in our region? Share your favorite clam shack with us. And, tell us where you find the best local hot dogs (YES, hot dogs can be local!). Finally, Faith and Mark share two wines that pair with grilled foods and fireworks. And both sippers are a steal.

Friend-of-the-show Chef Prasad Chirnomula joins the party with dishes from his new restaurant INDIA, in West Hartford, CT. Plus, the gang shares their favorite street food from around the world, an affordable rosé from Spain, fruit-infused flavored waters, and how to make your own version of a Klondike® bar at home.

Jamie Purviance teams up with Weber for another cookbook. This one is all about favorites. This week on the show, Jamie shares recipes and tips from Weber’s Greatest Hits. Plus, we taste two unusual red wines (one is a blend aged in bourbon barrels). And, if you’ve ever wished you had a trick for shucking oysters at home, we’ve got one for you. John Bertino, the chief oyster shucker at the Oyster Club in Mystic, CT, joins the party with tips and anecdotes from a life of shucking.

The barbecue community doesn’t call Mike Mills “The Legend” for nothing. The much-beloved pitmaster and barbecue expert joins the party to talk about his new book, Praise the Lard (with co-author and daughter Amy Mills). Mike shares recipes and tips for home grillers and smokers alike. Think: Bourbon-Buttered Pork Chops and Tangy Vinegar Cole Slaw. Oh, and there’s Flourless Chocolate Brownie Cake (with bourbon!) too.

Tips for how to keep your wine icy cold, plus two affordable reds (yes, reds!) for summer and grilled foods. Plus, doctor-turned-author Rock Positano tells us what it was like to have dinner with American icon, Joe DiMaggio.

We’re kicking off 2017’s grilling season with Steven Raichlen. He shares his secrets for great barbecue and recipes from his latest cookbook, Barbecue Sauces, Rubs, and Marinades: Bastes, Butters, and Glazes Too. Plus, a rave-worthy soft-shell crab BLT from a CT restaurant, a rich white wine that works with spice/heat, and Amy Dickinson of Wait. . .Wait Don’t Tell Me!® and the “Ask Amy” column describes her early life on a dairy farm and her mother’s cooking. Amy shares stories and a poignant, memorable letter from her advice column in her new memoir, Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things.

More spring recipes for Mother's Day and beyond. A lemony arugula pasta, plus the 2-ingredient biscuits beloved by the internet. Chris Prosperi tells you how to make them gluten free. Plus, a fresh summery rosé and the writer Adam Gopnik joins the party to talk about his new musical.

Filmmaker Bailey Pryor joins us to talk about Gluten Free, the fascinating documentary now airing on PBS. Leading scientists in the field help demystify gluten-related illnesses and offer up theories about this very real medical issue. Plus, Susie Middleton joins the party to share recipes from her new cookbook, Simple Green Suppers. Two words: Avocado Toast. It’s unlike any you’ve ever had—and yes, it’s a meal.