“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:
Nicole Gulotta, writer and author of Eat This Poem
Cookbook: Eat this Poem
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:
Baked shrimp with tomatoes and feta
Garnish like a Salt Bae
Tanorria Askew, Personal Chef and Master Chef Quarterfinalist
Contact Tanorria about a Unity table
Join Tanorria on a Master Chef Cruise!
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:
Joshua McFadden, Ava Gene’s Chef/Owner (Portland)
>>Order the cookbook: Six Seasons
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:
Restaurants:
Bloomington, Indiana:
Chicago:
Shelly Westerhausen, Vegetarian Ventures
Website | Instagram | Facebook
>>Order the cookbook: Vegetarian Heartland
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
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.
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
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)
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:
Books:
The First Mess by Laura Wright
Laura Wright | The First Mess
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:
Books:
One Part Plant by Jessica Murnane
Jessica Murnane
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:
All natural pink swirled chocolate bark
10 romantic Valentine’s Day recipes
Our FANCY PIZZA PEEL (works like a charm)
Books:
Date Night In by Ashley Rodriguez
“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)
Books:
Get it! The Perfect Blend | Tess Masters
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear | Elizabeth Gilbert
Tess Masters, The Blender Girl
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:
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:
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
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
Giveaway: Fighting hunger necklace >> and we’ll ship to anywhere in the world!
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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)!
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
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
**Giveaway of cheeses, yogurts, and more from Trader’s Point Creamery! Click here.