A Couple Cooks | Small Bites

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 Instagram 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   A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter

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   A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter

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   A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter

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