Indiana Home Cooks

We're starting the new year right with a hearty soup recipe you can whip up in time for January 1, or anytime you want something warm and comforting in the cold winter days ahead. IHC host Susan Mintert is in the kitchen to demonstrate her mom's Vegetable Beef Soup, using a few simple ingredients.

As summer slips away, host Susan Mintert celebrates tomatoes and sweet corn. Tomato harvest began in August for commercial growers, and Susan visited the Red Gold corporate headquarters and packing facility in Elwood, Indiana, to get the story on one of the nation's top tomato processors. Also on this episode, a visit to the National Sweet Corn Festival in Hoopeston, Illinois. Our neighbors to the west have a 76-year tradition going, shucking, boiling, and buttering thousands of pounds of sweet corn during this Labor Day event. Music is by The Underscore Orkestra and Slainte at The Free Music Archive.

Host Susan Mintert visits the Indiana State Fair in this episode of the Indiana Home Cooks Podcast. She shares the stories of an Indiana pork producer and home cook, and some pioneer cooks doing things the old fashioned way. It's a cracklin' good time. Pictures and more are at the blog, indianahomecooks.com. Music is by The Underscore Orkestra and Slainte at the Free Music Archive.

A unique food gaining the attention of professional chefs and home cooks alike has its origin right here in Indiana. On this episode, we learn how Dr. Torbert Rocheford's original mission to improve diets in underdeveloped countries lead to a new specialty food product here in the U.S.--Professor Torbert's Orange Corn Grits. Host Susan Mintert talks with the professor and his son Evan about the orange corn story, and with Torbert's wife Katie who shares recipes and interesting uses for the orange corn grits. Recipes, pictures, and more are on the blog, indianahomecooks.com. IHC music is by The Underscore Orkestra and Slainte at The Free Music Archive. Closing theme is by Leon Mercer.

In this Bonus Track of the IHC podcast, host Susan Mintert demos her Vegetable Tian on the Grill. It's a delicious combination of summer vegetables, easily prepared with minimal fuss. The recipe and pictures are on the blog, indianahomecooks.com.

June is Indiana Wine Grape Month and on the Indiana Home Cooks podcast, host Susan Mintert is sampling Indiana's official State Wine--Traminette. Meredith Easley of Easley Winery in Indianapolis and Thom England, Culinary Arts Program Director at Ivy Tech provide the wines and food pairings, as the three discuss and sample the versatile Traminette. See pictures from the episode and other information at indianahomecooks.com or on the Indiana Home Cooks Blog link on the Podbean player.

Now that it's grilling and barbecue season, we are taking Indiana Home Cooks outdoors and firing up the grill with Andy and Michelle Schwindler of the Sandy Beach Barbecue Company. Situated on Lake Freeman just south of Monticello, Indiana, Sandy Beach has its own outdoor kitchen, plus retail space for Big Green Egg Grills, accessories, seasonings, etc. Andy and Michelle share the story of how their business evolved from building outdoor kitchens to selling the grills and other products needed to get the most from the outdoor cooking experience. They also share several barbecue techniques, tips, and tricks that apply to the Big Green Egg, or to gas or charcoal grilling. See pictures and more from this episode at indianahomecooks.com.  

In this bonus track of the IHC Podcast, Susan demonstrates her Italian Pot Roast, a low-fuss meal you can prepare in a slow cooker or in the oven. Recipe and pictures are on the blog: indianahomecooks.com.

Indiana Artisans are the top tier of artists, craftspeople, and food makers in the state. Their annual Artisan Marketplace was held recently at the State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Susan Mintert met several food artisans there and profiles them on this edition of the Indiana Home Cooks podcast. We cover barbecue, German inspired baked goods, and barrel aged maple syrup! Learn more about the Indiana Artisans program, see pictures from the podcast and links to the artisans at Susan's blog, indianahomecooks.com. And share this podcast with a friend! Just click the share button on show's page. Thanks!  

In this episode we take a peak inside Sweet Revolution Bake Shop, in downtown Lafayette, as host Susan Mintert visits with owners Sarah McGregor-Raye and Jonathan McGregor. This sister and brother are an unbeatable combo at cranking out pies and a wide assortment of pastries for their Lafayette customers. Hear how they combined their skills and drive to make Sweet Revolution a sweet success. Learn more and see pictures at indianahomecooks.com.

The number of wineries in Indiana continues to grow and the quality of the wine they're making continues to improve. During the cold winter months grape growers and wine makers are learning ways to keep the momentum going in their industry. One place they do that is the annual Horticulture Congress, put on by Purdue University, in Indianapolis. Host Susan Mintert attended the Congress this month and visited with several wine makers, grape growers, and members of Purdue's Wine Grape Team.

The Indiana Home Cooks Podcast is undergoing some updates. Host Susan Mintert has a brief message to explain where and how to listen here on the new host site Podbean, and elsewhere. Get more details on the IHC blog, indianahomecooks.com.

In this IHC bonus track, host Susan Mintert cooks a family favorite dish that will warm your insides on a cold winter evening. Hear how her Cincinnati-Style Chili comes together, and find the recipe at the indianahomecooks.com website.

Holiday celebrations center on food. There is no denying it. Whatever time of year the holiday falls, there is some food or other that is central to the celebration and to the gathering of family and friends. In the midst of the Christmas holiday season, Susan Mintert and her daughter, Christine Hack, sat down and talked about some favorite holiday foods they love to prepare, as well as eat. Music is by The Underscore Orkestra and Borrtex at freemusicarchive.org.

In this bonus track, Susan and her daughter Christine whip up a sweet and addictive treat--homemade caramel corn. It's super quick, utilizing the microwave oven and a paper grocery bag, and great for gift giving, parties, or for munching in the kitchen the minute it's done! The recipe is at indianahomecooks.com.

Home brewing is in the spotlight in this edition of Indiana Home Cooks. Host Susan Mintert visits the home brewery of John Blichmann, in Lafayette, IN. John talks about how his experience brewing his own beer lead to a career in designing and building pro level equipment for home and craft brewers alike. Music by The Underscore Orkestra and Sláinte, at freemusicarchive.org. (CC-BY-NC-SA) Closing theme by Leon Mercer.

In this bonus track, host Susan Mintert and her mom, Barbara Mercer, whip up a family favorite that is never absent from their Thanksgiving table--Fluffy Yeast Rolls. Music by The Underscore Orkestra and Sláinte from freemusicarchive.org. (CC-BY-NC-SA)

Barbecue takes many forms across the USA and most regions have their own signature styles. At one BBQ spot in West Point, Indiana, you can savor the best of Texas-style barbecue and Tex-Mex dishes. Indiana Home Cooks host Susan Mintert visited with Lee Stanish, who brought his meat smoking talents from Pennsylvania to the Hoosier State and is making his mark at Eddie Joe's Icehouse, in downtown West Point. Music by The Underscore Orkestra and Sláinte at freemusicarchive.org (CC-BY-NC-SA). Closing theme by Leon Mercer.

A chilly fall afternoon, and a short prep time, inspired this delicious Italian Sausage & Lentil Soup. Indiana Home Cooks host Susan Mintert explains it all, and husband Jim offers a thumbs up, in this BONUS TRACK. The recipe is at indianahomecooks.com. As always, theme music on the IHC podcast is by The Underscore Orkestra at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/.

Over wine and a caprese salad, Stephanie Hainje talks with host Susan Mintert about foods we loved this summer, what's around the corner for fall cooking and baking, and where in the world we find all these recipes. Music is by The Underscore Orkestra at freemusicarchive.org. (CC-BY-NC-SA) Closing theme by Leon Mercer.

In the second episode from Manhattan, Kansas, host Susan Mintert is back in the kitchen with her Manhattan friend Karin Matta, preparing Karin's version of Cauliflower Crust Pizza. We also hear more from Sharon Davis of the Home Baking Association with some of her kitchen tips. And Susan stirs up a delicious and quick chocolate cake right in the baking pan. Music is by The Underscore Orkestra and Sláinte at freemusicarchive.org (CC-BY-NC-SA). Closing theme by Leon Mercer.

In this episode of Indiana Home Cooks, host Susan Mintert visits with Sharon Davis, program director for the Home Baking Association, based in Kansas. Susan met with Sharon on a recent trip to Manhattan, Kansas, where her family lived for many years before returning to the Hoosier State. Sharon has lots of ideas for home cooks everywhere and she shares her passion for bringing together the family and learning life skills through home cooking. Music by The Underscore Orkestra and Sláinte at freemusicarchive.org (CC-BY-NC-SA)Closing theme by Leon Mercer.

In this episode of Indiana Home Cooks, Susan returns to Clay County to reminisce with friends from her home community of Carbon, Indiana. Mary Egloff and Ralph Egloff share memories of mid-20th century life on the farm, country cooking, and Parke County Covered Bridge Festival memories. Music is by The Underscore Orkestra and Sláinte at http://freemusicarchive.org/ (CC-BY-NC-SA). Closing theme by Leon Mercer.

Chocolate, truffles, "addiction," gratitude, blessings, Wonder Woman....we cover it all in this episode of Indiana Home Cooks. Host Susan Mintert gets a behind the counter view of Richelle In A Handbasket, a candy and gift shop in Lafayette, Indiana. Owner and "chocolatier extraordinaire" Richelle Peterson shares her philosophy on the importance of showing gratitude, and how much fun you can have while doing so. Theme music is by The Underscore Orkestra at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/. (CC-BY-NC-SA) Closing theme is by Leon Mercer.

The Indiana Artisan Marketplace, held in early April at the State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, featured over 130 artisans. They showcased their art, such as pottery, jewelry, furniture, metalwork, and paintings, as well as specialty food and wine--all created and produced by Indiana artisans. Susan Mintert visited the Marketplace and met several food artisans and others. It's all on this episode of the Indiana Home Cooks podcast. Theme music is by the Underscore Orkestra at the Free Music Archive. http://www.theunderscoreorkestra.com/. Closing theme is by Leon Mercer.

Wine making in Indiana is the topic of this episode of Indiana Home Cooks. Host Susan Mintert traveled to Bloomington to visit Butler Winery, and talked with Susie Butler, who with her husband Jim, has been making wine for over three decades. The Butlers have not only grown their own business over the years, but they've done much to grow and develop the wine industry in Indiana. Theme music is by The Underscore Orkestra at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/. Closing theme is by Leon Mercer.

Interest in cooking at home seems on the upswing with young people showing a fresh interest in trying new foods and learning old ways. In this episode of IHC, Susan Mintert travels to Bloomington, Indiana, to talk with Sam Eibling, owner of Goods For Cooks, a Bloomington institution for over four decades. Sam is balancing the need to stay "on trend" with an attitude of stewardship to her customers and the Bloomington community. Theme music by The Underscore Orkestra at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/. Closing theme by Leon Mercer.

We catch up with Katy Eberle, as she visits Susan Mintert's kitchen. The girls discuss Susan's recent trip to New Orleans, new recipes, the Hershey's Gold Bar, and more. Theme music by The Underscore Orchestra at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/. (CC-BY-NC-SA) Closing theme by Leon Mercer.

It's almost a fifth season, this transition from winter to spring, when the maple trees in Indiana run full with sugary sap. The trees are tapped, the sugar water is collected and then cooked down over roaring fires until it becomes maple syrup. In this episode of Indiana Home Cooks, Susan Mintert visits Parke County where the Maple Syrup Festival has been held for over a half-century. Theme music is by The Underscore Orchestra at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/ (CC-BY-NC-SA). Closing theme is by Leon Mercer.

The Farm at Prophetstown State Park offers a glimpse into what life was like on an Indiana farm in the 1920's--from the garden to the barnyard to the wood-burning cookstove in the kitchen. Lauren Reed, the education and events coordinator at The Farm, tells us all about her labor of love. She's also a professional chef who creates special dinners at The Farm using ingredients grown on site. And she keeps her chef skills honed working special VIP events (as in, the Super Bowl)with a large event catering business. We'll hear all about it on this episode of IHC!

For some families and individuals, it's a struggle to put nutritious food on the table because of low income. Government welfare programs can help but sometimes come up short. Luckily there are plenty of organizations and individuals to assist our fellow Hoosiers in need. The Food Finders Food Bank in Lafayette is one of those organizations. Host Susan Mintert talks with Food Finders president and CEO Katy Bunder, and nutrition education expert Barb Bunnell about the challenges and rewards of helping the hungry among us.

The craft beer scene in Indiana gained a new entry last fall to quench a growing thirst for new flavorful brews. Boiler Gold, a golden ale that debuted to rave reviews from Purdue University faithful all over the state, came from a collaboration between People's Brewing Company in Lafayette, and the Purdue Food Sciences Department across the river in West Lafayette. In this episode, we tell the story, and have a taste, of Boiler Gold. Theme music is by The Underscore Orchestra at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/ (CC-BY-NC-SA). Closing theme is by Leon Mercer.

Chris Johnson, owner and brewmaster of People's Brewing Company, joins us in this episode. People's, located in Lafayette, Indiana, has established quite a presence in the community and in the state in its eight years of existence. Chris talks about what makes for a great craft beer and a successful local brewery. And, if you find terms like ale, lager, "English style," hops, or "nitro" a little confusing, Chris breaks it down for us to help make the beer tasting experience a little more meaningful, and always delicious! Theme music is by The Underscore Orchestra at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/ (CC-BY-NC-SA). Closing theme is by Leon Mercer.

Susan's mom, Barbara Mercer, shares stories of "butchering day" when she was a girl on her family's Clay County farm. Mom and daughter mix up Fluffy Yeast Rolls for a holiday dinner. And Susan and Katy Eberle discuss bread baking and passing down favorite recipes. Theme music is by The Underscore Orchestra at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/ (CC-BY-NC-SA). Closing theme by Leon Mercer.

The poor will always be with us, and as people of charity we are called to help them. One organization in the Lafayette, Indiana, area serves low income families and the homeless with a variety of programs. In this episode of IHC, Susan learns about two programs of Lafayette Urban Ministry that helps feed those in need throughout the year. Theme music is by Clive at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Clive/. (CC-BY-SA)

Host Susan Mintert visits her good friend Katy Eberle's kitchen where Katy is putting together a savory and comforting soup. What goes into a great soup? Susan and Katy sort it out, from a rich stock to finishing flourishes. Theme music by The Underscore Orchestra at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/ (CC-BY-NC-SA). Closing theme by Leon Mercer.

Host Susan Mintert visits a new bakery in Lafayette, Indiana. Smittybread opened its doors in August, 2017, and we meet its owner and chief baker, David Smith, who is going all in with hearth breads, pastries, and other specialities. Later, Susan meets up with her friend Katy to sample the Smittybread croissants. Theme music by The Underscore Orchestra at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/ (CC-BY-NC-SA). Closing theme by Leon Mercer

In this episode, host Susan Mintert visits the kitchen of Lafayette, Indiana, cook Stephanie Hainje, who feeds not only her own family, but the neighbors as well, or so it seems. She shows us a quick and easy pasta dish with Italian sausage and butternut squash, and some alarming developments ensue. Theme music is by The Underscore Orchestra at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/ (CC-BY-NC-SA). Closing theme is by Leon Mercer.

Host Susan Mintert visits the farm kitchen of Mary Ann Haan. They share stories of life on the farm as well as family food traditions. Then Susan heads to her own kitchen to stir up a hearty soup inspired by her visit with Mary Ann. Theme music for Indiana Home Cooks is by The Underscore Orchestra from http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/ (CC-BY-NC-SA). Closing theme is by Leon Mercer

In "Family Favorites" I visit with a young cook with an somewhat fearless attitude in the kitchen--my daughter Christine. I'll also cook up a family favorite, spaghetti, and we'll learn the secret of building the flavor from the bottom up in my savory sauce. Music by The Underscore Orchestra at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/ (CC-BY-NC-SA). Closing theme by Leon Mercer.

In this episode, we sit down with Jodi Lohrman at her Honeysuckle Hill Bee-stro just outside Brazil, Indiana. She shares memories of food and family and how it all lead her to start her own "bee-stro." Music in this episode is by the Underscore Orchestra: "Belgian Waffles Again," and "Sweet Sue," from http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/ (CC-BY-NC-SA). Closing theme, "The Happy No-Tiller," by Leon Mercer.

In this episode of Indiana Home Cooks, we visit the Feast of the Hunter's Moon to sample the sights, sounds, and tastes of 18th century life in Indiana. We also talk with David Thieme, of Thieme & Wagner Bar, about the craft brewing industry in Indiana. Theme music is by the Underscore Orchestra(CC-BY-NC-SA). http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/ Closing theme is by Leon Mercer.

In this episode, I visit David Thieme, of Thieme & Wagner Bar in Lafayette, IN. His family has a long history in the beer business, from the 19th century to today's renaissance of the business on Lafayette's Main Street. Then it's dinner time on the backyard deck for a meal cooked entirely on the grill. Theme music: "Belgian Waffles Again," "Some of These Days," by the Underscore Orchestra(CC-BY-NC-SA). http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Underscore_Orkestra/ "The Happy No-Tiller" is by Leon Mercer.

Indiana Cooks features home cooks who share their stories, recipes, and tips. We also visit food makers of all sorts--bakers, chefs, craft brewers, farmers, etc.--anyone involved in putting food or drink on the table in the Hoosier State. In the debut episode, host Susan Mintert talks with Katy Eberle, a home cook and dear friend, about the end of the summer bounty, and a fresh twist on the BLT. Music in this episode is by The Underscore Orchestra: "Belgian Waffles Again," "Americana Jam," & "Some of These Days," from freemusicarchive.org (CC-BY-NC-SA). Closing theme, "The Happy No-Tiller," by Leon Mercer.