TMI With Christine

Jump to Recipe is saying farewell, but this is not the end of Christine's delicious culinary interviews. Listen to find out more. To subscribe to the new format, go to CooktheStory/ROTD.Have a great day! Christine xo

This week I talk with hostess extraordinaire Renee Rhinehart from Party Host Helpers, a company connecting party hosts with event staff. We chat about simple ideas to make your Christmas extra-special and your holiday parties more sparkly.Have a great weekend!Christine xoLinks:Party Host Helpers or call 1-844-30 PARTYDiscount Code: use RENEE22 when booking on the website or give it to the person you are talking to to get $30 off your first partyCOOKtheSTORY.com/ROTDCreamy Mushroom SauceCharcuterie BoardsButter BoardsMulled WineFunnel

This week I talk with food-writer Katie Workman from TheMom100.com about her go-to's for fuss-free entertaining during the holiday season, and all year long. We talk about great ideas for grazing boards and how the simple things are often the best. Be sure to check out Katie's amazing cookbook that is full of recipes that every parent needs to have in their back pocket: The Mom 100 Cookbook.Have a great weekend!Christine xoLinks:TheMom100.com@katieworkman100 on Instagram@katieworkman100 on Facebook@katieworkman100 on TwitterCOOKtheSTORY.com/ROTDWeeknight Dinner InspirationHow to Stabilize Whipped Cream

NOTE: Jump to Recipe is moving to become part of my other podcast, Recipe of the Day. Make sure you subscribe to Recipe of the Day so that you continue to hear my delicious conversations with guests from the culinary world, airing every Saturday afternoon. Jump to Recipe's last day will be December 31, 2022, so make sure you switch over to Recipe of the Day before then.This week on ROTD WEEKEND, I talk with cookbook author Faith Kramer about her beautiful cookbook, 52 Shabbats: Friday Night Dinners Inspired by a Global Jewish Kitchen. Packed with so much interesting information about the global nature of Jewish cooking, this cookbook not only offers lots of inspiration for sabbath dinners, but also makes for a great read. We talk about Faith's book, about delicious Shabbat recipes that would also be wonderful for Hannukah next week, or for any holiday celebration, and also about putting together special occasion dinners that are as delicious as they are easy on the cook.Have a great weekend!Christine xoLinks:Faithkramer.comCooking Columns on jWeekly52 Shabbats: Friday Night Dinners Inspired by a Global Jewish Kitchen@blogapetit on InstagramTheCookful Hot Chocolate SeriesAll Things Holiday on COOKtheSTORYNo-Spread Sugar CookiesOne-Pan Beef Noodle SkilletEasy Lasagna CasseroleToufayan Bakeries Store on Amazon - Coupon Code: COOKTHESTORY  - End Date: 12/17/22 @ 11:59 PM PD, Terms: One redemption per customer 

This week I talk with food blogger and cookbook author Jessica Formicola about her cookbook Beef It Up, which not only puts a new spin on comfort classics but also helps demystify the many different cuts of beef and how to cook them. She gives us some great ideas for cooking beef, from the spectacular to the everyday. We also talk about the underutilized technique of browning and how it can be used on everything from meat, to spices, to vegetables to add flavor.The meal plan for this week features beef (of course!) in a few different ways. Korean Beef and Rice Bowls are full of flavor and the Beef Noodle Skillet uses only one pan and comes together in no time. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the grocery list worksheet that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #114.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks:Savoryexperiments.comIG: @savoryexperimentsFB: @savoryexperiments 

Title: Winter Food and Garden Talk With Cookbook Author Nicole PutzelThis week I chat with Nicole Putzel about her beautiful cookbook, The Seasonal Plate, and about the great gardening tips you can find on her blog, Putzel Kitchen. Nicole talks about how her cookbook came about and also shares some clever winter hostess gift ideas. The meal plan for this week is helping you get more efficient in meal-planning with vegetable forward Side Dish Solutions. Butternut Squash Casserole served with Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is both cozy and quick and Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken Quarters with Root Vegetables is a perfect one-pan dinner. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the grocery list worksheet that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #113.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks:Putzel KitchenIG: @putzelkitchenFB: @putzelkitchen

This week I talk with Rebecca Wheeler, founder of Chicago Food Walks, a company offering private food tours in Chicago's most interesting neighborhoods. We talk about how Rebecca took her culinary expertise and interest in other cultures and cuisines and turned it into a business that visits the less well-known corners of her own city - no deep dish pizza on this tour! She also shares some tips on finding a great food tour wherever your travels take you. The meal plan for this week has recipes that will work for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anything in between so that you can work them in around busy preparations for the upcoming holiday season. Avocado Egg Salad and 15-Minute Vegetable Soup is perfect for lunch or a light dinner, and the Smoked Salmon Brunch Board is so easy but so impressive. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the grocery list worksheet that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #112.This meal plan is inspired by this week's sponsor, Toufayan Bakeries. Toufayan makes delicious baked goods like pita bread, wraps, bagels, and Smart Pockets. Look for them in the deli section of your grocery store, or visit the Toufayan Amazon Store. Use coupon code COOKTHESTORY by December 17, 2022 for 20% off on your first purchase.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks:Jump to Recipe Podcast - Episode #6: Thanksgiving TipsChicagofoodwalks.comIG: @chicagofoodwalksToufayan BakeriesToufayan Amazon StoreIG: @toufayan

This week I talk with Stephanie Manley from Copykat Recipes, a recipe site specializing in recreating famous restaurant recipes at home. We go behind the scenes in copycat recipe development and she gives us the goods on what restaurant chains think when their recipes show up on the internet.The dinners for the meal plan this week were chosen to be simple so that you can work them in around busy preparations for the upcoming holiday season. Olive Garden Copycat Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken is a family favorite, and Sheet Pan Salsa Verde Chicken Dinner is easy, saucy, and delicious. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the grocery list worksheet that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #111.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks:Website: copykat.comIG: @copykatrecipesFB: @copyKatrecipesPodcast: Recipe of the Day

This week I'm talking with talented podcast host Becky Hadeed about her show, The Storied Recipe, and its themes around food, culture, love, and connection. We also explore why podcasts have caught on so much lately, and why we both feel they're so important in the modern social media world. The meal plan in this episode is inspired by great side dishes. Creamy Dill Potatoes are the star of any plate, and Brussels Sprouts with Peaches and Bacon are full of flavor. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the grocery list worksheet that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #110.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks:Website: thestoriedrecipe.comIG: @thestoriedrecipe.podcastFB: @thestoriedrecipe 

This is the 1 year anniversary of my other podcast, Recipe of the Day. Since that show goes out every single day, that means that we've done 365 episodes. Isn't that crazy? To celebrate, I wanted to share a bit more about myself with you. Today's episode is from when I was a guest on Becky Hadeed's beautiful podcast, The Storied Recipe. Becky is a warm and thoughtful interviewer and in this episode, as in all of her episodes, she uncovered the threads of my life story that resulted in my career in food, including my recipe philosophy, my websites and podcasts. Thank you for listening and for celebrating this momentous anniversary with me. -Christine xoTo listen to more of Becky's interviews, search for The Storied Recipe wherever you get your podcasts, or head over here for subscribe links and more info for new podcast listeners.

This week I'm talking with a woman of many talents, Nikki Miller-Ka. She's not only a classically trained chef and freelance food and travel writer with her own blog, Nik Snacks, but also tour guide for Taste Carolina in North Carolina. Nikki tells us about the tastiest, off-the-beaten path places to visit in North Carolina, as well of some of her favorite food cities in the US. The meal plan in this episode is full of easy one-pan and one-pot dinners. 15-Minute Chili is a fall weeknight favorite, and everyone loves  No-Boil Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the grocery list worksheet that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #109.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks:Website: niksnacksonline.comIG: @niksnacksTwitter: @NikSnacksRecipe of the Day Podcast

This week I'm talking with Food Creative Mercedes Golip about her passion for farm-to-table Venezuelan food. We get into how the pandemic led her to pivot from hosting pop-up dinners in NYC to buying a farmhouse in the western Catskills. We talk about the importance of our own food history and how she enjoys the challenge of using locally grown products to re-create the flavors of her childhood.  The meal plan in this episode is inspired by family recipes that I grew up cooking and eating. English Prawn Cocktail makes for a nostalgic British meal and Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Gravy is a childhood favorite from my Ukrainian heritage. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the grocery list worksheet that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #108.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks:Website: iambananista.comNewsletter on SubstackIG: @iambananista 

This week I'm talking with meal prep expert Amy Lawrence of Gourmet Done Skinny, about her popular membership program Food Prep for Foodies and her new book The Power of Food Prep (available here for FREE as an e-book). I was seriously wowed by her amazing food prep tips tips that make the whole thing less of a burden. I can't wait for you to hear them too!The meal plan in this episode is inspired by some of my fall favorites. 15-Minute Lasagna Soup is both quick AND hearty and Pork Fried Rice makes great use of leftovers from Baked Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Butter. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the grocery list worksheet that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #107.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks:Cookbook: The Power of Food Prep , or click here for a free e-book.Membership Program:  Food Prep for FoodiesWebsite: Gourmet Done SkinnyIG: @gourmetdoneskinnyFB: @gourmetdoneskinnyTwitter: @gourmetdoneskin

This week I'm talking with the editor from The Nosher.com and author of the cookbook Modern Jewish Comfort Food, Shannon Sarna. We talk about Jewish food, the story it tells, and how comfort food connects families and traditions.  The meal plan in this episode is full of easy comfort food favorites. The Creamiest Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food and Biscuits and Gravy is surprisingly easy to make, given how decadent it tastes. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the grocery list worksheet that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #106.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks:Cookbook: Modern Jewish Comfort FoodBlog: The NosherIG: @shasarna @jewishfoodFB: @thenosher

This week I'm talking with Michael Prince, award-winning BBQ Pit Master, stand-up comedian and Guy's Grocery Games contestant, about how growing up cooking open pit bbq with his grandfather inspired him to go to culinary school and start TuBones BBQ Restaurant & Catering Co. in Frisco, TX. We also talk turkey, and discuss different BBQ-inspired ideas for your holiday table.  The meal plan in this episode is a nod to Micheal's love of all things BBQ. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken is SO easy, and Instant Pot Ribs and The Ultimate Loaded Potato Salad makes a great meal any night of the week. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #105.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks:Tu Bones X29 BBQ SauceWebsite: tubonesbbq.comInstagram: @michaelprince31, @tubonesbbqFacebook: @michael.prince.505, @tubonesbbqJoin Michael's Facebook Live Events to get some of his delicious recipesTwitter: @tu_bones_bbq

This week I'm talking with Midgi Moore, the owner of Juneau Food Tours in Alaska, and Global Tours Connect. We talk about what makes Juneau such a great food town (by day and night), why food tours are so popular with visitors to Alaska, and what to look for in a food tour wherever you travel.The meal plan in this episode is a nod to Alaska featuring an abundance of seafood recipes. Cioppino is a classic seafood soup that is surprisingly easy to make and Fish Cakes with homemade Tartar Sauce come together quickly for a tasty meal. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #104.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks:Website: juneaufoodtours.com, globaltoursconnect.comInstagram: @juneau_food_toursFacebook: @juneaufoodtours

This week I'm talking with the founders of Siren Shrub Co., Layne Cozzolino and Mindy McCord. This dynamic duo explains the exciting ingredient that is missing from your bar (and from your pantry!): Shrubs! Learn what shrubs are and how to use them in both drinks and food. Your cocktails and your cooking will never be the same again!The meal plan this episode is recipes that contain citrus and other sour ingredients. The idea is that you can swap those out for your newfound favorite thing, Shrubs! In Coconut Lime Chicken Breasts you can use Lemongrass Shrub instead of lime juice, and in Lemon Butter Broccoli you can use any shrub instead of lemon and sugar. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #103.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks:Website: sirenshrubs.comInstagram: @sirenshrubsFacebook: @sirenshrubs

This week I'm going back to my blogging roots by talking with another food blogger who has been around just as long, Toni Dash! I've always loved Toni's story about challenging herself to be a locavore for a full year in Colorado, and how that passion turned into an incredible career with her original site, Boulder Locavore, and now as a Certified Nutritionist and her newest site Make It Skinny Please. Come get inspired about eating locally, healthily, and about following your food path in this tasty episode.One of the most popular recipes on my sites for years has been this roast pork. I decided that the meal plan this week should honor my blogging roots as well by using that recipe's spin off, this Instant Pot Roast Pork, as a meal, and then its leftovers to make other recipes throughout the week, including Pork Fried Rice and Cuban Sandwiches. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #102.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks:Blogs: Boulder Locavore  and Make It Skinny PleaseRecipe: Spicy Skinny Pineapple MargaritaFB: @makeitskinnyplease, @boulderlocavoreIG: @makeitskinnyplease, @boulderlocavoreTwitter: @makeitskinnyplz, @boulderlocavorePintrest: @makeitskinnyplease, @boulderlocavore

This week I'm talking with food blogger (and Guy's Grocery Games contestant!) Heather Johnson, a. k. a. The Food Hussy, and we geek out over the air fryer as she shares all sorts of useful tips and tricks for using it. We also talk about her love of developing Copycat recipes.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is inspired by my conversation with Heather. From Copycat Ikea Swedish Meatballs to Air Fryer Pickle-Brined Chicken Sandwiches, we have copycat and air fryer favorites covered. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #101.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks:Website: thefoodhussy.comInstagram: @foodhussyFacebook: @thefoodhussyFacebook Group: Easy Air Fryer Recipes from Food Hussy & FriendsTwitter: @foodhussy

This week I'm talking with my good friend, recipe developer, and cookbook author Emily Paster. We talk about teen-friendly food: What it is, how and when to serve it, and how to keep them coming back to YOUR HOUSE for more.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is full of food teenagers will love. Turkey Burgers are always a hit, and Bánh Mi Tacos are a fun take on making food truck meals at home. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #100.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks:Cookbooks: Instantly Mediterranean and Epic Air Fryer: 100 Inspired Recipes That Take Air-Frying in a Deliciously Exciting New DirectionWebsite: westoftheloop.comInstagram: @westoftheloopFacebook: @westoftheloopTwitter: @westoftheloopRecipe Link: Black and White Cookies

This week I'm talking with best-selling fiction author Rachel Linden. We're talking about her new book, The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, and how she uses food and cooking to enhance the magical realism in her novels.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is full of lemony flavors in honor of Rachel's Lemon Drop Pie. Greek Lemon Soup comes together quickly and Garlic Bread with Lemon pairs beautifully with this Perfectly Cooked Steak.  Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #99.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks:Website: rachellinden.comInstagram: @rachellinden_writerFacebook: @authorRachellinden

This week I'm talking with cookbook author Scotty Scott. His new cookbook, Fix Me a Plate: Traditional and New School Soul Food, is one of NPR's top 10 cookbooks for 2022 so far. We talk about the origins of soul food, how it is defined, and how it has evolved.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is a back-to-school meal plan with some soul inspired by my conversation with Scotty. Fried Catfish is served over an easy Oven Polenta, which we use again later in the week as Polenta Cakes with Sautéed Shrimp. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #98.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Website: cookdrankeat.comIG: @cookdrankeatTikTok: @cookdrankeatTwitter: @CookDrankEatYouTube: CookDrankEat

It's almost time for the kids to go back to school, which means it is about to get BUSY, so I thought I'd revisit my interview with Erica Kiefer, formerly with Once a Month Meals, a company that is built around intentional meal-planning through freezer meals. We talk about how setting aside some time for meal planning, and stocking your freezer so you have an inventory of food to pull from, makes life a lot less stressful when comes to mealtimes during this busy season.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is a simple meal plan with some meals that can do double duty. Baked Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Butter is used for a Pork Fried Rice later in the week. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #97.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Once A Month Meals

This week I'm talking with cookbook author Adriana Martin. Her beautiful new book, Taco Obsession: Essential Recipes to Celebrate the Flavors of Mexico, explores the history of tacos and is filled with delicious recipes. We talk about the types of tacos from the different regions of Mexico, and about what makes tacos so irresistible.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is all about shaking up Taco Tuesday. The Easiest Shrimp Tacos and Grilled Fajitas really showcase how versatile tacos can be. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #96.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Adriana's Blog: adrianasbestrecipes.comInstagram: @adrianasbestrecipesFacebook: @adrianasbestrecipes

This week I'm talking with writer, certified health and wellness coach, and speaker Stephanie Weaver about cooking for chronic illness. Her two books, The Migraine Relief Plan and The Migraine Relief Plan Cookbook, are designed to help people learn to control their individual lifestyle triggers.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is gluten-free. The Best Baked Chicken Breasts and Instant Pot Risotto from Day #2 does double-duty, coming together as Greek Lemon Soup on Day #4. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #95.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:migranereliefplan.comIG: @sweavermphTwitter: @SWeaverMPH

Life seems to be constantly changing these days (online school/in-person school, work from home/back to the office) so I thought it was a good time to revisit my conversation with Amanda Keefer from Healthy Family Project. She's a busy working mom of three who has had to alter her family's diet for health reasons. We talk about the changes that they've had to make and how the transition has been going.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is very vegetable-forward. No-Boil Feta Pasta Bake is a fantastic meat-free meal, and Vegetarian Fajitas are so easy yet full of flavor. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #94.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Healthyfamilyproject.comFB: @healthyfamilyprojectPrivate FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/321112258818070IG:@healthy.family.projectPodcast: Healthy Family ProjectIG: @amandamkeeferTwitter: @amandamkeefer

This week I'm talking with Pastry Consultant Jessica Ellington about her favorite tool in the kitchen, which unexpectedly is the freezer! She shares her best tips for freezing foods to maintain optimum freshness.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is making use of budget-friendly frozen foods. Sausages from Frozen comes together as a hoagie in no time, and Green Pea Soup with Ham makes good use of frozen green peas. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #93.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Jessica's Website: Sweet Bee ChicagoJessica's Instagram: @sweetbeechicagoUSDA Cooking Advice for Cooking Things From FrozenCooking Sausages from FrozenCooking Salmon from FrozenHow to Cook Chicken Wings from FrozenHow to Cook Chicken Breasts from Frozen

This week I'm talking to Rebecca Andexler of the website Homemakers Habitat. Rebecca shares some of her best hacks to make food that appeals to picky eaters and is healthy too. She also dives back into culinary school to give us her most useful chef tips for home cooks.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is all about grilling. The Grilled Shrimp served with a lightened up Caesar Salad is quick and healthy and Grilled Fajitas are soooo delicious. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #92.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Blog: Homemaker's HabitatInstagram: @homemakershabitatFree Digital Cookbook: Two Weeks of Sheets

I'm still on vacation this week so I'm reprising an interview with Dan Morris from the early days of my podcast. Dan is a fellow podcaster and is the father of ELEVEN kids. He has therefore - through necessity - become quite the expert at meal-planning. He shares his system for using what they already have in the pantry and freezer to generate their meal plans.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is full of efficient and simple meals, but still has a lot of variety. For instance, the Salsa Chicken from Day #3 will get repurposed for Chicken Tacos on Day #5. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #91.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Podcast: Tracing The PathRachel's Facebook page: @findingjoyblogRachel's Blog: Finding Joy 

This week I'm talking to Jordan Hamons, owner of the Cincinnati-based cooking school, Tablespoon Cooking Co. We're talking about how she helps home cooks find more inspiration in the kitchen through her hands on cooking classes. In addition to sharing tips on making cooking more efficient, she also shares tips on choosing the right cooking class for you.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode has so many fun meals. You'll love Hot Dog Sliders with Tropical Salsa and an easy-breezy recipe for Air Fryer Pizza. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #90.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Tablespoon Cooking CoInstagram: @jordanhamonsInstagram: @tablespooncookingco

This week I'm talking with Nico Vera, freelance writer, photographer, and vegan Peruvian cook about the incredible diversity of Peruvian cuisine. We also talk about his current project of  developing a cookbook, The Vegan Peruvian Kitchen, that is aimed at vegan home cooks and will feature 100 plant-based recipes inspired by Peru's Indigenous, European, African, Chinese, and Japanese culinary cultures.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is partially inspired by my conversation with Nico. We're cooking up flavorful Sopa de Lima as well as an easy No-Boil Feta Pasta Bake.  Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #89.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Website: Pisco TrailNewsletter: piscotrail.substack.comInstagram: @Piscotrail

We've been talking a lot about the lost love of cooking (I just did a whole workshop about it!) and, while I'm on vacation this month, I revisit my interview with Gabriela Ahlqvist, who is a busy homeschooling mom of four, about how to feed her family despite not loving cooking as much as she used to. We talk about how choosing familiar recipes can help you to enjoy the cooking and meal-planning process. The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is based on recipes that go really well together. We're cooking up one of my favorites, Brown Sugar Chicken, which you can then use for Burrito Bowls later in the week. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #88.Have a great week!Christine xo

This week I'm talking with plant-based food blogger and certified vegan nutrition coach, Amy Katz of Veggies Save the Day, about how to make plant-based food more flavorful and delicious. Amy shares her Four-Part Flavor Formula for putting together tasty vegan meals. The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is, not surprisingly, vegetarian. There are a few optional vegan recipes too! We're cooking up flavorful and nutritious Sweet Potato Quesadillas and easy Vegan Rice Bowls. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #87.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Coconut AminosWebsite: Veggies Save the DayFacebook: @veggiessavetheday Instagram: @veggiessaethedayTwitter: @VeggiesSave

This week I'm talking with Beth Lee, author of The Essential Jewish Baking Cookbook and blogger from OMG! Yummy, about how writing a cookbook helped her overcome her fear of baking. We also talk about how daunting it can be to cook recipes from another culture and she shares some suggestions to make it more approachable and fun.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode features light and summery food. 15-Minute Gazpacho is a quick and refreshing summer soup, and BBQ Salmon and Zucchini Skewers cook up on the grill in no time. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #86.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Workshop: COOKtheSTORY.com/joyCookbook: The Essential Jewish Baking CookbookBlog: OMG! YummyFacebook Group: Tasting JerusalemFacebook: @omgyummyInstagram: @omgyummy

This week I'm talking with Cheryl Knecht Muñoz, one of the inspiring founders of the Sugar Beet Food Co-Op, River Forest Kitchen (an incubator space) and School House Kitchen + Studio (family cooking school). We talk about what food co-ops and incubator spaces are, and about the benefits of getting involved in your local food community. The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode features delicious and easy recipes that kids can help with. We're cooking up yummy One Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs and quick and simple Shrimp Fried Rice. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #85.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Workshop: COOKtheSTORY.com/joySchoolhouse Kitchen + StudioSugar Beet Food Co-OpRiver Forest Kitchen

This week I'm talking to Dawn Mancuso, the head recipe developer and photographer for my own websites. Among her many accolades, Dawn has won the Crisco National Pie Contest in the Apple Pie Category. We sat down to chat about the kind of recipe-testing that goes into winning that level of championship. Dawn also shares with us what it's like to compete on a Food Network contest show, or two, and to win them!The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode features recipes mostly created by Dawn herself. We are cooking a simple and hearty Burrito Soup and some easy Air Fryer Stuffed Pork Chops. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #84.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:COOKtheSTORY.com/joy 

This week on Time Management Insider I'm talking to cookbook author Paula Shoyer about what kosher cooking and baking is and how to make your life easier when cooking this way. We talk about how the Instant Pot, despite our mutual apprehension, has been an amazing way to simplify life in the kitchen for both of us.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode features kosher-inspired recipes. We are cooking Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma, which Paula and I both agreed cooks up beautifully in the Instant Pot, and Italian Cauliflower and Quinoa Bake.  Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #83.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Website: thekosherbaker.comFacebook: @thekosherbakerInstagram: @kosherbakerTik Tok: @chefpaulashoyerCookbooks:The Instant Pot Kosher CookbookThe Healthy Jewish KitchenThe New Passover MenuThe Holiday Kosher BakerThe Kosher Baker

This week on Time Management Insider I'm talking to Life Coach Tracy Pruzan-Roy about how to separate the chore from the joy in cooking so we can feel inspired to cook again. Turns out  feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion are extremely common amongst those in charge of meal planning - you're not alone!The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode features recipes that are both easy and well-loved. This week we are cooking Chicken Cordon Bleu Stacks that we will use twice, as well as the easiest shrimp tacos ever.  Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #82.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Website: Tracypruzanroy.comInstagram: @tracypruzanroy_coaching 

This week on Time Management Insider I'm talking to Roger Anderson, host of the cooking podcast The Kitchen Counter, about how he got into podcasting and our mutual love of podcasts as a form of passive learning. Roger also has a robust private group on Facebook, The Kitchen Counter Coffee Break, for home cooks to share cooking tips and recipes.  The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode features recipes that use Easter leftovers. This week we are cooking up Spaghetti Carbonara to use up some of that leftover ham and the BEST Egg Salad (spoiler alert: it has bacon in it!).  Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #81.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:The Kitchen Counter PodcastFacebook Group: The Kitchen Counter Coffee BreakInstagram: @kitchencounterpodcastFacebook: @kitchencounterpodcast

Have you been looking for an all-in-one app for meal-planning? I have good news for you! The app Whisk can do it all: recipe saving, meal planning, grocery shopping, and recipe sharing. We love this app because it's all about saving time and making life simpler.This week I'm talking to my friend Julie Deily, Creator Partnerships Manager at Whisk, about all the ways the Whisk app can save time and simplify your meal-planning tasks. Julie also has her own popular food blog, thelittlekitchen.net.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode features some fun new recipes from our website like this Monte Cristo Casserole, a delicious take on the classic sandwich, and a Chicken Noodle Soup Bake, an easy and comforting no-boil casserole.  Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #80.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:My Whisk Community: cookthestory.com/whiskWhisk.comthelittlekitchen.netInstagram: @thelittlekitchnFacebook: @thelittlekitchn

My friend Emily Willix, and her husband Clark live full-time on an antique sailboat. They sail around the world chronicling their experiences on their wonderful YouTube channel, Emily and Clark's Adventure.Emily is responsible for the meal-planning, shopping, and cooking and has become an expert at inventory management. She shares with us her secrets for keeping track of a years worth of provisions, which are stored masterfully on their sailboat.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode features a few of the newest recipes from our website like Crispy Skin Salmon, and an oldie-but-goodie in honor of Grilled Cheese Month, Nacho Grilled Cheese.  Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #79.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Website: emilyandclarksadventure.comYouTube Channel: Emily and Clark's Adventure

Are you thinking about your summer travel plans? Are you trying to figure out where to go and what to do? My guest this week is travel expert Janice Moskoff from gatherandgotravel.com. Janice has great tips, tricks, and travel inspiration including a primer on the ins and outs (and importance!) of travel insurance.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is inspired by our travel talk with meals from around the world. You'll "travel" around from Spain to China with dishes like Instant Pot Paella on Tuesday and Asian Salmon on Thursday.  Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #78.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Janice's site: gatherandgotravel.comJanice's Instagram: @gatherandgotravelJanice's Facebook: @gatherandgotravelJanice's Twitter: @GatherNGoTravelTools for booking and inspiration:Google FlightsGoogle ExploreTravel insurance resources:Blog post: Travel Insurance Simplifiedinsuremytrip.comworldnomads.comJill Silverman's Cookbooks: #ad100 Perfect Pairings: Main Dishes To Enjoy With Wines You Love100 Perfect Pairings: Small Plates To Serve With Wines You LoveFinger Lickin' ChickenThe Clean Plates Cookbooks

This week I talk with Carolyn Ketchum, the cookbook author and blogger behind the keto blog, All Day I Dream About Food, to get her tips about the best places to start when reducing carbs. I also talk about letting go of perfectionism when trying to adjust your diet.The meal plan for this week features lower carb meals to help you take the first steps to trying lower carb eating. Get the meal plan along with the printable grocery list that goes with it over at COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans.This week's episode was originally published last fall but I decided to republish this week because it is full of so much good information if you are thinking of adapting a low-carb lifestyle.Have a great week!Christine :)Links from this episode:Carolyn's cookbooks: #adThe Ultimate Guide to Keto BakingThe Everyday Ketogenic KitchenEasy Keto DinnersEasy Keto BreakfastsEasy Keto DessertsCarolyn's Blog: alldayidreamaboutfoodCarolyn's Instagram: @fooddreamerCarolyn's Facebook: @alldayidreamaboutfood

Remember the banana bread craze of 2020? If you never figured out how to perfect your banana bread recipe, this is the episode for you. My guest this week is cookbook author and food blogger Irvin Lin, who recently wrote a series on Quick Breads for my website, TheCookful. In this episode Irvin provides some helpful tips on ensuring your Quick Breads turn out tender, and recommends a great (and painfully obvious) tool for checking your Quick Breads for doneness.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is based on themes for each day of the week. On Meatless Monday you'll cook up some delicious Summer Minestrone Soup and on Fancy Friday you'll enjoy Creamy Stuffed Salmon, which looks fancy but couldn't be easier to make! Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #76.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Irvin's cookbook: Marbled, Swirled, And Layered: 150 Recipes and Variations for Artful Bars, Cookies, Pies, Cakes, and More #adIrvin's Blog: Eatthelove.comIrvin's Instagram: @eattheloveIrvin's Instagram for ceramics: @eathelove.ceramics

Do you hate doing laundry as much as I do? Well, this is the episode for you! My guest this week, cookbook author and food blogger Emily Paster, has a laundry system that actually to save tons of time and stress. While Emily is best know for her food blog westoftheloop.com and is author of the beautiful cookbook Instantly Mediterranean, this week she is introducing us to a system that will simplify the chore of doing laundry once and for all.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode features 5 recipes that I truly love. I've included my kids' favorite, the Olive Garden copycat Zuppa Toscana, and my all-time favorite chicken recipe, Baked Chicken with Basil, Tomato and Red Chilies. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #75.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Emily's cookbook: Instantly MediterraneanEmily's Blog: westoftheloop.comEmily's Instagram: @westoftheloop

If you've always wanted to incorporate some wild game into your diet, this episode is for you! My guest this week is Allie Doran, a new mom and author of Venison Everyday, as well as the photographer, recipe developer, and writer behind Miss Allie's Kitchen. We talk about cooking with a new baby around, and ways to incorporate game into your cooking.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode features cozy meals for this last stretch of winter. The recipes include the coziest of all winter dishes, Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff, as well as a link to a healthier venison version from Allie's blog Venison Everyday. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #74.Have a great week!Christine xoLinks from this episode:Allie's Book: Venison EverydayAllie's Blog: Miss Allie's KitchenAllie's Instagram: @miss.allieskitchenAllie's Healthier Venison Stroganoff

Have you ever googled for a recipe and wondered how it was created? This week we go behind-the-scenes of a food blog by talking with Dawn Viola, the head recipe developer and photographer for my own websites. We discuss her journey in the culinary world, which began due to her own food allergies. And then we dive into the processes that Dawn and I use to choose and create the recipes on COOKtheSTORY.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is inspired by my conversation with Dawn and features some innovative and fun meals that Dawn has recently developed for the site. You'll enjoy delicious Baked Reuben Chicken Stacks and a perfect Friday night meal of Reverse-Seared Steaks served with Air Fryer Baked Potatoes and Asparagus. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #73.Links from this episode:The All New Chicken Cookbook: 200+ Chicken Recipes For The Air Fryer, Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, And More!Recipe of the Day PodcastTime Management Insider PodcastCOOKtheSTORYTheCookful 

It's frustrating to all of us when we can't find the ingredients we were counting on at the grocery store. Now imagine going into a store where nothing is familiar and you need to figure out how to find and use even the most basic of ingredients.My guest this week is Estelle Tracy, food writer and founder of the online chocolate tasting site 37chocolates.com. We're talking about her experiences getting used to shopping and cooking in the United States after she moved here from France. Her experience was so difficult that she wrote a book to help others navigate this same situation: Le Guide de Survie Alimentaire aux Etats-Unis. Estelle also has a Facebook Group with over 10 thousand members who help each other find the comfort foods they miss from home: Bons plans gourmands aux Etats-Unis.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is inspired my conversation with Estelle and features mostly French-influenced dishes. You'll enjoy a Chicken Ratatouille Sheet Pan Dinner, as well as a recipe for 15-Minute French Onion Soup.  Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #72.Have a great week!Christine xo#cooking #France #food #shopping

One of the best time-management strategies I know is learning how to repurpose your work in new ways, whether that's using leftovers in future meals or saving past meal plans to use in future weeks. That is why when I realized that I was too swamped to think this week, I decided to repurpose one of the early interviews from this podcast! It's one of my all-time favorite interviews and I know you're going to enjoy it.My guest is Dr. Charles Spence, a Psychologist from Oxford University and author of Gastrophysics: The New Science of Eating and The Perfect Meal: The Multisensory Science of Food and Dining. We're discussing his fascinating research into all the aspects of our senses beyond taste that are involved in our enjoyment of food. It turns out that what we name our food, and how much our forks weigh, matters more than we could ever realize.This week's meal plan is inspired by Dr. Spence's work and includes delicious meals with interesting names. It's a simple and tasty meal plan that the whole family will love. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #71.Have a great week!Christine xo

Is there a more perfect food than lentils? They are quick-cooking, a healthy source of protein, easy to store, and very budget-friendly. If you want to learn how to make the most of this wonderful plant-based ingredient, this is the episode for you!My guest this week is best-selling cookbook author Emily Paster, and we're talking all things lentils. Emily and her amazing recipes can be found at her blog, Westoftheloop.com, and you can follow her on Instagram @westoftheloop, and be sure to check out her amazing cookbooks: Epic Air Fryer Cookbook, The Joys of Jewish Preserving, and Instantly Mediterranean.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode is a good example of how versatile lentils can be. Not only are they great for soup, but also for tacos!  Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #70.Have a great week!Christine xo #cooking #lentils #plantbased

Calling all wannabe #vanlife peeps! If you've ever wondered what it would be like to live in a retrofitted van traveling around the country, or, more importantly, how you would cook meals while doing it, this is the episode for you! My guest, Brittney Lynn of the Human Connection Agency, has recently embarked on a vanlife adventure and she's telling us all about the struggles and successes from her van kitchen.The meal plan that I walk you through in this episode uses very few dishes because both Brittney and I are without a dishwasher these days. Head over to COOKtheSTORY.com/MealPlans to get the meal plan with links to recipes, and the printable grocery list that goes with it. This one is Meal Plan #69.Have a great week!Christine xo #cooking #vanlife