We're Cookin': The Just Simply... Cuisine Foodcast

Nothing beats the mid-winter doldrums like experimenting with new recipes.  There's the research, the grocery shopping, the anticipation … and the excitement when (if) it turns out well.  Join Brooke and Bill on a cold January afternoon while they make cheese for the first time.  This episode is a little longer than 5 minutes, but it was too much fun to cut short!

Chris and Brooke are back with more Just Take Five from Just Simply… Cuisine.  We're trying some new things, dusting off some classic favorites, and having some adventures.  Join us for a few minutes when the mood strikes, get inspired, and meet some of our favorite cooking companions.  Enjoy!

This one rule always applies, and if you're not already doing it, it will change your kitchen game forever. In this JT5, meet Meg and listen along as she and Chris perfect their New Year's Day feast.

Do you love your freezer?  Just Take Five with the ladies as Chris magics some stowed-away, frozen treasures into a warm pot of pasta e fagioli.  You might end up inspired to like your freezer just a little bit more.

Cabbage is having a moment, and Chris and Brooke are here to talk about it. Just Take Five minutes with the ladies to hear why this brassica is trending, how to get it right, and some fun food memories along the way.

Thanksgiving was perfect, but by now most of us are growing a little tired of turkey. Tune in to this JT5 for a great way to use up the last of that bird and a lot of the other things leftover in your larder without having to eat it one more time … right now.

Marrying the seasons is a favorite topic at Just Simply… Cuisine.  In this Just Take Five, join Chris and Brooke for a discussion of their favorite recipes that bridge the gap between summer and fall.

Just Take Five this week with Chris in the Outer Banks to learn everything you need for a fish fry.  From what to ask when you're at the fishmonger to a recipe that can't be beat, Just Simply… Cuisine has got you covered.

We're talking tomatoes in this end-of-summer Just Take Five.  Grab a healthy mix of tomatoes and work along with Chris to make delicious tomato soup, guaranteed to be a tasty comfort food and even a throwback to the warmth of summer as we cool down into fall.

In this Just Take Five, Chris is making a JSC building block Vinaigrette. It's the perfect dressing for a delicious, Tuscan comfort food – Panzanella! And, be sure to make extra … you'll be so happy to have it later in the week.

In this Just Take Five, Brooke teaches us how to make her favorite summer soup – Watermelon Gazpacho.  It's a garden-fresh JSC take on this classic, cool, seasonal favorite often found in Spanish and Portuguese cuisine.

Chris and Brooke are excited to share their Just Simply … Cuisine passion in a new way. Introducing Just Take Five (JT5), a mini podcast! Now, you can catch up with the ladies for a few minutes when the mood strikes. They'll record a voice memo whenever something cool happens around the kitchen and share it with you in five minutes or less – it may be a new recipe or one that's tried and true, a moment in the garden, a quick tip from their eco-friendly kitchens, or an instance where necessity is the mother of invention.

As a new season begins and our second season ends, get ready to “fall” in love. The arrival of autumn welcomes a medley of hearty roots, good gourds, and herbal farm harvests. From the OBX, Chris starts off with helpful advice on when to shop for pumpkins, butternut, acorn, and carnival squash. Then, she and Brooke spice it up with perfect fall pairings – chard with nutmeg, pears with star anise, and more. (02:21) Speaking of which, Brooke gives a rundown of our featured autumn recipe: Purée of Caramelized Onion and Sweet Potato Soup. Need we say more? The delicious, sage-infused dish is easy to make and only gets better when topped with crème fraîche and toasted pepitas. (03:44) Also known as pumpkin seeds, pepitas steal the show again! This Just Simply… Cuisine recipe building block never fails as a garnish for autumn and winter soups, veggies, pastas – or simply eaten by the handful. (07:12) Later, our co-hosts share some handy kitchen tricks, including a tip to fix soup that's too thick (try saying that three times!). (10:32) As the seasonal theme continues, the ladies break down the art of “concept cooking” and the fruits of this ingredient-based philosophy, seen through the eyes of their children. (14:07) Before breaking to give us more goodies in Season 3, Chris and Brooke reflect on their fun-filled weekend together playing “refrigerator roulette” in the JSC kitchen. Spoiler alert: it ends with a mighty frittata! (17:43) For recipes and more, including information about our cooking classes and monthly newsletter, Sage Advice, visit justsimplycuisine.com and follow us on Instagram. Many thanks to our sponsor: Bellucci

Ice cream is back in this episode! Chris and Brooke mix it up with veteran Just Simply… Cuisine apprentice and self-taught ice cream creator, Christina Smith. Christina reflects on lessons learned from cooking with our cohosts - and how cooking connects us to one another. (01:22) Together, they reminisce about fun times in the kitchen and exchange day-to-day food stories, including smart prep routines and imaginative improvisations using leftovers or ingredients in the pantry. (03:52) Christina gives us a sneak peek of her Rock Star ice cream, an innovative product she's developing. The inspirational brand celebrates classic rock songs and “rock star” heroes. (10:35) Purple Haze, Running on Empty and Witchy Woman - a chocolaty fudge flavor with a cayenne kick - are just a few of the seasonal varieties among Christina's creative concoctions, the proceeds of which will support in-patient mental health care for veterans and first responders. (12:25) Later, our special guest reveals her experimental process for creating delicious recipes like pumpkin cheesecake ice cream. (15:40) Finally, we learn how Christina keeps it creamy (not icy) when combining custard-based ice cream with real fruit. (19:04) For recipes and more, including information about our cooking classes and monthly newsletter, Sage Advice, visit justsimplycuisine.com and follow us on Instagram. Many thanks to our sponsor: Bellucci

Summer is rolling by, but lobster is rolling in! In this episode, we're dishing buttery, herb-infused lobster on a warm roll. Steamed or sautéed. Buttered or olive-oil infused. Have it your way and toss in some rosemary or tarragon to boot - but don't toss the shells just yet … use them to make a flavorful soup stock! (01:17) Next, Chris and Brooke spice things up with a versatile summer building block: chipotle cream. Brooke breaks down the recipe and whets our appetites with a prelude featuring a juicy fried green tomato sandwich. The delicious condiment adds punch to pulled chicken tacos, burgers, steak - and even sweet melon and figs. (08:51) Wait, figs? These tender, oozy treats have flowered in Chris' garden. Speaking of which, our cohosts share a surprising fig-fact and creative combinations like roasted figs drizzled with Bellucci extra virgin olive oil aside a slice of chocolate cake. Yum! (16:35) The fun never ends with these ladies! Chris shares a smart tip for organically keeping tomato skins intact. Then, the ladies hang on to summer, exchanging cooking and storage techniques that will keep your vine ripe tomatoes hanging out long after the season ends. (21:33) For recipes and more, including information about our cooking classes and monthly newsletter, Sage Advice, visit justsimplycuisine.com and follow us on Instagram. Many thanks to our sponsors: Bellucci DrinkMore Water

Our summer garden harvest is jarring – and we're jarring the harvest! Brooke's cucumber bounty becomes the base of an awesomely acidic treat: sweet pickles. Her low-sugar version features apple cider vinegar, dill, Vidalia onions and layered spices that offset the sweet and sour flavor. Try saving the brine for veggies that are past their prime! (02:04) We break down the origin of piccalilli and relish a Southern recipe spotlighting green tomatoes. Chris explains pickling with nonreactive glass jars, and she reveals the inspiration for Just Simply… Cuisine's signature building blocks – the foundation of our favorite condiments, marinades, sauces and more. (07:23) Speaking of which, preserved lemons are this episode's featured building block. Use them to bring zing to your chicken marinade or a Bloody Mary cocktail. Just remember – a little goes a long way – all the way ‘til next citrus season! (10:36) Finally, Chris stumbles upon Anna Tasca Lanza's simple zucchine sott'olio recipe. The Sicilian summer squash is preserved in extra-virgin olive oil, oregano and garlic. Delizioso! (19:13) For recipes and more, including information about our cooking classes and monthly newsletter, Sage Advice, visit justsimplycuisine.com and follow us on Instagram. Many thanks to our sponsors: DrinkMore Water Bellucci

What's southern, seasonal, and oh-so-sweet? Peaches! Chris and Brooke are serving a full dish of the succulent stone fruit, and they share creative concoctions featuring char-grilled peach halves drizzled with reduced white balsamic. (2:47) Tip of the week: Save those used vanilla bean pods and drop them into your bottle of bourbon for bourbon vanilla peach milkshakes. Get the mouthwatering recipe in the August issue of our Sage Advice newsletter! (6:42) Better than a June wedding? Our peaches are getting married with gelato, sorbet and sherbet. Plus, we have the scoop on the coolest ice cream brands. (9:51) Peter Piper picked ‘em, and so can you! You guessed it – peppers are growing in our cohosts' gardens – and not just the pickled type. The ladies bring the heat, exchanging countless ways to cook and eat the colorful chilis. Think grilling, charring, jarring, drying, grinding and more! (14:13) The episode ends with a big announcement and new beginning! The Just Simply… Cuisine teaching kitchen has reopened, and Chris teases the delicious dishes that she and her students are cooking up! (21:34) For recipes and more, including information about our cooking classes and monthly newsletter, Sage Advice, visit justsimplycuisine.com and follow us on Instagram. Many thanks to our sponsors: DrinkMore Water Bellucci

Today, we're serving tomatoes and bacon all day, as we invite you to our summer favorites! Our cohosts discover deals and fresh finds at their favorite farmers markets and reveal the go-to markets in the OBX and New England. (1:10) Tomatillos, anyone? The ladies update us on their latest home garden discoveries.  (3:10) If you listened to our pizza podcast (Episode 14), then you know we're nuts about pesto! The earthy condiment returns to your speakers – tune in for Chris' and Brooke's original remixes, featuring not-so-seedy substitutions for traditional pine nuts. (5:01) Chris breaks down the Mayacoba bean. Mixed with pesto, chopped sage, and a drizzle of Bellucci EVOO, this meaty Peruvian mainstay is delectable atop a toasted baguette. (7:44) What's better than a BLT? A BLT+ just might be! Whether it's light as lettuce or locked and loaded, we've got all the goods on preparing this classic summertime sandwich. #tomatobacondays (10:51) Speaking of goods, the ladies trade tips on storing your fresh or partially-used tomatoes (HINT: refrigerator not included). (13:43) We're diving into dessert with a delicious berry crumble. Check out our July newsletter for the full recipe. (14:44) This jam-packed episode ends with a summer staple: corn. Brooke reveals an easy trick to extend its sweetness well into autumn, and Chris shares a versatile recipe for corn stock. Don't forget to compost those cobs! (18:35) For recipes and more, including information about our virtual cooking classes and monthly newsletter, Sage Advice, visit justsimplycuisine.com and follow us on Instagram. Many thanks to our sponsors: Bellucci DrinkMore Water

Benvenuto! Join us for a multicourse dish of Italy's mainstay meal … pasta! In our first course, there's nothing ‘dry' about dry pasta… Brooke enlivens our tastebuds and unboxes this everlasting ingredient. (1:54) Next, Chris gives us a 101 on cooking al dente. (3:30) A Tuscan detour reveals the proper way to sauce pasta – and a surprising, shared experience between our cohosts! (5:45) Whether you like it long and hollow – or small and stringy – we have ‘the skinny' on all shapes: linguine, rigatoni, bucatini, penne and more! (7:38) Knead some dough? Chris and Brooke break down pasta fresca (fresh pasta), share a fault-proof recipe for pasta dough, and compare the deliciousness of pappardelle, tagliatelle, ravioli, lasagna, and other fresh favorites. (11:24) Brooke cuts to the chase, explaining how to slice the perfect strands of Spaghetti alla chitarra. Try saucing it with cheesy, peppery cacio e pepe. Yum! (15:54) For recipes and more, including information about our virtual cooking classes and monthly newsletter, Sage Advice, visit justsimplycuisine.com and follow us on Instagram. Many thanks to our sponsors: American Kitchen Cookware FireFly Farms

It's strawberry season! Extend the shelf life of this sweet and juicy fruit with our slow, oven-roasting techniques for preserving your precious perishables. (1:50) Speaking of making it last, we reveal the must-have summertime ingredients in Chris' Memphis Dry Rub recipe. (6:50) Breaking down the brown… Brooke shares her trick for retaining and restoring the softness of an essential dry rub ingredient: brown sugar. (8:30) Next, with just a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, our dry rub becomes a wet marinade for delicious whole-roasted chicken. Plus, don't miss our tips for grilling chicken evenly and keeping it moist! (9:55) Not a grill master? This episode is for you, as Chris and Brooke take the mystery out of summer grilling, detailing how to use our grills like an oven. (15:24) Brooke updates us on her new life in New England, and Chris helps us fish for the meaning behind New England “scrod” (or “schrod”). Hint: cod is just around the corner. (20:20) Tired of the same old salad? Brooke turns her greens upside down with a French-inspired solution. (25:45) For recipes and more, including information about our virtual cooking classes and monthly newsletter, Sage Advice, visit justsimplycuisine.com and follow us on Instagram. Many thanks to our sponsors: FireFly Farms American Kitchen Cookware

Fire up the grill! We begin with secrets for crafting really good pizza, and Chris’ trick for achieving a crispier crust just might surprise you. (02:45) Let’s talk cheeses, sauces, and toppings! Bring the flavor and make it seasonal with heartier marinara in winter and lighter pesto in the summer. (7:45) Save your parmesan rinds! We toss it in Coppola’s Marinara, our building block recipe made from San Marzano tomatoes grown in the volcanic Mount Vesuvius valley. (9:30) Brooke cleans out the fridge, transforming unconventional ingredients like Granny Smith apples and pulled pork into a delicious, savory pie. Meanwhile, Chris sweetens the deal with a clever idea for buttery breakfast pizza. (15:00) Whether you’re a local or out-of-towner, you won’t want to miss our recommendations for some of the best pizzerias in the Washington DC area. (20:30) Chris and Brooke bring even more flavor to a classic spring and summer dessert: lemon buttermilk cake. Our variations feature blood oranges, Meyer lemons and limes. Then, top this zesty treat with limoncello or vanilla sugar-infused whipped cream. (22:30) No buttermilk? No problem! Brooke saves the day with a quick and easy solution. (27:40) For recipes and more, including information about our virtual cooking classes and monthly newsletter, Sage Advice, visit justsimplycuisine.com and follow us on Instagram. Many thanks to our sponsors: American Kitchen Cookware FireFly Farms

Delicately poached wild salmon is on the menu for this special Earth Day episode! Zest your tastebuds with two simple recipe building blocks: freshly squeezed lemon juice and salsa verde. (02:00) We’re remixing this rustic, refreshing Mediterranean condiment with a pinch of bitterness from coarsely chopped parsley and a dash of red pepper flakes. (8:00) Wild-caught or farm-raised? Chris details the difference in freshness, fat content, color and sustainability when selecting salmon and other fish. (9:30) Keep it smooth when poaching your fish with the subtler flavors of chive flower and white peppercorn. (15:00) The art and science of poaching continues with tips for transforming tuna steaks and eggs into easy and delicious meals. (17:00) Our poached wild salmon recipe pops with the springtime flavors of capers, bay leaves, fennel and thyme – and don’t forget the white wine. (20:30) Gone green! Chris teases an update on her raised bed garden that involves foxes and turkeys, while Brooke shares her plans to plant anew in New England. (24:00) Finally, we reflect on simple ways to help ‘Restore Our Earth’ (spoiler alert: there’s always more room in the dishwasher). (28:00) For recipes and more, including information about our virtual cooking classes and monthly newsletter, Sage Advice, visit justsimplycuisine.com and follow us on Instagram. Many thanks to our sponsors: FireFly Farms American Kitchen Cookware

Spring has sprung, and rhubarb has won! In this episode, the versatile ingredient will be broken down … to a compote! Is it a veggie or fruit? How is it used in both sweet and savory recipes? Get inspired to make your own strawberry-rhubarb compote over ice cream! (03:00) Vanilla my sugar! We share a simple tip for tempering vinaigrettes, balancing marinara sauce, caramelizing slow-roasted tomatoes, and glazing your grilled steaks. (11:40) It’s all about the dirt, as Chris digs into the reasons why nutrient-rich soil is essential for a healthy harvest and dispels the myth of the ‘perfect garden.’ Meanwhile, Brooke turns overripe onions into blossoming bulbs and updates us on her salvaged potatoes. Later, the journey detours to the land of lemony sorrel and herbal chervil, also known as French parsley. (14:15) Hold the plastic! The ladies exchange ideas for maintaining an ecofriendly kitchen and extending the shelf-life of our precious produce. (25:00) Chris shares one of her favorite books by Ellen Ecker Ogden, The Complete Kitchen Garden: An Inspired Collection of Garden Designs and 100 Seasonal Recipes. Finally, we discuss long handle spoons, flea markets and more helpful resources from the Sage Advice newsletter. (30:20) For recipes and more, including information about our virtual cooking classes and monthly newsletter, Sage Advice, visit justsimplycuisine.com and follow us on Instagram. Many thanks to our sponsors: American Kitchen Cookware FireFly Farms

Spring is here, the gardens are budding, and our taste buds are fired up for Season 2 of We’re Cookin’! In this second season premiere, we’re serving a springtime medley of flavor and fun, featuring seasonal cooking tips from host Chris Coppola Leibner, owner of Washington DC’s beloved Just Simply… Cuisine cooking school - and introducing our amazing new co-host, Brooke Rodgers. In this episode, we dive into a mouthwatering Milanese recipe that you can easily make at home: Rosemary Gremolata Stuffed Lamb Loin Chops. (03:03) Don’t spend your weekends cooking – and don’t forget the reduced balsamic! We’re giving you even more ways to incorporate the ever-reliable starter vinaigrette into your sweet and savory dishes. (11:52) Unsure about how to repurpose your leftovers? We’ve shared quick tips on how to marry ingredients from your winter harvest (and grocery bags) with that cold pizza sitting in the fridge. (15:00) If you’re ready to start or remix your garden, look no further for tips on city and in-home gardening, including street-strip potato beds, garlic scapes and potted herbs. (16:03) Later, Chris recounts a surprising discovery of morel mushrooms and shares tips for preparing these delicate, delectable fungi! (24:45) Finally, Brooke helps us marry cross-seasonal ingredients as we transition from winter to spring. (27:00) For recipes and more, including information about our virtual cooking classes and monthly newsletter, Sage Advice, visit justsimplycuisine.com and follow us on Instagram. Many thanks to our sponsors: FireFly Farms American Kitchen Cookware

On our final episode of our first season, we're bringing back our favorite co-host Radell to wrap up our first season with some real home cooking stories. Chris is also joined by Just Simply... Cuisine's beloved apprentices Kelly Hart and and Kelsey Macdonald and student Joe Vealencis to share everything from their favorite home cooking tips to their most chaotic kitchen disasters and triumphs. Finally, try cooking our final “Can Do” recipe of the season, something we've mentioned in many episodes: Reduced balsamic! We have loved sharing our best stories and recipes with you in our first season, and we have especially enjoyed bringing some of our favorite vendors and local food businesses together so you can enjoy what they have to offer, too! This isn’t goodbye, but see you later, so let us know what you'd like to hear in season 2 of We're Cookin'.

Have you visited your neighborhood farmers market lately? Chris is joined by Mary Ackley of Little Wild Things City Farm, Megan Day of FRESHFARM Markets, and Marty Jolin of Twin Springs Fruit Farm to discuss everything from farmers’ markets to farming disasters. They share how they got interested in farming, how to roast vegetables, and why you should stop by your local market. Live in DC? Use this tool to find out where your nearest farmers market is, as well as opening hours. After picking up some produce, try out our “Can Do” recipe of this week: Slow-roasted Grape Tomatoes.

It’s that time of year: we’re getting excited about spring gardens! Chris is joined by Niraj Ray from Cultivate the City. Cultivate the City is committed to transforming urban food deserts into thriving, vertical, organic gardens. Niraj shares his passion for vertical farming, fixing the food system, working with elementary school gardens to spread healthy eating, and cooking one of his favorite Indian recipes. And get into a springtime mood by trying our “Can Do” recipe this week: Pesto!

Cooking and drinking go hand in hand! Chris is joined in our foodcast nook by Jonathan Fasano of Don Ciccio & Figli, a D.C.-based Italian liqueur distillery using traditional techniques straight from the Amalfi Coast, and Nolan Rodman of Rodman’s Gourmet Grocer, a family-owned and –operated drugstore that been a shopping destination for international foods, wines and beer since 1955. Jonathan and Nolan share their passion for fine food and drink, tell us about the history and traditions of their stores and their products, and show us how best to buy, pair, and cook with the amazing spirits and ingredients that these two Washington institutions have to offer. You can try it out yourself with our “Can Do” recipe this week: Braised Baby Artichokes!

Our co-host Radell Peischler is back in the kitchen with Chris this week to talk about what we can do when we make a mistake or forget an ingredient. Sometimes, whether we’re new to the kitchen or experienced professionals, things happen while we’re cooking that we don’t expect. What can we do if a dish is too salty? How do we know if we’ve cooked chicken enough, or too much? How can we best prepare to cook and recover when the inevitable happens? Here are all of Chris’s best loved and most useful cooking tips to help you overcome your kitchen challenges! And make time for the Can Do recipe of the week, our Braised Swiss Chard.

This week in our recording nook, we’re joined by Mike Koch and Pablo Solanet of FireFly Farms Creamery and Vincent Mathieu of Fresh Baguette, two local artisan foodmakers who are producing some of the finest cheese and bread this side of the Potomac. Mike, Pablo and Vincent tell us about how they found their crafts, and we discuss how we connect with our food beyond just eating it. And, as always, don’t miss our can-do recipe that you can make with the bread and cheese sold by our podcast guests: Spicy Corn and Fresh Ricotta Bruschetta!   Special thank you to this week’s sponsor: Capital Wine School The Capital Wine School is one of the premier wine schools in the country. Located across the street from the Friendship Heights Metro Center on the red line here in DC, we offer courses and tasting classes for the beginner, intermediate, advanced, and professional student. For more information, visit us at Capitalwineschool.com.

Co-host Radell Peischler is back with Chris this week, discussing our building blocks and cooking fundamentals: the core recipes, advice, tips and techniques that you need in your home kitchen. From buying the right pantry staples to adding flavor AND saving money by using up everything you buy, Chris and Radell are breaking down all of the basics that you can share with the other home cooks in your life. Grab a notebook or your Home Cook’s Journal and get ready, because this episode is packed! And, as always, don’t miss Chris’s “Can Do” recipe of the week!

This week, Chris is joined by Brian Fuchs, V.P. of Operations for Wagshals Market in Washington, D.C. This Washington institution has sold high quality meats, seafood, produce, prepared foods and gourmet products since 1925, and was the first to sell raw Fermin Iberico de Bellota pork in the U.S. Brian shares his family's story, tells us about how they stay true to their mission and customers, teaches us how to get to know our butchers better, and even gives us his tips for a delicious osso bucco. And dont miss this weeks recipe from Chris: our must-have Memphis Dry Rub!

In the second episode of We're Cookin', we'll share our best tips and tricks for setting up your kitchen. We'll cover where to find the best ingredients and cookware, how to prep and store them in environmentally-friendly ways, and much more! Each episode also features one easy recipe that you can make right along with us in your own kitchen.

Have you ever wondered how Just Simply... Cuisine got started, over 20 years ago? In this premiere episode my wonderful co-host, Radell Peischler, joins me as I tell the story of how we were inspired to teach home cooking and why we believe that “good food means good life." Each episode also features one easy recipe that you can make right along with us in your own kitchen.