Archived Shows
August 2004

08/07/04
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We all know about "too good to be true" diet promises. But what about a diet that promises you more; lots of servings of fresh fruit, beautiful vegetables, wholesome grains and even the occasional sweet? And, research has proven it lowers blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. Jim's guests are Linda Levy and Francine Grabowski. They discuss the DASH diet in their book, "The Best Diet On Earth: Ordinary Foods with Extraordinary Powers. And if you're trying to work more fruit into your diet, how about some figs? We'll hear from Marie Simmons, who has written "Fig Heaven." We'll also talk about almonds and their many uses in savory and sweet dishes. Later, we'll visit a bar that celebrates Friday the 13th with special beer, and take a look at a global food fight that has lots of people calling each other names.

This week's featured recipe:
Pear and Fig Crumble

Try Priscilla Martell's recipe for Almond Cake.

08/14/04
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New York City is the place to be for a food writer; restaurants galore, ethnic markets, any imaginable ingredient is available - so why would you want to leave? During this hour, we'll hear from Eugenia Bone who traded dining in New York for cooking on a ranch in Colorado. She has written a memoir with recipes called "At Mesa's Edge." Elk is great, but - where's the beef? We'll hear from two brothers who traveled to Argentina to find out. Later in the show we'll give the humble chicken some French flair. Our guest is Mary Ellen Evans, she has written "Bistro Chicken." Finally, we'll visit Pennsylvania pig farmer Paul Crivello, who decided the only way to compete with mass producers was to get smaller, and better.

This week's featured recipe:
Pork Chops with Sundried Cranberries

08/21/04
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There's nothing better cake, fresh out of the oven. Four days later, what's left of that cake doesn't look all very appealing at all. Now there's a book for making desserts in perfect portions. Jim's guest is Susan Waggoner. She has written Little Cakes: Classic Recipes for Any Occasion. Later, we'll get the pick of the country's best berries and use them in delicious recipes, from martini's to savory sauces. Then we'll visit a New York City restaurant icon that was host to celebrities like Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. "Serendipity" is celebrating 50 years of success, and delicious desserts. Finally; chefs are always talking about "mise en place", the process of prepping your recipe ahead. We'll discover the 1950's home cook version: Make It Now, Bake It Later.

Books featured on this week's Chef's Table:

Little Cakes: Classic Recipes For any Occasion
Susan Waggoner
Universe Publishing

Sweet Serendipity: Delicious Desserts and Devlish Dish
Stephen Bruce with Brett Bara
Universe Publishing

The Berry Bible: With 175 Recipes Using Cultivated and Wild, Fresh and Frozen Berries
Janie Hibler
William Morrow

Make It Now, Bake It Later: The Next Generation
Ann and Scott Goodfellow
Stewart, Tabori, & Chang

This week's featured recipe:
Blueberry Coffee Cake

08/28/04
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Labor Day honors the American worker, and during this hour, we'll celebrate all those who sweat away in hot kitchens. First, we'll visit a mother who runs a culinary marathon every day. Later, we'll find out how culinary professionals are being trained for a career in this demanding field. Then we'll move on to Labor Day parties with an updated college favorite: gelatin shots. A new book, Jiggelo lends them an air of sophistication. We'll also hear about the wonderful cuisine of Greece and dish up a Greek feast. Our guest is Susanna Hoffman, author of The Olive and The Caper. Finally, a funny book that teaches us how to eat like a Republican, just in time for the convention.

This week's featured recipes:
Olive Tapenade Glazed London Broil

Jiggadelphia from the authors of Jiggelo