This week, we talk with two incredible chefs about their culinary connections to their homes. First, chef Nini Nguyen talks about growing up in New Orleans and her connection to her tight-knit Vietnamese community. She shares the delicious Vietnamese foods she grew up eating and talks about how that upbringing shapes her cooking today, Nini is the author of Đặc Biệt: An Extra-Special Vietnamese Cookbook, and she leaves with her recipe for Grilled Rice Paper. Then, we head to Ukraine with chef Yevhen Klopotenko to talk about his work rediscovering traditional Ukrainian dishes that were once suppressed under Soviet rule. He tells us about his work, providing recipes online that have reached thousands of schools and getting traditional recipes like Borsch, finally recognized as Ukrainian. Yevhen is the author of The Authentic Ukrainian Kitchen, and he left us with his recipe for Syrnyky, delicious Farmer cheese pancakes.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

• September 13, 2024 (originally aired)
• September 12, 2025 (rebroadcast)

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This week, we’re turning peak-season produce into bold, flavorful dishes. First, we talk with Rick Martínez, author of Salsa Daddy: Dip Your Way into Mexican Cooking, about transforming simple ingredients – think tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chilis – into salsas that sing. Rick explains why salsa is its own food group and leaves us with his family-inspired peach-and-pecan Salsa Tejana recipe. Then, we visit New York chef Sunny Lee of Sunn’s, a restaurant devoted to banchan, Korea’s iconic side dishes. Sunny teaches Francis how to elevate fresh vegetables into inventive, season-forward sides, including her recipe for Tahini Pickled Mushroom banchan.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

• September 5, 2025 (originally aired)

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This week, we're talking about summer cooking and how to stay cool in the heat. Carla Lalli Music joins us to talk about her favorite indoor cooking tips for ribs and takes your cooking questions. Carla is the host of Carla's Cooking Show on Patreon, and her most recent book is Where Cooking Begins. Then, we check in with Khushbu Shah, Food & Wine's restaurant editor, about the refreshers you need this summer, cold dessert drinks from all over Asia. From basil seeds and colorful tapioca to adding a savory element to your shaved ice, there's something here for everyone.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

• June 25, 2021 (originally aired)
• June 24, 2022 (rebroadcast)
• June 23, 2023 (rebroadcast)

• August 29, 2025 (rebroadcast)

  
  

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