Showing results by author "Jim Coleman" in All Categories

On today's show we're raiding the pantry! We'll learn everything from the pantry's history to organizing and stocking your own larder. And we'll examine the foods that we eat when we are by ourselves, news from the almond groves, plus how to stock a heart-healthy pantry, tips to make healthy grains a habit, and much more.

It's been said that eating is not only an agricultural act, but also a political one. It does make sense that how we eat can make a lasting impact on our environment - the problem is figuring out what choices really matter. Paper plates? Organic Vegetables? Bottled Water? This week we examine some choices. From replacing veal with buffalo meat, to entertaining tips that don't fill up the landfill with one-time products, we'll discuss the quandaries, questions, and curious solutions to "living green".

Sugar plays a starring role on Valentine's Day, but it's also a big part of our every day lives. We'll discover how we developed our famous sweet tooth.

On today's show, let's examine the good life! Finding the right job is often a key, so we'll talk to Irena Chalmers who knows of 150 jobs for food lovers. Later, a restaurant consultant reveals what it takes to succeed. Ruth Reichl's personal journey on learning how NOT to become her mother - and a few thoughts on mothers and food. Plus being Down Home with the Food Networks' Neely family.

Some worthy things just have a bad reputation. On today's show we re-evaluate bad reputation stories: pig pens are a mess; tequila gives you a killer hangover; and tofu tastes like nothing. Often, you can make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. For instance, Sy Montgomery talks about her amazing pet pig. Mr. Cutlets talks about a pig of a whole other kind - a smuggled ham.

Today we're mixing it up with ingredients! Russ Parsons gives us the low down on picking and storing some great summer produce. We'll also discover the lesser known Asian cuisine: food from the Philippines. Find out why wasabi isn't really wasabi; plus what goes on in a Martha Stewart test kitchen. Later we'll meet a couple who spent a year eating only what was available within a 100 miles....and they stayed married to each other after all that.

TV cooking shows. What's your favorite? On today's show we'll take a look at the evolution of celebrity chefs and food on the tube. We'll talk to historian Kathleen Collins about early shows and what's happening on the screen today. Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio gives us a behind-the-scenes look at this successful reality cooking show. Marcus Samuelsson stops by to talk about a special Swedish custom this time of year - and you'll hear his reluctant singing debut!

The way you set your table creates the atmosphere for a meal. During this encore hour, we'll talk about the designer who changed how Americans think about entertaining. We'll hear about a new cookbook based on the style and menus of Russell Wright, the pioneer designer of the 1950's American modern movement. He didn't just create best-selling dinnerware, he also envisioned a new way to eat. Later, we'll cook up simple, elegant food that's perfect for this classic table setting and lifestyle.

Everyone loves second helpings, enjoy our encore presentation. It's time to spice things up a bit! On today's Chef's Table we'll follow our own spice trail. We begin with the history of three influential spice cities. Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi reveals how to layer lots of flavors. Plus her secrets for staying model thin and still eat those celebrity chef meals. Later, learn how to make amazingly light vegan cupcakes.

Want to make THIS Halloween the most entertaining yet? On today's show we'll talk to an expert who's been putting together over-the-top Halloween parties and costumes for 37 years. And, in spirit of the season, a nostalgic look at breakfast cereals like Frankenberry and Boo Berry. The upcoming World Series inspires us to look at those All-American favorites, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Finally, discover an old sport that is gaining new fans, and a New York restaurant that celebrates Day of the Dead.

If you are in the mood to grab your passport, or just want to think about faraway places, today's show takes us to some unusual destinations. We'll go to Tasmania for an exotic honey. Then, a big jump to France to explore the style of King Louis XIV. Discover the lure of Indonesia, plus life on a European houseboat, foods of the southwest, and our monthly wine recommendation.

What does it take to be excellent? On today's show we're looking at the fine art of living excellently. Although it sure doesn't sound pretty, we'll discover how coffee is judged at the famed "Cup of Excellence." Our sommelier, Maureen Petrosky, gives us a "101" on the basics of blended wine. And, we'll take a look at the house wine of the south - sweet tea - and swap stories about life and food in the rural south. Historian Mark Kurlansky takes us through time in Gloucester, Mass.

Well, we're almost at holiday lift off! Whether you have a lot left to do, or are ready to sit by the fireside and enjoy yourself, today's show will get you in the mood. The Barefoot Contessa stops by to simplify our entertaining. Sam Choy gives the holiday a little Hawaiian twist, and Murray's Cheese gives us a slice of cheese wisdom. Eco-friendly wrapping, Darina Allen's Christmas goose, plus Graham Kerr on outdulgences and more.

It's been said that eating is not only an agricultural act, but also a political one. It does make sense that how we eat can make a lasting impact on our environment - the problem is figuring out what choices really matter. We'll talk to the author of The Ethical Gourmet, discover a winery that composts four-star meals, and talk to the Soup Peddler.

On today's show we look forward to Labor Day and a celebration of the American worker. Find out what's happening on the professional barbecue circuit. Then, stop by a company picnic, and hear from a corporate concierge about business party etiquette. And if ice cream is your thing, we'll scoop out some of the country's best. Finally, discovering what it takes to feed the workers on a freighter. Try our recipe this week: dry rub for steaks or brisket.

Ever been down on your luck? How'd you turn it around? On today's show, we'll overcome little challenges and even tackle a few big ones. Celebrity chef Paula Deen recalls her early, difficult days starting a business and a new life. Then, author Liz Gilbert takes us on journey from divorce to an appetite for life. We'll get tips on fixing our baking mistakes, discover fancy recipes from opera librettos, and even take a trip to the race track. Learn how to make a salt-crusted prime rib, plus much more!

Sometimes food is more than a meal... it can be a way to build community or improve life. Today, we'll use food as way to do good - from reducing the carbon footprint of our kitchens to building a charitable business. We'll hear about some pitfalls on the road to starting a philanthropic cookie company. Later, we'll talk to Andrea Reusing - she's earned the title of one of America's best green chefs. And did you know the latest new trend for brides has nothing to do with gowns?

There's food and then there's film. And what happens when you put the two of them together? Today's show is all about the marriage of food and movies. We'll get the inside scoop and talk to restaurateur and former actor Pino Luongo. Thomas Keller stops by to talk about consulting on food movies. Then, Michael Pollen sets the scene for a documentary that follows a corn kernel from seed to plate. Plus, cocktails inspired by a director, the culture of popcorn, and healthy candy choices at the theater.

Let's take a little blast into past with an encore presentation. In 2007 we celebrated our 10th anniversary on the air by culling archives. Remember Molto Mario, when he had just one little restaurant in Greenwich Village? We'll also hear some early Rachel Ray, plus chat with Jeramiah Tower and Rozanne Gold. Plus, Chef Coleman is on a trip to Italy. And Annemarie Colbin begins our twelve year love affair with food and aphrodisiacs.

Let's enjoy the last few weeks of summer before September puts us back in high gear. No vacation is complete without a good novel... and we have one that is really percolating. Michael Idov's "Ground Up." We'll learn how to save some of summer's delicious tomatoes for our winter table. Plus ride a bike and learn about the iconic Philly sandwich - all at the same time. Also, an American in Paris, the history of air conditioning, lots of travel tips near or far and much more.