Join thousands of other listeners on our Substack, The Foodletter!   In this engaging and fun-filled episode, Brooke reconnects with Katie Calton to reflect on their food predictions for 2024 and make new predictions for 2025. They delve into topics like minimalist cooking, the resurgence of Southern cuisine, and the growing popularity of fusion foods. With personal anecdotes, insider tips, and laughter, Brooke and Katie explore the intersection of food trends and culture, offering insights for food lovers and home cooks alike.   Key Takeaways

1. 2024 Reflections:
   • [02:17] Vintage dishes like casseroles and ambrosia salad made a strong comeback.
   • [06:34] Beans dominated food trends, with creative recipes like dense bean salad leading the way.
   • [08:09] TikTok recipes like cucumber salad and crossover dishes like French onion pasta gained popularity.
2. Predictions for 2025:
   • [16:14] The Decade of Dinner Parties: The pandemic rekindled the love for intimate gatherings.
   • [18:12] Minimalist Cooking: Simple, refined recipes with high-quality ingredients will shine.
   • [24:22] Southern Cuisine Revival: Expect biscuits, braised greens, and shrimp & grits to take center stage.
   • [37:20] Fusion Foods: Creative mash-ups like birria ramen and Middle Eastern-inspired pastries will continue to trend.
   • [40:28] Focus on Seafood: Increased interest in mussels, clams, and other seafood dishes.
   • [44:33] East Asian Cooking Simplified: Easy-to-make stir-fries and noodle dishes featuring flavors like gochujang and black vinegar.
3. Food Trends of Interest:
   • [42:38] The rise of cozy cooking with hearty dishes like cobblers and risotto.
   • [30:21] A growing demand for cheese-based meals featuring halloumi and paneer.
   • [32:35] A resurgence in traditional French cooking, inspired by classics like quiche Lorraine and soufflés.

  Notable Quotes

• (43:57) "Sometimes it's nice to force yourself to just do something slower or more intentional, like making risotto." — Brooke Eliason
• (44:35) "I feel like we're going to see more simplified East Asian cooking, expanding our palates with bold flavors." — Katie Calton
• (16:32) "The romanticism around dinner parties isn't going anywhere—it might just be the decade for them." — Brooke Eliason

  Resources

• Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
• Ambrosia Salad
• Chocolate Olive Oil Cake with Warm Chocolate Frosting
• Tomato Peach Salad
• French Onion Pasta
• Saffron Risotto
• Creamy Parmesan Risotto
• Our Predicted 2024 Food Trends (And Our Recapped 2023 Food Trends)
• Follow Katie Calton on Instagram
• Follow Female Foodie on Instagram