This week on A Taste of the Past, Linda Pelaccio welcomes author, culinary historian, journalist and African American foodways expert Jessica B. Harris to the show. Jessica discusses some of the history included in her latest book “High on the Hog”. Tune in to find out where the title came from and how it relates to the culinary journey from Africa to America. Learn more about the integral role slavery played in our American culinary roots and why oral history supersedes any other in the African American culture. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

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This week on A Taste of the Past, Linda explores the roots and current state of American Cooking with cookbook author and former NY Times columnist Molly O’Neill. Molly talks about our culinary and recipe traditions in the United States and explores the intertwined worlds of food and class structure. Tune in and find out why, in the end, we are just One Big Table. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

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To celebrate President’s Day, Linda invites author and former visiting White House Chef Jack Hanny to the studio to talk about his latest book, “Secrets from the White House Kitchens”. Jack goes into the history of cuisine at the Oval Office, chronicling everything from JFK’s favorite clam chowder, to FDR’s nightmares with former chef Henrietta Nesbit. Learn more about the tastes of presidents past on an entertaining an informative episode of A Taste of the Past. This episode was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons. For more information visit www.surryfarms.com

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Valentine’s Day may have been intended to celebrate love, but we all know what’s really on our mind around this time – chocolate! Tune into A Taste of the Past to learn more about one of the most commonly appreciated and seriously misunderstood treats. Learn about the history of the “the food of the gods” from chocolate expert Alexandra Leaf and find out why “real” chocolate might not be what you think it is. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market. For more information visit wholefooesmarket.com

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This week on A Taste of The Past, Linda explores the gastronomic history and traditions of the Chinese New Year with culinary instructor and author of RedCook.net, Kho Kian Lam. They discuss the symbolism behind food items such as fish and dumplings, explore the differences between northern and southern Chinese cuisine and unveil some preparation methods for sticky cake. This episode was sponsored by Fairway Market – like no other market.

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This week on A Taste of the Past, Linda is joined by Moroccan born author and cooking instructor, Kitty Morse. Kitty’s latest book, “A Biblical Feast: Ancient Mediterranean Flavors for Today’s Table”, is as much a history book as it is a cookbook. Tune in and learn more about how and what people ate in Biblical times, the origins of fish sauce, and what makes real Ezekiel bread. This episode was sponsored by The Barterhouse. For more information visit www.thebarterhouse.com

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This week on A Taste of the Past, Linda explores the history of the modern kitchen. Joined by food journalist and culinary historian Meryle Evans, Linda tells the story of the kitchen from its basement beginnings to its growth into a “perfect work triangle”. Tune in and hear the stories behind some of the most commonly used and overlooked kitchen tools such as Tupperware, Chemex & ice cream scoops. This episode was sponsored by Route 11 / Tabard Inn. For more information visit www.rt11.com

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This week’s discussion on A Taste of the Past focuses on curry, one of the most widley used – and misused – terms in the culinary lexicon. Joining Linda is Colleen Taylor Sen, a food historian and journalist specializing in the cuisine of India. Linda and Colleen trace the history of curry, from the East India Trading Company to British fast food chains. Tune in and learn what should and shouldn’t be considered curry and how curry leaves differ from curry powder. This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery. For more information visit www.cainfive.com

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This week on A Taste of the Past, Linda is joined by trained sushi chef, restaurant consultant, cooking instructor, and cookbook author Hiroko Shimbo. Linda and Hiroko discuss the tradition of “good luck round food” for the new year along with the ceremonious pounding of the mochi. Tune in and learn more about Japanese cuisine and its role in Western culture. Also find out whether or not lobster should be eaten on New Years Eve. This episode was sponsored by Cochon555 – learn more at www.cochon555.com

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This week on A Taste of the Past, Linda welcomes historian, master mixologist and author David Wondrich back to the show. David’s latest book, “Punch: The Delights and Dangers of the Flowing Bowl”, explores all things related to punch; from its cloudy origins to its varied techinques and variates. David and Linda discuss the book and taste a two-year aged Norfolk Milk Punch on-air. Tune in to learn more about the incredible story of the most important social beverage of our time. This episode was sponsored by Cain Five Vineyard & Winery. For more information visit www.cainfive.com

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