Mirepoix Taste Buds

The Easter Bunny brought a egg-stra special episode this Easter for all our best buds! When was the last time you dyed an egg just for funsies? Listen as we recall some of the history of egg arts and share some info on Pysanky.

This week the second priciest spice takes center stage. Derived from orchids, these bean pods originally struggled to thrive until humans intervened and began hand pollinating them. Can you guess which part of a beaver is used to make synthetic vanillin? Trust us, you don't want to know. 

This holy month, we learn about the 5 Pillars of Islam as we chat Ramadan. You may even consider an intermittent fast to lose weight, refresh your mind, or just cut down the time it takes to meal prep. 

Remember, let's just treat each other with kindness and approach every situation like the other person might be hangry. 

Let's be fancy and chat caviar! This week's episode highlights fish eggs. Find out what constitutes as true caviar, who are the largest producers or consumers, and how it is harvested. This is a must hear episode to impress at your next fancy soiree. Pinkies up and pop out your porcelain spoon!

Pop the champagne and recline those seats because we are taking you back in time to the golden era of flight...and also the not so golden times when planes were just metal boxes in the sky that frankly, had no business up there. Airplanes and the food served on them have evolved greatly over the last 100 years from fancy picnics, to 7-course experiences, and finally chef-catered creations. Tune in so you can appreciate all the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into your meal. 

PSA Remember to be kind the next time you fly the friendly skies. 

Disclaimer: It was really around 2010 that airlines started to move away from serving peanuts on flights. Ignore our tangent at the end where we speculate. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day! We are feeling lucky and decided to drop a little extra for you this week. Let's talk no yeast, light crumb, and chemical reactions baby! These are all the makings of your basic soda bread: a staple of Irish fare and our beloved St. Patrick's Day. Trust us, you need this info to soak up all the libations this holiday and ward off those evil spirits.

Still confused on the difference between corned beef and pastrami? You are not alone. Join us to learn what sets these meats apart, as well as how corned beef became the St. Patrick's Day staple in the U.S despite its lack of Irish origin.

Join us as we endure the final fickle moments of the trickster, known as March, and prepare to spring into warmer weather. This week we talk about all things green (Did you know the original color was blue?!?). From Shamrock Shakes, to the dyeing of the Chicago River, we are ready for one last comfort food feast filled with the best St. Patrick's Day has to offer. 

A Mardi Gras staple gets its due in this week's Small Bites. This festive dessert has a sweet surprise and history steeped in tradition. Get your krewe and press play.

This week we have a reason to celebrate! Mardi Gras is in full swing, which means it is time to sin some more and then repent! This episode is just in time for you to indulge in Fat Thursday, Pancake Day, Shrove Tuesday, Paczki Day, or whatever it is you want to celebrate. So sit down, plug-in, and get ready to yell, "Let the good times roll!"