Foraging Fundamentals and Culinary Adventures with Adam Berkelmans

In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler welcomes Adam Berkelmans, a recipe developer, cook, and contributor to Harvesting Nature. They delve into Adam's background, his journey in food and nature, and his extensive knowledge on foraging. Adam shares practical advice for beginners, tips on identifying and collecting various wild edibles and mushrooms, and emphasizes the value of integrating foraged foods into everyday meals. He also details a delicious seared chicken thigh recipe with hedgehog mushrooms, highlighting the ease and flavor of cooking with wild ingredients combined with domestic convenience. This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in foraging and adding a unique twist to their culinary repertoire.

Follow Adam at

https://www.theintrepideater.com

https://www.instagram.com/the.intrepid.eater

https://harvestingnature.com/

AI Generated ‘Chapters’

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:48 Meet Adam Berkelmans

01:40 Adam's Culinary Journey

04:20 The Intrepid Eater

08:05 Notable Meals and Foraging Insights

13:38 Foraging Basics and Personal Stories

19:47 Mushroom Foraging Tips

33:18 Exploring Indigo and Saffron Milk Caps

34:13 Seasonal Mushroom Foraging

35:44 Preserving and Storing Mushrooms

37:18 Experimenting with Freeze Drying

38:11 Foraging for Wild Plants

43:34 Nutritional Benefits of Wild Plants

46:06 Dandelions: A Versatile Wild Edible

50:33 Cultural Perspectives on Foraging

55:33 Seared Chicken with Hedgehog Mushrooms Recipe

https://www.theintrepideater.com/seared-chicken-thighs-with-hedgehog-mushroom-sauce/

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Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook

And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook

Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook

Crew: 

Chris Whonsetler

Email: [email protected]

Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com

Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

Staying Healthy on the Go with Wildlife Photographer Keagan

In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler welcomes special guest Keagan Keddell, a wildlife photographer and adventurer. They discuss Keagan's unique lifestyle of constantly being on the road, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying fit despite the challenges of travel. Keagan shares tips on eating well while traveling, the importance of a balanced diet, and how to remain active. They also talk about notable meals, favorite snacks, and how Keagan manages to cook nutritious meals on the go. The episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to stay healthy while leading a busy, on-the-move lifestyle.

More on Keagan Keddell

Web: https://www.wildlifephotogmedia.com/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/wildlifephotogmedia

Cameras Don’t Flare Birds: https://www.instagram.com/camerasdontflarebirds/

Fatty Meat Sticks: https://bit.ly/3zdhJyK

AI Generated 'Chapters'

00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup

00:47 Meet Keagan: The Adventurous Photographer

01:31 Keagan's Nomadic Lifestyle

03:19 Healthy Eating on the Road

06:26 Fitness and Diet Challenges

11:34 The Importance of a Balanced Diet

21:36 Healthy Snacking Tips for Road Trips

24:01 Kicking the Sugar Addiction

24:32 Boredom Eating and Healthy Alternatives

27:01 Cooking Challenges on the Road

28:44 Notable Meals and Culinary Adventures

32:04 Wild Game Cooking Tips

39:28 Energy and Nutrition for Outdoor Adventures

44:39 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook

And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook

Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook

Crew: 

Chris Whonsetler

Email: [email protected]

Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com

Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

Cooking Wild Game: Tips and Recipes from Foam Fest 2023

Join host Chris Whonsetler on the Okayest Cook Podcast, live from the third annual Foam Fest at Horicon Marsh Archers. In this exciting episode, hear from various hunters and attendees as they share their favorite wild game recipes, from pickled deer heart and turkey leg chili to venison sliders and Lake trout fried rice. Learn cooking tips, unique preparation methods, and treasured family stories about wild game. Chris also thanks event organizers and sponsors while encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more and offers a special discount on knife kits from Outdoor Edge.

We are fueled by the following companies and absolutely love their gear!

Every purchase made with these links helps keep us up and running:

Anova: https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR

MEAT!: https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r

Hedley & Bennett: https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2

Yeti: https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq

Keep tabs on Okayest Hunter

https://www.okayesthunter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/okayest_hunter/

Use code OKC20 for 20% off a new knife from Outdoor Edge

https://www.outdooredge.com/

AI Generated ‘Chapters’

00:00 Introduction and Event Overview

01:22 Kevin’s Pickled Deer Heart

01:57 Joe’s Venison Tips

02:43 Anthony’s Turkey Leg Chili

04:17 Eric's Venison Sliders

04:56 Sydney’s Stuffed Mushrooms

05:25 Greg’s Simple Wild Game Tips

06:16 Patrick's Pellet Smoker Adventures

06:54 Joel's Venison Medallions

07:45 Noah's Venison Heart and Brisket

08:25 Matt's Turkey Leg Barbacoa Tacos

08:54 Chad's Venison Poppers

11:02 Bryce's Lake Trout Fried Rice

11:51 Vinny's Wild Game Meal Prep

13:12 Martin's Venison Kebabs

14:03 Luke's Dove Poppers

14:43 Tyler's Duck Recipe

15:09 Conclusion and Thanks

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Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook

And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook

Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook

Crew: 

Chris Whonsetler

Email: [email protected]

Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com

Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

Andy Heiser

Email: [email protected]

Web: RakeDevelopment.com

Instagram: @andheiser

Corey Cole

Email: [email protected]

Web: CoreyRCole.com

Instagram: @ruggedhunter

Colton Heiniger

Email: [email protected]

Web: ElevateAccountingServices.com

Wild Game Cooking with Jeremiah Doughty: Embrace the Flavor

In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler conducts a remote session with wild game cooking legend Jeremiah Doughty. They dive into understanding wild game flavors, breaking into the niche of everyday wild game cooking, and tips for home cooks. Jeremiah discusses his journey from managing a high-end restaurant to becoming a self-taught, renowned wild game chef. He emphasizes the importance of experimenting without fear of failure and ensuring the whole family participates in the cooking process. Jeremiah also shares his experiences teaching butchering classes, his goals, and the importance of promoting diverse and inclusive hunting practices.

Connect with Jeremiah: 

https://fromfieldtoplate.com

https://www.instagram.com/fromfieldtoplate

https://www.youtube.com/@fromfieldtoplate

AI Generated ‘Chapters’

00:00 Welcome to the Okayest Cook Podcast

00:41 Introducing Jeremiah Doughty: The Father of Wild Game Cooking

01:40 Making Wild Game Everyday Food

02:43 Tips for the Average Joe to Step Up Their Cooking Game

03:20 Embracing Mistakes and Experimentation in Cooking

05:02 The Flavor Bible and Pairing Ingredients

05:46 Understanding and Enhancing Wild Game Flavors

07:58 The Importance of Not Masking Wild Game Flavors

14:02 Jeremiah's Journey into Wild Game Cooking

23:55 From Field to Plate: Teaching and Inspiring Others

26:47 Hands-On Learning and Upcoming Classes

27:11 Hog Hunting and Sausage Making

28:03 Waterfowl Hunt and Cooking

28:37 Duck Species and Tasting

30:23 Cooking for Picky Eaters

35:53 Encouraging Kids to Cook

39:33 Engaging Wives in Wild Game Cooking

43:01 Future Goals and Moose Hunting

46:19 Final Thoughts and Social Media

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Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook

And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook

Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook

Crew: 

Chris Whonsetler

Email: [email protected]

Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com

Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

Snack Attack: Ultimate Guide to Healthy and Guilty Pleasure Snacks

In this episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler, Colton Heiniger, and Andy Heiser delve into the world of snacks. They discuss healthy alternatives and transitional snacks that can help curb cravings without compromising on flavor. The team shares personal favorites and discuss preparing snacks from fresh produce, the benefits of protein-rich options, and some fun guilty pleasures. They also share a detailed recipe for a smoky ChexMix, ideal for those looking to mix fun with flavor. The episode emphasizes the importance of preparation and making smarter choices to balance indulgence and nutrition.

For Dove Popper Sushi Recipe contact John Wallace - Wild Game Cook https://wildgamecook.com/

AI Generated ‘Chapters’

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Welcome

00:57 Skyblast Questions and Snack Choices

02:24 Favorite Snacks and Recipes

11:55 Healthy Snacking Tips

25:50 Homemade Snacks and Sauces

28:13 Dehydrated Fruits: Love or Hate?

28:51 Freeze-Dried Fruits: A New Texture Adventure

30:06 Exploring Dehydration Techniques

33:17 Transitional Snacks: Healthier Alternatives

40:22 Guilty Pleasures: Indulging Wisely

48:21 Homemade Snacks: Recipes and Tips

52:02 Smoky ChexMix Recipe

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Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook

And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook

Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook

Crew: 

Chris Whonsetler

Email: [email protected]

Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com

Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

Andy Heiser

Email: [email protected]

Web: RakeDevelopment.com

Instagram: @andheiser

Colton Heiniger

Email: [email protected]

Web: ElevateAccountingServices.com

Exploring Taboo Foods: Where do you draw the line?

In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler discusses taboo foods with co-hosts, Colton Heiniger, and Andy Heiser. Despite facing some technical issues, they engage in a lively conversation starting with the provocative question: 'Would you eat your dog in a life-or-death scenario?' They discuss the cultural context of taboo foods, share personal anecdotes about various uncommon dishes, and talk about the benefits and challenges of nose-to-tail eating. The conversation extends to topics like hunting practices, food preparation, and personal boundaries when it comes to consuming unconventional meats. The episode also includes a recipe for wild boar crepinettes provided by chef Chris Eley, owner of Smoking Goose in Indianapolis, emphasizing the importance of utilizing often discarded parts of the animal like liver, heart, and caul fat.

00:00 Introduction and Technical Issues

01:06 Meet the Hosts

01:41 Would You Eat Your Dog?

04:42 Taboo Foods: Cultural Perspectives

08:57 Defining Taboo Foods

12:01 Exotic Meats and Cultural Experiences

20:44 Nose-to-Tail Eating and Supplements

24:45 The Controversy of Eating Horses

30:24 Exploring the Ethics of Eating Horse Meat

31:45 Bear Meat and Trichinosis Concerns

34:44 Mountain Lion Hunting and Politics

36:29 The Debate on Eating Coyotes

45:17 Cooking with Offal: Heart, Liver, and More

51:58 Wild Boar Crepinettes Recipe

55:25 Concluding Thoughts and Recipe Recap

More at OkayestCook.com

Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook

And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook

Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook

Crew: 

Chris Whonsetler

Email: [email protected]

Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com

Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

Andy Heiser

Email: [email protected]

Web: RakeDevelopment.com

Instagram: @andheiser

Colton Heiniger

Email: [email protected]

Web: ElevateAccountingServices.com

Exploring Nutrition and Fitness with Caitlin Green

In this episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, host Chris Whonsetler & Andy Heiser are joined with guest Caitlin Green in her gym (Mad Farmer Fitness) to delve into nutrition and fitness. Caitlin, a health coach, and nutritionist, introduces herself and shares insights on eating real food and discusses the importance of nutrition in achieving wellness goals. The conversation also touches on common myths about plant proteins, the benefits of supplements like vitamin D and collagen, and the impact of proper nutrition on athletic performance. Caitlin shares a detailed recipe for a delectable oxtail stew, encouraging listeners to embrace nose-to-tail eating and highlighting the value of consuming whole foods for better health.

Find more of Caitlin here:

AI Generated ‘Chapters’

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

01:07 Meet Caitlin Green: Health Coach and Nutritionist

01:26 Interesting Eats: Weekly Food Highlights

05:38 Caitlin's Journey into Health and Fitness

07:10 The Importance of Nutrition in Fitness

11:24 Supplements: What You Need to Know

21:30 Debunking Nutrition Myths

26:07 Practical Steps for Better Nutrition

32:27 Liver Jerky and Taboo Foods

33:06 Homemade Protein Bars vs Store-Bought

35:15 Building Healthy Habits

37:04 Understanding Sugar Addiction

39:22 Dealing with Relapses

44:20 The Importance of Real Food

51:09 Oxtail Stew Recipe

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Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook

And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook

Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook

Crew: 

Chris Whonsetler

Email: [email protected]

Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com

Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

Andy Heiser

Email: [email protected]

Web: RakeDevelopment.com

Instagram: @andheiser

Deep Dive into Herbs and Spices with The Okayest Cook

In this episode of Okayest Cook, hosts Chris Whonsetler, Andy Heiser, and Corey Cole dive deep into the world of herbs and spices. The team begins with a humorous discussion about the etymology of 'herbs' and transitions into a variety of topics including favorite spice blends, the shelf life of spices, and the differences between herbs and spices. They also share personal recipes, such as Chris's basil pesto, and offer tips on making custom spice mixes at home. The episode wraps up with a discussion on global spice blends and how to experiment with different flavors. Throughout, the hosts provide insights on how to store, use, and appreciate the nuances of spices in cooking.

Cody Tries Stuff herb ranking video:  

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7UmgpFpJy2/?igsh=ZmMzbXU3bGN1Z2Ex

AI Generated ‘Chapters’

00:00 Introduction and Random Banter

00:23 Recording and Social Media Mentions

01:10 Host Introductions and Missing Member

01:42 Skyblast Question: Smell vs. Taste

03:54 Discussion on Herbs and Spices

04:00 Cooking with Herbs: Duck Sauce

04:54 Sweet Corn and Other Notable Meals

07:30 Instagram Chefs and Gear Talk

08:48 Ranking Herbs and Spices

10:22 Gardening and Growing Herbs

24:35 Herbs vs. Spices: Definitions and Uses

31:35 Exploring Complex Spice Ash

32:17 Experimenting with Spice Mixes

34:01 The Art of Making Taco Seasoning

35:13 Diving into Mushroom Flavors

37:22 Creating Custom Spice Mixes

43:03 Exploring International Flavors

48:01 Shelf Life of Spices

52:30 Final Thoughts and Tips

More at OkayestCook.com

Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook

And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook

Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook

Crew: 

Chris Whonsetler

Email: [email protected]

Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com

Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

Andy Heiser

Email: [email protected]

Web: RakeDevelopment.com

Instagram: @andheiser

Corey Cole

Email: [email protected]

Web: CoreyRCole.com

Instagram: @ruggedhunter

Sweet and Spicy Conversations with The Okayest Cook

In this engaging episode of 'The Okayest Cook,' host Chris Whonsetler joins co-hosts Corey Cole and Andy Heiser to dive into the delightful world of desserts. They discuss family recipes, favorite local foods, and the fierce salty versus sweet debate. Featured treats include peanut butter pie, savory cobblers, and a detailed Oreo ice cream cake recipe. The trio also explores homemade goodies like vanilla pod ice cream, Thai lemongrass soup, and healthier gummy alternatives. Adding to the fun, they conduct a taste test of gourmet chocolates from Sochatti and review spicy confections such as spicy peanut M&Ms and Tajin-flavored gummies. The episode concludes with drink pairings for desserts and an exploration of unconventional sweet and spicy candies, making it a mouth-watering journey through diverse flavors and textures.

AI Generated ‘Chapters’

00:00 Family Memories and Introductions

00:32 The Okayest Cook: Host and Guests

01:14 Salty vs. Sweet Debate

02:31 Favorite Local Thai Food

05:30 Homemade Desserts and Family Recipes

09:25 Dessert Preferences and Controversies

15:46 Homemade Gummies and Healthy Sweets

19:04 Exploring Gourmet Chocolate

28:05 Cookies vs. Pies: The Ultimate Dessert Debate

28:51 Duck Fat Delights and Chickpea Cookies

29:42 Baking Adventures and No-Bake Treats

30:05 Holiday Cookie Traditions

30:34 Baking vs. Cooking: What's the Difference?

36:03 Ice Cream Preferences and Family Traditions

41:04 Homemade Ice Cream: A Step-by-Step Guide

47:59 Favorite Desserts to Share and Keep

54:58 Drink Pairings and Dessert Wines

58:09 Oreo Ice Cream Cake Recipe

More at OkayestCook.com

Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook

And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook

Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook

Crew: 

Chris Whonsetler

Email: [email protected]

Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com

Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

Andy Heiser

Email: [email protected]

Web: RakeDevelopment.com

Instagram: @andheiser

Corey Cole

Email: [email protected]

Web: CoreyRCole.com

Instagram: @ruggedhunter

Colton Heiniger

Email: [email protected]

Web: ElevateAccountingServices.com

The Okayest Cook Podcast: Culinary Adventures in Pasta

Join host Chris Whonsetler and co-hosts Corey Cole and Andy Heiser for a mouth-watering episode all about pasta. The trio dives into discussions on pasta vs. sauce debates, nutrition, and Andy's Italian culinary adventures. Learn tips and tricks for perfecting dishes like Cacio e Pepe with fresh pasta, butter, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. They also explore a rich pasta recipe with butter, oil, and cheese, discussing wine pairings and how to add a twist with ground venison. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, there's something for everyone in this flavorful episode.

AI Generated ‘Chapters’

00:00 Introduction and Black Eyed Peas Banter

00:44 Skyblast Questions: Food Preferences

02:30 Weekly Food Highlights

09:03 Pasta Talk: Homemade and Italian Experiences

16:05 Pasta Making Techniques and Tools

29:27 Pasta Shapes and Their Impact

29:56 Pasta and Personal Memories

32:27 The Essential Role of Bread

36:15 Sauce Preferences and Dietary Changes

42:06 Cooking Pasta Perfectly

48:36 Fresh vs. Dehydrated Pasta

51:39 Cacio e Pepe Recipe

58:21 Final Thoughts and Farewell

More at OkayestCook.com

Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook

And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook

Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook

Crew: 

Chris Whonsetler

Email: [email protected]

Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com

Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

Andy Heiser

Email: [email protected]

Web: RakeDevelopment.com

Instagram: @andheiser

Corey Cole

Email: [email protected]

Web: CoreyRCole.com

Instagram: @ruggedhunter