Okayest Cook

Hunting Excursions and Gourmet Wild Game Cooking

In this episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, Host Chris Whonsetler share their recent hunting and cooking adventures. Corey discusses his vacation in Disney World with tips on cost management while Colton updates on his egg-laying chickens and techniques for preserving farm-fresh eggs. They dive into various hunting experiences, from deer and elk hunts to waterfowl camaraderie and Addie's excitement for her first hunt. Culinary discussions abound with wild game recipes, including antelope, venison tacos, and creative uses of goose and duck. The team also shares their favorite cooking tools, cookbook recommendations, and tips for seasoning and preparing different cuts of wild game. The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter, family activities, holiday plans, and Chris' new cook books.

00:00 Welcome Back to the Okayest Cook Podcast

00:58 Vacation Tales and Disney Adventures

02:27 Hunting Stories and Deer Season

04:47 Cooking Tips and Kitchen Adventures

09:00 Farm Fresh Eggs and Preservation

14:47 Hunting Gear and Outdoor Plans

23:48 Roast Recipes and Cooking Techniques

30:49 Cooking Tips and Cookbook Excitement

32:16 More Roast Recipes and Meat Preparations

37:51 Hunting Stories and Deer Cameras

44:14 Waterfowl Hunting and Cooking

51:23 Family and Future Plans

55:32 Cookbook Recommendations and Farewell

Cooking Joyfully Together: A Conversation with Sonja and Alex Overheiser

In this lively episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler and Corey Cole welcome guests Sonja and Alex Overheiser, self-taught home cooks and authors behind 'A Couple Cooks.' Broadcasting from the couple's Indiana kitchen, they discuss their non-traditional culinary journey and how they transitioned from eating convenience foods to becoming recipe developers. The Overheisers emphasize that cooking should be approachable and enjoyable rather than intimidating. They shed light on their latest cookbook, which promotes cooking as a shared activity, offering a unique feature where tasks can be split between two people. They discuss how the book encourages communal experiences in the kitchen, with sections for everyday meals, date nights, and gatherings. The episode concludes with the importance of preorder support and highlights the couple's successful integration of photography, noting that visual appeal plays a crucial role in cookbook presentation.

Find more of A Couple Cooks:

https://www.acouplecooks.com/

https://www.instagram.com/acouplecooks

Pre-Order their book! 

https://www.acouplecooks.com/cookbook/

00:00 Welcome to the Okayest Cook Podcast

00:46 Meet Sonja and Alex Overheiser

03:11 From Hot Pockets to Home Cooks

04:57 The Birth of A Couple Cooks

10:53 The Joy of Cooking Together

13:15 Gathering and Sharing Meals

14:31 Notable Foods and Fun Meals

18:19 Exploring the Joy of Cooking with Fresh Ingredients

19:00 Diving into the New Cookbook

20:34 The Journey of Creating a Cookbook

24:30 Cooking Styles and Kitchen Dynamics

27:39 Exciting Features of the New Cookbook

29:18 Final Thoughts and Encouragement to Pre-order

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

Corey Cole

Email: [email protected]

Web: CoreyRCole.com

Instagram: @ruggedhunter

Exploring Cooking Techniques with Harvesting Nature

In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser sit down remotely with Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans from Harvesting Nature. They dive into an engaging discussion on different cooking techniques. The conversation covers a wide range of topics from the use of cast iron pans versus stainless steel, blow-torching food, butter poaching fish, and various tips for salvaging meals. They highlight the importance of balancing flavors with salt, acid, sugar, and how to add texture to elevate dishes. The episode wraps up with a chat on upcoming Harvesting Nature camps in Texas featuring Hank Shaw.

Find more Harvesting Nature: 

https://harvestingnature.com/

https://www.instagram.com/harvestingnature/

https://open.spotify.com/show/0CtgwdtP6BXiW0IIRTM6sb?si=dac806beb1ce4f49

AI Generated ‘Chapter’

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:16 Hunting Season and Outdoor Edge Knives

01:02 Special Guests: Harvesting Nature

01:34 Meal of the Week Highlights

07:00 Cooking Tips and Techniques

13:00 Balancing Flavors: Salt, Acid, Sugar

17:57 Choosing the Right Cookware: Cast Iron vs. Stainless Steel

27:47 The Versatility of Blowtorches in Cooking

33:19 Fire Techniques: Flambeau and More

34:24 Bear Fat Oysters: A Controversial Delight

35:26 Exploring Flamboyant Dough

37:03 Hot Oils and Wild Game

39:23 Balancing Textures and Flavors

41:31 The Art of Side Dishes

48:01 Creative Cooking with Walleye

49:40 Butter Poaching: A Game Changer

51:14 Weird Foods and Testicle Sausage

54:26 Harvesting Nature Camps and Events

56:20 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Plugs

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

Adventures in Pig Roasting and Texas Hog Hunts

Join half the Okayest Cook podcast team, Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser, as they celebrate Chris's 40th birthday with an ambitious whole pig roast and dive into tales of a recent hunting trip in Texas. From navigating the challenges of smoking a large pig to the intricacies of spot and stalk, stand, and thermal night hunting for hogs, this episode blends culinary adventure with hunting escapades. Detailed discussions on techniques for injecting, brining, and cooking meats, as well as the dynamic experiences of hunting and meat preparation, make this a must-listen for food and hunting enthusiasts alike.

Laura’s chicken business details! 

County Corner Farm: 

https://www.countycornerfarm.com/

https://www.instagram.com/countycornerfarm

AI Generated ‘Chapters’

00:00 Recording Begins: Setting the Scene

00:43 Reunion and Catching Up

01:15 Busy Lives and New Ventures

02:05 Food Talk: BBQ and Chicken Recipes

05:20 Elk Roast and Cooking Adventures

08:31 Travel Hunting: Tips and Stories

14:11 Texas Hog Hunt: Three Different Styles

28:51 Learning to Roast a Whole Hog

29:00 Preparing the Hog for Smoking

29:24 Smoking the Hog: The Process

30:17 Unexpected Challenges and Solutions

39:14 The Fire

46:49 Reflecting on the Experience

50:58 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

56:03 Recipe Tips and Tricks

01:01:31 Closing Remarks

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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