Tonia's Kitchen

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

I had a wonderful discussion with Emmanuel.

When most people think of Madagascar, images of lemurs, lush jungles, or even animated films may come to mind. But in A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island (Post Hill Press), Emmanuel Laroche invites readers on a far richer journey—one that moves beyond the expected and into the heart of a country where flavor tells the story of land, people, and survival. 

A Taste of Madagascar weaves together food, culture, and immersive travel with the author’s deeply personal journey of discovery. It is not a cookbook, instead, Laroche—a self-described Flavor Explorer and Culinary Storyteller—guides readers through the kitchens, farms, and forests that define Madagascar’s unique identity. Through ingredients like vanilla, cacao, spices, honey, zebu, and even caviar, he reveals how food connects communities, sustains livelihoods, and serves as a powerful force for environmental preservation and cultural pride.

Many people think of vanilla when talking about Madagascar. Emmanuel talks about bringing vanilla bean to bottle.

 Born and raised in France, Emmanuel lives in New Jersey and travels around the country conducting tastings and giving lectures and presentations on food, flavors, ingredients, and consumer trends. Host of the podcast Flavors Unknown, he is the author of two books—Conversations Behind The Kitchen Door and A Taste of Madagascar—and is currently working on his first novel.  To learn more about him, visit: https://prbythebook.com/experts/emmanuel-laroche-2/

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

The new cookbook from Roxana Jullapat, Morning Baker, invites readers to get more adventurous with baking, featuring the tools and insights Roxana has learned from more than a decade of baking before the sun rises.

Roxana is known for her Los Angeles bakery, Friends & Family where she has long advocated for the versatility and flavor of whole grains.

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

Co-Founder Katherine Anderson honors the legacy of the space with a deeply personal book that celebrates the people, recipes and memories that defined it.

The London Plane Flower & Cook Book is both a cookbook and a tribute. The book pairs reflections on seasonal flowers with recipes from the restaurant's kitchen and bakery, including many of its most beloved dishes. Essays and stories from the chefs, bakers, florists and collaborators who shaped The London Plane create a vivid portrait of the community behind the restaurant.

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

How much do you really know about kosher wine?

Gabriel Geller, Director of Public Relations & Wine Education, Royal Wine Corp., the largest producer and distributor of kosher wines and spirits joins me to talk about Passover food and wine suggestions along with the latest celebrity wines available.

Here’s a story most people in food, wine, and celebrity culture don’t know:

Many of today’s most recognizable celebrity wine and spirits brands are actually produced or distributed by Royal Wine Corp — the world’s largest producer of kosher wines and spirits, headquartered right in New Jersey.

Royal Wine Corp has quietly become the force behind some of the biggest celebrity beverage lines, spanning California, Israel, France, and Italy.  

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

Whether you are a longtime host of weekly Shabbat dinners or new to this global Jewish tradition, 52 Shabbats will spice up your Friday night in one way or another. This book offers a holistic scope of the Shabbat tradition for every reader, Jewish or otherwise. 

I learned a lot about Jewish cuisine from Faith. What a fun interview!!

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

I really enjoyed talking with acclaimed pastry chef, food writer and longtime Ottolenghi collaborator Helen Goh. She shares her distinctive approach to baking with 100 delicious desserts and savory bakes from her new cookbook, Baking and The Meaning of Life: How to Find Joy in 100 Recipes.

No one knows the "why" or "how" of baking better than Helen Goh, recipe developer with Yotam Ottolenghi for more than a decade and co-author of his New York Times bestselling books Sweet and Comfort.

With inventive flavor combinations that showcase Goh's creativity, a wealth of time-tested bakes, and her philosophies on living and baking well, Baking and the Meaning of Life is a one-of-a-kind companion for spreading joy, one cookie, cake or cheese puff at a time.

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

If anyone knows decadent gluten-free baked goods, it's Mightylicious. Their scrumptious hand crafted cookies, named 'Top Pick' in Food and Beverage Magazine, have rocked the gluten-free world with their amazing flavor and perfect crumble free texture.

Carolyn Haeler, a celiac sufferer, spent years seeking out gluten-free cookie brands. She joined me to talk about these delicious cookies. One busy holiday season, she was disappointed yet again when a gluten-free cookie crumbled entirely after one bite. That’s when she realized there had to be a better way. As one smart cookie herself, she was determined to create a cookie that was gluten-free, healthy, and above all, delicious.  

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

I had a wonderful conversation with Susan Gravely about her new book, Italy in a Glass.  

The book is a celebration of Italian hospitality, gathering, and the joy of savoring small moments. It features 50+ recipes for cocktails, antipasti, and desserts, travel memories from Venice to Sicily, and a heartfelt tribute to VIETRI’s Italian roots and 42-year legacy.

We talked about the inspiration behind Italy in a Glass

·        How storytelling and rituals create connection and joy

·        Her 40+ years leading VIETRI and the family stories behind the brand

·        Tips for bringing la dolce vita home

Visit www.vietri.com

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

• The legacy and revival of Café Beaujolais and what “California cuisine” means today
• How coastal ingredients inspire creativity in the kitchen
• Balancing tradition and innovation when updating iconic recipes
• The stories behind Mendocino’s food community and its local purveyors

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more. 

We would love to hear from you. Click here and tell us what you thought of this episode.

Tuscan Women Cook, the premier culinary immersion program in a beautiful corner of Tuscany, is celebrating its 25th fall season and welcoming visitors from around the world to experience Tuscany’s rich traditions of cooking and hospitality.  Guests learn to cook traditional Tuscan dishes taught by local women and nonne (“grandmothers”) who pass down cherished family recipes. Tuscan Women Cook continues to unite travelers through culinary and cultural experiences, guiding guests through Tuscany’s breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, medieval villages and vibrant food markets, while celebrating the richness of Italian food traditions. After time cooking together, Tuscan Women Cook guests dine at family-owned trattorias and savor wines from celebrated Tuscan vineyards, making every moment a true taste of the Italian way of life. 

To honor their silver anniversary, Tuscan Women Cook has introduced exclusive additions to their renowned program. In addition to signature classes and excursions, guests can enjoy day cooking classes year-round and exclusive adventures designed to deepen their connection to Tuscany’s rich heritage and flavors—all while preserving the personal, intimate touch that makes Tuscan Women Cook truly unique. Tuscan Women Cook’s week-long program runs during the months of May, June, September, and October. Spaces for the 2026 season are filling quickly but spots are still available. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.tuscanwomencook.com. 

Visit us at www.toniaskitchen.com, on Facebook or Instagram.  Be sure to listen to our podcast, Food Talk For Health  to learn about food as medicine and more.