Eric and Jessie are in the middle of brewing a batch of maple syrup kombucha. They check in with it and do a taste test to assess how it is progressing.  

Did you know that you can apply the traditional way of making risotto to other grains? Eric and Jessie discuss how they substituted a whole grain (farro) in for the usual arborio rice and achieved similar results.  They overview what the difference is between whole and refined grains and some additional steps you need to take when working with whole grains to produce the signature creaminess of risotto.  

Eric and Jessie provide a quick update on the SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) that is used to make kombucha.  

Questions about how to shop for and take care of a knife is a theme of questions Eric frequently receives.  Jessie and Eric first discuss some information to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a new knife.  Later Eric reviews 5 tips and tricks that will keep your chef's knife in tip-top shape and also make using it a safe and enjoyable experience.

5 Knife Care and Use Tips and Tricks WEM Article: https://whatericmade.com/2020/03/30/5knifetips/

Yes, kombucha is a viral food trend that you will find in many stores, but it is a beverage that is complex in composition and can be a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.  Eric and Jessie discuss what exactly kombucha is, its key ingredients and the steps involved in preparation, and finally recap what they are doing to prepare for a house-made batch of their own.  

Butter is a very versatile cooking tool and widely-known ingredient in almost all kitchens.  Given its importance, Eric and Jessie review some fundamental knowledge about butter, how to use it, and also discussing culturing (a method used to transform and elevate butter using friendly bacteria).  

Have you avoided trying fermentation because you think it's complicated, dangerous, requires expensive equipment, or doesn't taste great? In this episode, Eric tries to sell Jessie on what fermentation is, how easy it can be to get started, what the technique does to elevate flavor, and how it can be a safe technique when basic instructions are followed.  

What is pickling and how do you execute it in the kitchen? Eric shares with Jessie his recent deep-dive into the world of pickling and fermentation.  In what will become a multi-part series covering the details of each, Eric and Jessie review the basic steps involved with pickling in an acidic solution and do a live taste test with pickled red onions.  

Planning for and growing a successful garden doesn't happen overnight.  Eric interviews Jessie in this episode to discuss how they are preparing for success in the upcoming growing season by managing a crop calendar and learning from last season's mistakes.  

Eric and Jessie reflect back on topics and ingredients covered in 2019 and compile their favorites to start off 2020.  Topics include the importance of knife sharpening and learning how to break down a whole chicken.