National Thomas Jefferson's Love Affair — With Wine September 28, 2008 • Past fortified doors and beyond tourists' eyes, researchers are digging deep in the cellars of Monticello. It turns out the nation's third president may also have been America's first wine connoisseur.
American Pizza Chefs Study With The Master September 27, 2008 • For decades, pizza chefs — or pizzaiolos – around the world have held a deep admiration for Italian pizza maker Graziano Bertuzzo. As of this month, pizzaiolos can take classes from the master of their trade at a new pizza-making school in Northern California.
Kitchen Window Taking The Risk Out Of Risotto September 24, 2008 • Risotto has a reputation as a risky endeavor requiring constant, slow stirring — and no shortcuts. But a little practice and the proper technique can open the door to countless variations of this creamy, Italian rice dish. Hear an interview with Susan Russo Toggle more options Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/94939511/94946354" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
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National Robert Steinberg, Chocolate Maker, Dies September 19, 2008 • Robert Steinberg, who died this week at the age of 61, was a family physician who became an American pioneer in the area of specialty chocolates. He and his friend John Scharffenberger started the Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker. Scharffenberger says they were just trying to make something delicious.
Chile Peppers: The Science Behind The Spice September 19, 2008 • Science Friday broadcasts this week from the heart of the "chili belt" in Tuscon, Ariz. What makes peppers spicy? Why do some people love spicy foods? Researchers explain the chemistry of peppers and the psychology of spice.
Kitchen Window The Wine-With-Vegetables Challenge September 17, 2008 • It may be challenging to find wines to pair with vegetables, but it's not impossible. It's especially worth the effort at this time of year. Plates laden with the harvest's abundance will only be enhanced by the right glass of wine.
'Culinary Medicine': Eating Well, Staying Healthy September 14, 2008 • Imagine a way to lose pounds, but not flavor, by combining the art of cooking, the science of nutrition and the joy of eating. Dr. John La Puma, known as ChefMD, is the co-author of Big Book of Culinary Medicine: A Food Lover's Road Map to Losing Weight, Preventing Disease and Getting Really Healthy.
Diversions Beer Yeast Separates The Ales From The Lagers September 12, 2008 • Different types of beers — ales, stouts, etc — are distinguished primarily by their yeast, but now these groupings might get even more complicated. Scientists have examined the genetic sequences of 17 unique lager yeast strains tracing variations in their genetic code back through time.
Kitchen Window Perfection Is A Fresh Fig September 10, 2008 • Tender, ripe figs require no manipulation or fuss. But once you've had your fill of them in their sweet, natural state, try them with meats or salad greens, or in baked desserts. The fresh, fleshy fruits add honeyed flavor and lush texture to any dish. Hear an interview with Julie O'Hara Toggle more options Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/94391625/94452218" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
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Environment Tuna: A Favorite Fish Faces Dangerous Depletion September 5, 2008 • One of the biggest, fastest and warmest fish in the sea is also one of the most sought after, and one of the most threatened. Can bluefin tuna stocks around the world be saved? Experts explain the history of the tuna, and discuss tracking methods that might help preserve the fish.
Andrew Pockrose for NPR Kitchen Window Finding Answers To The School Lunch Test September 3, 2008 • It can be tough to find that happy middle ground between whole-grain pasta with veggies that won't get eaten, and marshmallow creme on white bread that will. But Betsy Block, mother of two school-age kids, has a plan for packed lunches.
'Glazed America:' For The Love Of Doughnuts August 31, 2008 • Anthropologist Paul Mullins considers the history of the doughnut in his new book, Glazed America. Mullins uses the doughnut to trace America's consumer culture.
Homemade Marshmallows Are S'more Delicious August 30, 2008 • Commentator and cookbook author Nancy Baggett says it's really not so hard to make marshmallows from scratch. More moist, more tender, and more flavorful than store-bought marshmallows, your S'mores, hot chocolate and Heavenly Hash will never be the same again.
Kitchen Window Dinner's Secret Weapon: The Make-Ahead Marinade August 27, 2008 • If you long to be one of those people with a freezer full of easy weeknight meals, master the art of pre-made marinades and then fire up the grill. But don't be surprised if your family starts clamoring daily for the magic of grilled meat. Hear an interview with T. Susan Chang Toggle more options Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/93597800/94012511" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
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National Wal-Mart Pares Costs By Selling Local Produce August 26, 2008 • The retail giant defines produce grown in the same state as "locally grown." But advocates of locally grown food say only produce with short traveling times deserve the label.
