Sharing Taste and Inspiration
Kitchen Confidante Podcast
Welcome to the Kitchen Confidante Podcast!
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but how do we find ourselves there?
For over a decade, I’ve shared taste and inspiration from my kitchen, as a recipe developer, food photographer, and author, and have had the chance to meet like-minded people along the way, from recipe developers and chefs, to farmers and wine makers, and photographers and bloggers like me!
Now it’s time to chat with these incredible creators and learn about their food journeys, what motivates them to cook and create, and find some inspiration we can try in our own kitchens. I hope you join me on the Kitchen Confidante Podcast!
Listen to the episodes below, or subscribe on your favorite platforms.
In Episode 89 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Althea Brown of Metemgee about her cookbook, Caribbean Paleo: 75 Wholesome Dishes Celebrating Tropical Cuisine and Culture, Guyanese ingredients and flavors, and more!
In Episode 88 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Rose Wilde of Red Bread about her cookbook, Bread and Roses, where she shares her joy for grain.
In Episode 87 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch about her cookbook, The Gluten-Free Family Cookbook.
In Episode 86 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Janani Elavazhagan of Skillet to Plate about about her love of fusion baking, how she hones her photography craft, and some of the wonderful recipes in her new book, The Effortless Baker.
In Episode 85 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Jermaine Stone – musician, podcaster, and founder of Cru Luv Selections, about Wine and Hip-Hop, the similarities between the two cultures, and his Tastemade show, Street Somm.
In Episode 84 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Jacqueline Chio-Lauri and the contributing authors of We Cook Filipino about the stories and heart-healthy Filipino recipes from culinary trailblazers from around the globe.
In Episode 83 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Sophia Lee and Christine Almeda, the author and illustrator of the picture book, Lolo’s Sari-Sari Store.
In Episode 82 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to author and journalist Elizabeth Ann Besa-Quirino about her memoir, Every Ounce of Courage, where she chronicles the story of one of the unsung heroes of World War II — her mother, Lulu Reyes, during a frightening period of Filipino – and worldwide – history.
In Episode 81 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Colleen Worthington of Kneaders Bakery and Cafe about the story and history behind the family bakery, the importance of fresh ingredients, and her new book, Kneaders Bakery & Café: A Celebration of Our Best Recipes and Memories.
In Episode 80 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Elizabeth Poett of Magnolia Network’s Ranch to Table about life on the ranch, her new book, The Ranch Table, and more!
In Episode 79 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Frankie Celenza about his new Tastemade show, Worth the Hype, what makes a restaurant buzz-worthy, and more!
In Episode 78 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to David Garci-Aguirre, the Master Miller at Corto Olive Company about what the role of Master Miller entails, what makes the best quality olive oil, olive oil tips and myths, and so much more.
In Episode 77 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to award-winning children’s book author and illustrator Grace Lin about her latest book, Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods.
In Episode 76 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Natalie Keng about creating traditional Chinese dishes with local Southern ingredients, the culinary tradition in Georgia, and how she marries these two cultures in her cookbook, Egg Rolls & Sweet Tea!
In Episode 75 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to chef Dale Talde about the 3rd season of his Tastemade show, All Up in My Grill, harnessing Filipino flavors in his cooking, hands-on tips for better grilling, and more!
In Episode 74 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Samantha Ferraro of Little Ferraro Kitchen about her heritage, cooking by feeling, her book One-Pot Mediterranean Cooking, and more!
In Episode 73 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Linda Skeens, America’s favorite county fair champion, about her life and family in Appalachia, her long history with county fairs, and her book, Blue Ribbon Kitchen: Recipes and Tips from America’s Favorite County Fair Champion.
In Episode 72 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Jessie-Sierra Ross about her transition from ballet to food blogging, her rich family culture of home cooking, her approach to television cooking, and more.
In Episode 71 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Ed and Ryan Mitchell about their cookbook, Ed Mitchell’s Barbeque and the history and tradition of whole-hog barbeque.
In Episode 70 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Nisha Vora of Rainbow Plant Life her transition from a career in law to vegan cooking, her favorite ways to use an Instant Pot, how going vegan has expanded her exploration and joy of cooking, and more!
In Episode 69 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Anna Olson, the professionally trained chef and host of Food Network’s Bake with Anna Olson, as well as the popular Oh Yum with Anna Olson channel on YouTube, about her latest book, Anna Olson’s Baking Wisdom: The Complete Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Make you a Better Baker, troubleshooting baking blunders, her love of Eastern European desserts, and more!
In Episode 68 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Nancy Singleton Hachisu about her latest book, Japan: The Vegetarian Cookbook, mindfulness and connection with vegetables, the elegant simplicity of Japanese vegetarian dishes, and more!
In Episode 67 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Pailin Chongchitnant for Hot Thai Kitchen and Pailin’s Kitchen on YouTube about her new book, Sabai, the authenticity of chicken satay, the secret to YouTube success, what makes a Thai meal balanced, what it means to cook “sabai,” and more!
In Episode 66 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks Gesine Bullock-Prado about about the six (!) seasons of Vermont, cooking and baking with maple syrup, her newest book, A Vermont Table: Recipes for All Six Seasons, and more!
In Episode 65 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Vietri founder Susan Gravely about her book, Italy on a Plate, the friendships and partnerships in Italy that have made Veitri so successful, the parallels between Italian and Southern hospitality, and more!
In Episode 64 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Karista Bennett about her surprising love story with seafood, the coastal cities she has called home, and her travels that inspired the flavors in her cookbook, For the Love of Seafood.
In Episode 63 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Maggie Zhu about her first cookbook, Chinese Homestyle: Everyday Plant-based recipes for takeout, dim sum, noodles & more!
In Episode 62 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with sisters Patrizia and Graziella Pasqualetti about family’s renowned Gelateria Pasqualetti in Orvieto, Italy, how Patrizia brought this passion and gelato expertise to California, her partnership with Eataly, and more!
In Episode 61 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Molly Chester about how human gut health and soil health are interconnected, the importance of biodiversity on the farm, and how her farm comes to life in The Apricot Lane Farms Cookbook.
In Episode 60 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Vicky Bennison about her latest cookbook, Pasta Grannies: Comfort Cooking, the nonnas and the traditional regional dishes they share, their secrets to staying young and active, and what the next generation of pasta makers in Italy will look like.
In Episode 59 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Sarah Koszyk about elite athletes and fitness enthusiasts can boost their performance through nutrition, brain health, how superfoods can help our skin, and more!
In Episode 58 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Mary Ann Esposito about her latest cookbook, Ciao Italia: Plant, Harvest, Cook!, Ciao Italia’s longevity as the longest running television cooking series, her home garden with her husband Guy, and more!
In Episode 57 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Molly Gilbert about her latest book, Sheet Pan Sweets: Simple, Streamlined Dessert Recipes.
In Episode 56 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Bri Beaudoin about her first cookbook, Evergreen Kitchen: Weeknight Vegetarian Dinners for Everyone, what it’s like to work as a husband and wife team, the secret to a good vegetarian congee, and more!
In Episode 55 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Calavo Growers CEO, Brian Kocher, about how they grow, harvest, package, and distribute avocados all over the world!
In Episode 53 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Sylvie Bigar about how cassoulet has become a beloved dish in France, how she immersed herself in Carcassonne with her mentor and cassoulet master, Chef Eric Garcia, her beloved father, and more.
In Episode 53 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Tara Bench about ll about cooking with her mom growing up, her career as a food stylist and now book author and blogger, and the inspiration behind her new book, Delicious Gatherings.
In Episode 51 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Ariel Fox about her worldly culinary upbringing and the vibrant, adaptable recipes in her new book, Spice Kitchen.
In Episode 50 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Alice Zaslavsky about her book, In Praise of Veg, secrets to enjoying vegetables (for both kids and grown-ups!), the hot veggies of the moment, and more!
In Episode 49 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with SorBabes Founders Nicole Cardone and Deborah Gorman about how they are redefining sorbet, one bar at a time!
In Episode 48 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Vedika Luthra of Hot Chocolate Hits about her new book, 52 Weeks, 52 Sweets: Elegant Recipes for All Occasions.
In Episode 47 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Christine Pittman of Cook the Story and The Cookful, about the challenges and joys of food blogging and podcasting.
In Episode 46 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren Baker talks with Genevieve Ko, the Deputy Editor for the New York Times Food section and NYT Cooking, about their newest recipe series, Learn to Cook (and ❤️ It).
In Episode 45 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Italian food and travel expert Sophie Minchilli about her book, the Sweetness of Doing Nothing, and how we can incorporate the beloved Italian philosophy of Dolce Far Niente into our own lives, no matter where we live!
In Episode 44 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Vasanti Bhadkamkar-Balan of Signature Concoctions about her family and childhood in India, the inspiration behind her cookbook, Authentic Indian Cooking with Your Instant Pot, her love for the Instant Pot, and more!
In Episode 43 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Alex Saper and Cristina Flores of Eataly about what opening Eataly Silicon Valley, what makes it so unique, the secret behind perfect pasta, and more!
In Episode 42 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Kimberly Sorensen of Triple Delight Blueberries about what makes their blueberries so special, their love for farmer’s markets, how she considers farming a family affair, and more!
In Episode 41 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Hannah Sunderani about what led her to plant-based and vegan eating, enjoying a plant-based life in France, bringing the food culture of France back to Canada, the inspiration behind her new cookbook, The Two Spoons Cookbook, and more!
In Episode 40 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Chris Drew, the CEO and President of Ocean Mist Farms, on location in Castroville, California, which is now known as the Artichoke Capital of the World. In this episode, they chat about all things artichokes, including Ocean Mist’s farming history, the artichoke varieties they grow, Chris’ favorite way to enjoy artichokes, and more!
In Episode 39 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Chef Ji Hye Kim. Chef Ji Hye has had the honor of being recognized as a Food & Wine Best New Chef in 2021 and a James Beard Semifinalist 2020 in 2022. In this episode, Ji Hye talks about her journey as a chef, the inspiration behind her restaurant, Miss Kim, and how she cooks traditional Korean cuisine with local Michigan ingredients.
In Episode 38 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to New York Times best-selling author Michelle Tam about her path with husband and coauthor Henry Fong to paleo living, working together as a team, and what makes their newest book, Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go! #VeryAsian.
In Episode 37 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Iva Chen, the Director of Business Development and Marketing of Lady Luck Gourmet, which owns and operates Goldilocks at San Francisco International Airport. They chat about Iva’s path to restaurant development, the challenges of opening an airport restaurant during the pandemic, and introducing a taste of Filipino food to travelers from around the world.
In Episode 36 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to award-winning food and travel writer Sylvie Bigar about her childhood in Geneva, her path to journalism and food writing, and the art of writing a food memoir.
Tune in to the Kitchen Confidante Podcast and learn about 85°C Bakery Cafe with Director of Marketing, David Lazaro, and Cake Product Manager, Emileen Yen.
In Episode 34 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Lisa Steele about all things eggs and her new book, The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook.
In Episode 33 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Toni Dash of Boulder Locavore and Make it Skinny Please about running multiple food blogs.
In Episode 32 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren talks to Nik Sharma, author of the blog A Brown Table, about his childhood in India and his journey from a career as a scientist to becoming a food writer and cookbook author.
