The Edible Valley Podcast

The Edible Valley Podcast

Welcome to the Edible Valley podcast, where we explore the vibrant world of food through the lens of local farms, kitchens, and culinary adventures. Join us for engaging conversations, interviews, and food tips as we uncover the delicious secrets of our Edible Valley. From farm-to-table experiences to mouthwatering recipes, satisfy your craving with us.

  1. 2d ago

    Get Your Ducks in a Row — Mise en Place 101 That Cooking Thing 🍳

    Ever start cooking dinner and realize halfway through that you forgot an ingredient, your pan is already hot, and something is starting to burn? We’ve all been there. In Episode 2 of That Cooking Thing, Chef Jonathan Frazier breaks down one of the most important habits professional cooks use every day: mise en place. Mise en place is French for “putting in place,” but it’s really about being prepared before you start cooking. Jonathan explains how to read a recipe, organize your workspace, prepare your ingredients, think about timing, clean as you go, and avoid the chaos that can happen when you’re trying to cook, read, measure, and search for ingredients all at once. And no, you don’t need fourteen little bowls lined up like a cooking show. It’s about better preparation—not more preparation. Jonathan also puts the idea into practice with a simple vegetable stir-fry, showing how a few minutes of preparation can make cooking easier, more organized, and a lot less stressful. In this episode: What mise en place actually means Why reading the entire recipe matters How to organize your workspace The professional kitchen trick of the garbage bowl Preparing ingredients without overdoing it Using timing to plan a meal Cleaning as you go How preparation helps you adapt when things don’t go according to plan A simple vegetable stir-fry you can try at home Chef’s Shortcut: Don’t start cooking until you’re ready to cook. Five minutes of preparation can change the entire experience. 🎧 Listen to Episode 2 of That Cooking Thing and get your ducks in a row before you cook!

    Get Your Ducks in a Row — Mise en Place 101 That Cooking Thing 🍳
  2. Aug 29

    Stop Fighting Your Knife — Knife 101 That Cooking Thing 🍳

    Why do professional cooks care so much about their knives? And why might a sharp knife actually be safer than a dull one? In the very first episode of That Cooking Thing, Chef Jonathan Frazier goes back to the basics and explores one of the most important tools in any kitchen: the knife. Jonathan breaks down the fundamentals of knife skills, including: 🔪 Why sharp is generally safer 🔪 How to hold your knife for better control 🔪 The claw grip and keeping your fingers safe 🔪 Why consistent cuts help food cook evenly 🔪 Choosing the right knife without spending a fortune 🔪 How to care for and maintain your knife 🔪 Why speed isn’t the goal when you’re learning And because no episode of That Cooking Thing would be complete without a few bad food puns, Jonathan also introduces Chef’s Shortcut and Would a Chef Do This? Then it’s time to put those knife skills into practice with a simple Fresh Vegetable Salsa. Because good cooking isn’t about having the most expensive equipment or cooking like a professional chef. It’s about understanding what the professionals know. 🎧 Listen, learn, and grab your knife. That Cooking Thing Good food. Good cooking. No degree required.     Fresh Tomato Salsa Makes: Approximately 2½–3 cups Prep Time: 15 minutes Ingredients 500 g ripe tomatoes, about 4 medium 100 g red onion, about ½ medium 1 small bell pepper, about 100 g 1 jalapeño, seeded for less heat 15 g fresh cilantro, finely chopped 30 mL fresh lime juice, about 1 lime ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper Optional: ½ tsp ground cumin Method Prepare your cutting board. Make sure it is stable and gives you enough room to work. Prepare the tomatoes. Remove the core and dice the tomatoes into approximately ½ cm pieces. If the tomatoes are particularly watery, you can remove some of the seeds and excess liquid. Dice the vegetables. Dice the red onion and bell pepper into pieces roughly the same size as the tomato. Prepare the jalapeño. Remove the seeds and membrane for a milder salsa, or leave some in if you want more heat. Finely dice. Chop the cilantro. Roughly chop the leaves and tender stems. Combine. Place the tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, jalapeño and cilantro in a bowl. Season. Add the lime juice, salt and black pepper. Add cumin if using. Mix gently. Stir everything together without crushing the tomatoes. Taste and adjust. This is the important part. Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning. It may need more salt, lime juice or jalapeño. Rest. Let the salsa sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to come together. Chef’s Note Consistency matters. The goal isn’t to make every piece perfectly identical. But keeping your tomato, onion and pepper cuts reasonably consistent gives you a better texture and a more balanced bite. And remember  Slow is smooth. Speed comes later. Serving Suggestions Serve with: Tortilla chips Grilled chicken Grilled fish Tacos Eggs Burgers Grilled vegetables Best enjoyed fresh and refrigerated promptly.

    Stop Fighting Your Knife — Knife 101 That Cooking Thing 🍳
  3. Aug 25

    Tacos, Burritos & the Story of Mexican Food with Mauricio Velázquez de León - Episode 273

    How did tacos and burritos become two of the world’s most beloved foods? On Episode 273 of The Edible Valley Podcast, Chef Jonathan Frazier talks with longtime food writer, publisher, and author Mauricio Velázquez de León about the history, culture, and evolution of Mexican food. Mauricio is the author of An Illustrated Guide to Tacos and Burritos, a unique book that combines recipes, culinary history, and comic-style illustrations. Born in Mexico City and a longtime food writer and publisher, Mauricio brings both professional experience and a deeply personal connection to Mexican cuisine. He’s also the great-nephew of Josefina Velázquez de León, a pioneering Mexican cookbook author and educator often called the “Julia Child of Mexico.” Jonathan and Mauricio explore the origins of tacos and burritos, regional Mexican food traditions, how Mexican cuisine has evolved as it crossed borders, and what food can teach us about migration, culture, and identity. It’s a conversation about food, family, history—and why tacos and burritos have become such enduring global favourites. Listen to Episode 273 of The Edible Valley Podcast with Mauricio Velázquez de León. We’re also expanding the Edible Valley Podcast with two new shows: F3 Podcast – Food, Football & Fun 🏈🍴 Hosted by Chef Jonathan Frazier and Erin Haluschak, F3 brings together football, fantasy football, food, and plenty of fun. Each episode connects the world of the NFL with great food, team culture, and the stories behind the game. That Cooking Thing 🍳 Hosted by Chef Jonathan Frazier, That Cooking Thing is a practical cooking show designed to help home cooks become more confident in the kitchen. From knife skills and mise en place to stocks, sauces, and beyond, each episode breaks down the techniques chefs use every day and shows how you can use them at home. Both shows are now part of the Edible Valley Podcast family, giving us new ways to share food, cooking, sports, and the people and stories that make our food community special.

  4. May 15

    Training the Next Generation of Chefs: Roger Street Bistro at North Island College — The Edible Valley Podcast Episode 270

    Episode 270 of The Edible Valley Podcast takes listeners to the Alberni Valley to explore the energy surrounding Roger Street Bistro and the culinary program led by Chef Jonathan Frazier and NIC. This episode highlights how students are gaining valuable hands-on experience by preparing and serving meals to the public while learning the pace and expectations of a working restaurant. From kitchen preparation to customer service, the conversation focuses on student growth, teamwork, and the opportunities being created for future chefs in Port Alberni. The episode also catches up with co-host William Stringer, who shares exciting personal and real estate news while reflecting on the growth and lifestyle found across Vancouver Island communities. Whether discussing the Alberni Valley, Comox Valley, Cowichan Valley, or beyond, William shares what continues to draw people to these regions and why so many are choosing to live, work, and build a future on the Island. Episode 270 brings together food, education, community, and opportunity while highlighting the people and stories helping shape Vancouver Island one meal and one conversation at a time.   Vancouver Island Culinary Education Vancouver Island offers a variety of culinary education opportunities for students interested in skilled trades and hospitality careers. From high school culinary programs and Dual Credit opportunities to apprenticeship training and post-secondary education, students can gain hands-on experience while working toward Professional Cook certification and Red Seal designation. Other Culinary Programs on Vancouver Island North Island College — Campbell River and Port Alberni Phone: 250-334-5000 Website: North Island College Culinary Programs Dual Credit Information: NIC Dual Credit Programs Vancouver Island University — Nanaimo and Cowichan Valley Main Phone: 250-753-3245 Culinary Program Information: 250-740-6227 Website: VIU Culinary Arts Programs Dual Credit Information: VIU Dual Credit Programs Camosun College — Victoria, including the E-pprentice Cook Program Phone: 250-370-3000 Website: Camosun Culinary Arts Foundation Dual Credit partnerships are available through participating Vancouver Island school districts. High School & Dual Credit Opportunities Many Vancouver Island school districts partner with colleges and universities to offer Dual Credit culinary and trades programs. These programs allow high school students to earn both high school graduation credits and post-secondary credits at the same time, often with tuition support from the school district. Opportunities may include culinary arts, Professional Cook training, baking, and other skilled trades pathways. Students interested in culinary careers are encouraged to speak with their high school Career Centre, careers teacher, or counsellor to explore apprenticeship pathways, ACE IT / Dual Credit opportunities, and community-based culinary education programs available in their region.

    Training the Next Generation of Chefs: Roger Street Bistro at North Island College — The Edible Valley Podcast Episode 270

Ratings & Reviews

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About

Welcome to the Edible Valley podcast, where we explore the vibrant world of food through the lens of local farms, kitchens, and culinary adventures. Join us for engaging conversations, interviews, and food tips as we uncover the delicious secrets of our Edible Valley. From farm-to-table experiences to mouthwatering recipes, satisfy your craving with us.

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