Okayest Cook

Okayest Podcast Network
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Okayest Cook

Welcome to Okayest Cook, where the love for food and the joy of sharing a meal brings us together. Join our community of like-minded individuals on a culinary adventure, exploring new dishes, preserving traditions, and embracing the hunter-gatherer mindset. Discover the joy of commensality, connecting with others through shared meals, whether in person or across space and time. At Okayest Cook, we believe in the power of education, committing to learning and sharing knowledge about hunting, gardening, foraging, processing, and preserving. Fuel your passion for nutrition and fitness with our podcast.

  1. Adventures and everyday life of Rikki Folger

    9 HR. AGO

    Adventures and everyday life of Rikki Folger

    Exploring Exotic Wild Game Cuisine with Rikki Folger In this episode of the The Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler welcomes special guest Rikki Folger, who shares her experiences and insights as a lodge manager and chef at Budges Wilderness Lodge in Denver. They discuss Rikki’s role in reservations and client needs while also ensuring top-notch meals for guests. The conversation highlights Rikki’s involvement with outdoor organizations like POMA and Harvesting Nature, her culinary journey from enrolling in culinary school to working in prestigious restaurants, and managing various wild game events including catering for the Blood Origins documentary screening. Rikki dives into unique dishes such as mountain lion sliders and bear sausage jambalaya. Additionally, Rikki provides valuable cooking tips, emphasizes the importance of quality kitchen tools, and shares her perspectives on wild game cooking. The episode wraps up with Rikki expressing enthusiasm for hearty autumn and winter dishes, including a favorite, cassoulet. Find more of Rikki at https://www.instagram.com/wild_and_foraged_/ POMA: https://professionaloutdoormedia.org/ Watch Blood Origins Lionheart: https://youtu.be/K09aGFZTJJg?si=oPF-22G60Ap-tX8G AI generated ‘Chapters’ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:54 Rikki’s Current Adventures 01:42 Professional Outdoor Media Association 02:26 Harvesting Nature Events 04:01 Notable Meals of the Week 08:05 Dandelion Jam and Clotted Cream 16:22 Blood Origins Documentary 21:41 Exploring Cooking Techniques for Mountain Lion 22:27 Braised Mountain Lion Recipe 22:53 Event Highlights and Meeting Robbie 25:09 Career Journey and Culinary Background 28:47 Tips for Aspiring Chefs 32:52 Essential Kitchen Tools and Ingredients 34:22 Maintaining and Using Cast Iron Cookware 36:17 Future Plans and Cookbook Aspirations 43:15 Parting Thoughts and Favorite Stews More at OkayestCook.com Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook Crew:  Chris Whonsetler Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

    46 min
  2. Deer Ducks & Geese with Greg Tubbs

    OCT 30

    Deer Ducks & Geese with Greg Tubbs

    Mastering Wild Game Cooking with Chris and Greg In this episode of Okayest Cook, host Chris Whonsetler is joined by Greg Tubbs for an engaging discussion about wild game cooking. They explore the nuances of preparing venison, ducks, geese, and share their personal experiences and tips. The conversation highlights the importance of honoring the game by cooking it well, different marinades, and unique recipes like buffalo squirrel dip and bacon-wrapped goose bites. They also discuss the best methods to butcher and cook various game meats, and emphasize keeping preparation simple to let the natural flavors shine. Find Greg on insta: https://www.instagram.com/greg_tubbs/ AI Generated ‘Chapters’ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:19 The Importance of Cooking Game Meat 03:19 Oregon Hunting Adventure 05:11 Cooking Techniques and Methods 09:33 Venison Preparation and Recipes 27:39 Waterfowl Hunting Season 31:34 Giant Canada Goose Encounter 32:12 Duck vs. Goose in the Kitchen 33:05 Quick and Easy Duck Hors d'oeuvres 33:32 Marinating and Grilling Duck 35:48 Cooking Wild Duck Medium Rare 37:24 Changing Minds About Wild Game 43:01 Goose Pastrami and Jerky 55:13 Squirrel and Rabbit Recipes 58:13 Bacon-Wrapped Goose Bites Recipe More at OkayestCook.com Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook Crew:  Chris Whonsetler Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

    1h 2m
  3. Pizza

    OCT 23

    Pizza

    The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Pizza: Techniques, Tips, and Toppings In this comprehensive episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser, along with their pizza-loving guests Scott and Karlee Latuszek, delve into the art of homemade pizza making. They share personal anecdotes and expert tips on getting the perfect pizza dough texture, the importance of using quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes for marinara sauce, and the benefits of sliced mozzarella cheese. The episode covers various pizza styles, such as Neapolitan and Chicago deep dish, and highlights unique toppings, including ‘nduja sausage and creative twists like BLT and Big Mac pizzas. Listeners will also discover techniques for using specialized tools like a baking steel and a Ninja wood fire pizza oven. Additionally, the conversation touches on side culinary adventures, including short rib pasta, chicken enchiladas, and perfecting steaks. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned home cook, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration for creating delicious homemade pizzas. https://chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com/ https://www.miguelspizza.com/ AI Generated ‘Chapters’ 00:00 Pizza ASMR and Intro 00:42 Meet the Hosts and Guests 02:10 Weekly Food Highlights 07:49 Pizza Making Adventures 10:08 Dough and Sauce Secrets 23:03 Experimenting with Toppings 30:12 Cheese Choices and Techniques 32:33 Cheese Lovers Unite 32:44 Sauce Strategies 34:46 Pizza Party Memories 35:41 Pizza Styles and Preferences 36:33 Chicago's Best Pizza 37:20 Unique Pizza Experiences 39:56 Creative Pizza Toppings 46:27 Pizza Cutting Techniques 58:06 Pizza Dough Secrets 59:41 Perfecting the Pizza Experience

    1h 4m
  4. Small Talk

    OCT 16

    Small Talk

    Hunting Excursions and Gourmet Wild Game Cooking In this episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, Host Chris Whonsetler share their recent hunting and cooking adventures. Corey discusses his vacation in Disney World with tips on cost management while Colton updates on his egg-laying chickens and techniques for preserving farm-fresh eggs. They dive into various hunting experiences, from deer and elk hunts to waterfowl camaraderie and Addie's excitement for her first hunt. Culinary discussions abound with wild game recipes, including antelope, venison tacos, and creative uses of goose and duck. The team also shares their favorite cooking tools, cookbook recommendations, and tips for seasoning and preparing different cuts of wild game. The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter, family activities, holiday plans, and Chris' new cook books. 00:00 Welcome Back to the Okayest Cook Podcast 00:58 Vacation Tales and Disney Adventures 02:27 Hunting Stories and Deer Season 04:47 Cooking Tips and Kitchen Adventures 09:00 Farm Fresh Eggs and Preservation 14:47 Hunting Gear and Outdoor Plans 23:48 Roast Recipes and Cooking Techniques 30:49 Cooking Tips and Cookbook Excitement 32:16 More Roast Recipes and Meat Preparations 37:51 Hunting Stories and Deer Cameras 44:14 Waterfowl Hunting and Cooking 51:23 Family and Future Plans 55:32 Cookbook Recommendations and Farewell

    57 min
  5. Encouraging Commensality with A Couple Cooks

    OCT 9

    Encouraging Commensality with A Couple Cooks

    Cooking Joyfully Together: A Conversation with Sonja and Alex Overheiser In this lively episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler and Corey Cole welcome guests Sonja and Alex Overheiser, self-taught home cooks and authors behind 'A Couple Cooks.' Broadcasting from the couple's Indiana kitchen, they discuss their non-traditional culinary journey and how they transitioned from eating convenience foods to becoming recipe developers. The Overheisers emphasize that cooking should be approachable and enjoyable rather than intimidating. They shed light on their latest cookbook, which promotes cooking as a shared activity, offering a unique feature where tasks can be split between two people. They discuss how the book encourages communal experiences in the kitchen, with sections for everyday meals, date nights, and gatherings. The episode concludes with the importance of preorder support and highlights the couple's successful integration of photography, noting that visual appeal plays a crucial role in cookbook presentation. Find more of A Couple Cooks: https://www.acouplecooks.com/ https://www.instagram.com/acouplecooks Pre-Order their book!  https://www.acouplecooks.com/cookbook/ 00:00 Welcome to the Okayest Cook Podcast 00:46 Meet Sonja and Alex Overheiser 03:11 From Hot Pockets to Home Cooks 04:57 The Birth of A Couple Cooks 10:53 The Joy of Cooking Together 13:15 Gathering and Sharing Meals 14:31 Notable Foods and Fun Meals 18:19 Exploring the Joy of Cooking with Fresh Ingredients 19:00 Diving into the New Cookbook 20:34 The Journey of Creating a Cookbook 24:30 Cooking Styles and Kitchen Dynamics 27:39 Exciting Features of the New Cookbook 29:18 Final Thoughts and Encouragement to Pre-order More at OkayestCook.com Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook Crew:  Chris Whonsetler Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto Corey Cole Email: Corey@OkayestCook.com Web: CoreyRCole.com Instagram: @ruggedhunter

    36 min
  6. Exploring Cooking Techniques with Harvesting Nature

    OCT 2

    Exploring Cooking Techniques with Harvesting Nature

    Exploring Cooking Techniques with Harvesting Nature In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser sit down remotely with Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans from Harvesting Nature. They dive into an engaging discussion on different cooking techniques. The conversation covers a wide range of topics from the use of cast iron pans versus stainless steel, blow-torching food, butter poaching fish, and various tips for salvaging meals. They highlight the importance of balancing flavors with salt, acid, sugar, and how to add texture to elevate dishes. The episode wraps up with a chat on upcoming Harvesting Nature camps in Texas featuring Hank Shaw. Find more Harvesting Nature:  https://harvestingnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/harvestingnature/ https://open.spotify.com/show/0CtgwdtP6BXiW0IIRTM6sb?si=dac806beb1ce4f49 AI Generated ‘Chapter’ 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:16 Hunting Season and Outdoor Edge Knives 01:02 Special Guests: Harvesting Nature 01:34 Meal of the Week Highlights 07:00 Cooking Tips and Techniques 13:00 Balancing Flavors: Salt, Acid, Sugar 17:57 Choosing the Right Cookware: Cast Iron vs. Stainless Steel 27:47 The Versatility of Blowtorches in Cooking 33:19 Fire Techniques: Flambeau and More 34:24 Bear Fat Oysters: A Controversial Delight 35:26 Exploring Flamboyant Dough 37:03 Hot Oils and Wild Game 39:23 Balancing Textures and Flavors 41:31 The Art of Side Dishes 48:01 Creative Cooking with Walleye 49:40 Butter Poaching: A Game Changer 51:14 Weird Foods and Testicle Sausage 54:26 Harvesting Nature Camps and Events 56:20 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Plugs More at OkayestCook.com Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook Crew:  Chris Whonsetler Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto Andy Heiser Email: Andy@OkayestCook.com Web: RakeDevelopment.com Instagram: @andheiser

    58 min
  7. Hog Stuff

    SEP 25

    Hog Stuff

    Adventures in Pig Roasting and Texas Hog Hunts Join half the Okayest Cook podcast team, Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser, as they celebrate Chris's 40th birthday with an ambitious whole pig roast and dive into tales of a recent hunting trip in Texas. From navigating the challenges of smoking a large pig to the intricacies of spot and stalk, stand, and thermal night hunting for hogs, this episode blends culinary adventure with hunting escapades. Detailed discussions on techniques for injecting, brining, and cooking meats, as well as the dynamic experiences of hunting and meat preparation, make this a must-listen for food and hunting enthusiasts alike. Laura’s chicken business details!  County Corner Farm:  https://www.countycornerfarm.com/ https://www.instagram.com/countycornerfarm AI Generated ‘Chapters’ 00:00 Recording Begins: Setting the Scene 00:43 Reunion and Catching Up 01:15 Busy Lives and New Ventures 02:05 Food Talk: BBQ and Chicken Recipes 05:20 Elk Roast and Cooking Adventures 08:31 Travel Hunting: Tips and Stories 14:11 Texas Hog Hunt: Three Different Styles 28:51 Learning to Roast a Whole Hog 29:00 Preparing the Hog for Smoking 29:24 Smoking the Hog: The Process 30:17 Unexpected Challenges and Solutions 39:14 The Fire 46:49 Reflecting on the Experience 50:58 Final Thoughts and Future Plans 56:03 Recipe Tips and Tricks 01:01:31 Closing Remarks More at OkayestCook.com Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook Crew:  Chris Whonsetler Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto Andy Heiser Email: Andy@OkayestCook.com Web: RakeDevelopment.com Instagram: @andheiser Corey Cole Email: Corey@OkayestCook.com Web: CoreyRCole.com Instagram: @ruggedhunter Colton Heiniger Email: Colton@OkayestCook.com Web: ElevateAccountingServices.com

    1h 2m
  8. Introduction to Foraging with Adam Berkelmans

    SEP 18

    Introduction to Foraging with Adam Berkelmans

    Foraging Fundamentals and Culinary Adventures with Adam Berkelmans In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler welcomes Adam Berkelmans, a recipe developer, cook, and contributor to Harvesting Nature. They delve into Adam's background, his journey in food and nature, and his extensive knowledge on foraging. Adam shares practical advice for beginners, tips on identifying and collecting various wild edibles and mushrooms, and emphasizes the value of integrating foraged foods into everyday meals. He also details a delicious seared chicken thigh recipe with hedgehog mushrooms, highlighting the ease and flavor of cooking with wild ingredients combined with domestic convenience. This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in foraging and adding a unique twist to their culinary repertoire. Follow Adam at https://www.theintrepideater.com https://www.instagram.com/the.intrepid.eater https://harvestingnature.com/ AI Generated ‘Chapters’ 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:48 Meet Adam Berkelmans 01:40 Adam's Culinary Journey 04:20 The Intrepid Eater 08:05 Notable Meals and Foraging Insights 13:38 Foraging Basics and Personal Stories 19:47 Mushroom Foraging Tips 33:18 Exploring Indigo and Saffron Milk Caps 34:13 Seasonal Mushroom Foraging 35:44 Preserving and Storing Mushrooms 37:18 Experimenting with Freeze Drying 38:11 Foraging for Wild Plants 43:34 Nutritional Benefits of Wild Plants 46:06 Dandelions: A Versatile Wild Edible 50:33 Cultural Perspectives on Foraging 55:33 Seared Chicken with Hedgehog Mushrooms Recipe https://www.theintrepideater.com/seared-chicken-thighs-with-hedgehog-mushroom-sauce/ More at OkayestCook.com Connect with us on Instagram @Okayest_Cook And facebook.com/AnOkayestCook Video feed on YouTube.com/@OkayestCook Crew:  Chris Whonsetler Email: Chris@OkayestCook.com Web: ChrisWhonsetler.com Instagram: @FromFieldToTable & @WhonPhoto

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to Okayest Cook, where the love for food and the joy of sharing a meal brings us together. Join our community of like-minded individuals on a culinary adventure, exploring new dishes, preserving traditions, and embracing the hunter-gatherer mindset. Discover the joy of commensality, connecting with others through shared meals, whether in person or across space and time. At Okayest Cook, we believe in the power of education, committing to learning and sharing knowledge about hunting, gardening, foraging, processing, and preserving. Fuel your passion for nutrition and fitness with our podcast.

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