Seasoned Connecticut Public

Get your grill ready and crack open a cold one. We’re talkin’ about beer can chicken with PBS host and James Beard Award-winning cookbook author Steven Raichlen. The host of Project Smoke, Project Fire, and Planet Barbeque on PBS, talks about his latest book, Beer-Can Chicken.
 
Steven shares tips for imparting both a subtle or more pronounced beer flavor, how to be sure your chicken stays upright and other non-beer drinks that you might want to plop your chicken on for grill-roasting. Steven also shares tips for cooking vegetables right on the embers—that “cave man” method of grilling he’s famous for.
Plus, Seasoned is sunsetting; that means we won't be making new episodes going forward. In this final episode, the Seasoned team gathers in the spirit of gratitude and reflection. We play back clips from some of our most meaningful interviews and favorite guests.
GUEST:
Steven Raichlen: Author of more than 30 books about grilling, including The Barbecue Bible, How to Grill, Planet Barbecue and Project Smoke. Steven’s won five James Beard Awards, and he’s lectured on the history of barbecue at Harvard University, the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution. His latest book is Beer-Can Chicken: Foolproof Recipes for the Crispiest, Crackliest, Smokiest, Most Succulent Birds You’ve Ever Tasted. (@stevenraichlen)
FEATURED RECIPES: Basic Beer Can ChickenBeer Can TurkeyBlack Cherry Soda ChickenGrilled Artichokes
INTERVIEWS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Yewande Komolafe’s ‘Everyday Lagos,’ plus Bridgeport’s Green Village Initiative
Chef Rahanna Bisseret Martinez + a personal approach to community gardening
Real talk about diet culture from the ‘Food, We Need to Talk’ experts
Chef Kwame Onwuachi cooks ‘his America’ plus, home cooks from PBS’s 'The Great American Recipe'
Chefs Sherry Pocknett and 'Diasporican' author Illyanna Maisonet make James Beard Award history
Michael Twitty’s ‘Koshersoul,’ Rosca de Reyes from Atticus Bakery, and natural wines to try
Seasoned celebrates Pride
Seasoned heads to the forest for local maple syrup
Building community through coffee
Talkin’ turkey with local chefs, plus the gift of Buffalo Creek squash
Seasoned was produced by Robyn Doyon-Aitken, Catie Talarski, Meg Dalton, Stephanie Stender, Katrice Claudio, Tagan Engel, and Meg Fitzgerald, with help from Francesca Fontanez, Katherine Jimenez, Martha Castillo, and Janae Spinato on Social.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and email: seasoned@ctpublic.org.
All episodes of Seasoned are available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes.
 
Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re celebrating a few things at The Port of Call with chef Renee Touponce and bar manager and mixologist, Jade Ayala: Pride Month, a second James Beard Award nomination for Renee and Renee's birthday.
We’re also gonna eat. . .and dance along with the Sea Queens during a drag performance at The Port of Call. It’s a fundraiser for the Human Rights Campaign to protect LGBTQ+ rights – something Renee and Jade are passionate about.
Drag brunches and dinners aren’t usually about the food, but when Renee’s in the kitchen, they’re about the queens and the food. We talk with Renee and Jade about the restaurant’s bi-weekly drag dinner series and how they’re showing up for the LGBTQ+ community through their work.
And, the New Haven Pride Center has moved out of a basement and into a light-filled space on Orange Street. Producer Tagan Engel talks with Bennie Saldana, Support Services Coordinator, about the new space and the center's expanded programs for youth and adults. The new program we’re particularly excited about is the inspiration of ally, Diana Henderson.
Diana cooks and organizes monthly community dinners and bakes a birthday cake so everyone feels celebrated. She’s also known for her “free mom hugs.”
You’ll also hear from community dinner participants describing what it means to them to share a meal with chosen family. New to the area? Attending a dinner is a great way to find connection within the LGBTQ+ community in a dedicated space.
Plus, Chantal Tafari, chef/owner of Likkle Patty Shop in Windsor, makes vegan Jamaican patties that “slap,” and producer Katrice Claudio can’t recommend them highly enough. She talks with Chantal about what makes her patties special and you’ll learn about ackee, the official fruit of Jamaica.
GUESTS:
Reneé Touponce: Executive Chef at Oyster Club and The Port of Call in Mystic, Conn. (@reneetouponce). Restaurant events.
Jade Ayala: Bar Manager and Beverage Director at both Oyster Club and The Port of Call in Mystic, Conn.
Sea Queen Performers: ft. Dro Lopez Fierce (@drolopezfierce) on Instagram
Bennie Saldana: Support Services Coordinator, New Haven Pride Center (@newhavenpridecenter) also (@bennie.saldana) and (@crystalstarzofficial)
Diana Henderson: Volunteer community dinner cook and co-host. Giver of "free mom hugs"
Attendees of the NHPC Community Dinner (March) Chantal Tafari: Chef-owner of Likkle Patty Shop, a plant-based Jamaican patty shop and bakery in Windsor, Conn.
BONUS: Listen to Where We Live's interview with Juancarlos Soto, Executive Director of the New Haven Pride Center.This show was produced by Robyn Doyon-Aitken, Meg Dalton, Stephanie Stender, Tagan Engel, Katrice Claudio, and Meg Fitzgerald, with help from Francesca Fontanez, Janae Spinato, and Martha Castillo on Social.
Special thanks to everyone in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies who shared their stories with us and allowed us to document their celebrations.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and email: seasoned@ctpublic.org.
Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Janusz Domagala is one of your favorite bakers from The Great British Bake Off, or The Great British Baking Show, as it’s known here in the U.S. We were cheering for him right through to the semi-finals of Season 13 in 2022.
This hour, Janusz talks about his debut cookbook, Baking with Pride. Plus, he describes the joy of baking in the Bake Off tent, the importance of showing up as his authentic self, and how some of the recipes in his book honor LGBTQ+ history.
Plus, we talk with a Middletown teacher about her very cool summer gig. Valerie Zimmer and her 7-year-old step-daughter, Mia, are giving Mr. Softee a run for his money this summer.
GUESTS:
Janusz Domagala: Beloved former contestant on The Great British Bake Off and the author of Baking with Pride. (@januszbakes)
Valerie Zimmer and Mia: Valerie is the owner of Mama Mia's Ice Cream Truck and a student engagement specialist at Beman Middle School in Middletown, Conn. Mia is Valerie's stepdaughter and the inspiration for the ice cream truck (she's also the ice cream truck "boss." (@mamamiasicecreamtruck) on Facebook
 
FEATURED RECIPES:
World Pride CakeDate Night BrowniesPolish Honey Cake
This show was produced by Robyn Doyon-Aitken, Meg Dalton, Stephanie Stender, Katrice Claudio, Tagan Engel, and Meg Fitzgerald, with help from Sabrina Herrera, Francesca Fontanez, Katherine Jimenez, and Martha Castillo on Social.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and email: seasoned@ctpublic.org.
Seasoned is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.
Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vegan chef Chrissy Tracey sits down with producer Tagan Engel to talk about the basics of foraging and how to incorporate wild plants and mushrooms into delicious meals. They discuss recipes for "lobster" rolls, Chrissy's riff on strawberry Pop Tarts, bagel sandwiches with carrot lox, and herby drinks from Chrissy's debut book, Forage & Feast.
Plus, backyard chicken keeping expert Kathy Shea Mormino describes realities of caring for the only pet that gives us food, backyard chickens. Interested in keeping chickens? Listen to this episode first.
Chrissy Tracey: Food content creator and author of Forage & Feast  (@eatwithchrissyy) on Instagram
Kathy Shea Mormino: (aka The Chicken Chick): Founder of The Chicken Chick, a platform to connect, educate, and share an appreciation for keeping chickens as pets with chicken enthusiasts worldwide. She’s the author of The Chicken Chick’s Guide to Backyard Chickens: Simple Steps For Healthy, Happy Hens. Kathy is @TheChickenChick) on Facebook and (@thechickenchick) on Instagram.
FEATURED RECIPES:Strawberry Knotweed Toaster TartsWild Mint MojitosLobster Mushroom RollsThis show was produced by Robyn Doyon-Aitken, Meg Dalton, Tagan Engel, Stephanie Stender, Katrice Claudio, Meg Fitzgerald and Sabrina Herrera. Our Social team also includes Francesca Fontanez, Martha Castillo and Janae Spinato.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and email: seasoned@ctpublic.org.
Seasoned is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.
Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We begin the show by talking with (pinch us!) food writer and reporter Priya Krishna of the New York Times. She shares some of the stories behind her new book, Priya’s Kitchen Adventures. It’s a cookbook for kids! And, Priya talks about some of her most meaningful reporting for the Times to date: her video series On the Job, where she shines a light on the unseen workers of New York City’s food scene.
Priya also previews Chefs!, the Connecticut Forum’s live, unscripted panel discussion taking place at The Bushnell on Tuesday, May 21 at 7:30 PM. Priya’s fellow panelists are Marcus Samuelsson and Gail Simmons, and the event is moderated by Sam Sifton.
Go to CT Public's website for a chance to win free tickets to the event or buy your tickets directly from The Connecticut Forum.
Also this hour, Azeem (Blessings) Kareem and Sarah Rose Kareem of Samad Gardens Initiative describe how they teach newbie gardeners and farmers how to grow food for themselves and their communities. You’ll learn how to connect with Nature by growing vegetables, greens, and herbs in recycled egg cartons, milk jugs or buckets.
Plus, you’ve heard of CSAs. What does it mean to be a “CSA grocery store?” We talk with Jocelyn Cerda (below), founder of Mercado Popular. Jocelyn is on a mission to work with BIPOC growers and makers to connect the Hartford community with fresh, healthy, local food.
GUESTS:
Priya Krishna: Food writer and contributor to the New York Times. She’s the author or co-author of several books, including Cooking at Home (with David Chang) and Indian-ish with her mother, Ritu. Her latest book is Priya’s Kitchen Adventures. (@priyakrishna) on Instagram
Azeem (Blessings) Kareem and Sarah Rose Kareem: Founders of Samad Gardens Initiative, Bloomfield, Conn. (@samadgardensinitiative) on Facebook and (@samadgardensinitiative) on Instagram
Jocelyn Cerda: Owner of Mercado Popular, Hartford, Conn. (@mercadopopct) on Facebook and (@mercadopopct) on Instagram
FEATURED RECIPES: Watermelon Agua FrescaDahi Bahalla, Nana-Style
LEARN MORE:
Read/Listen: Azeem (Blessings) and Sarah Rose Kareem were profiled in Connecticut Public’s series: BIPOC farmers in Conn. may be small in number, but they have plenty of stories to tell
Watch: Sarah Rose Kareem demo: How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar Extract
Watch: Sarah Rose and Azeem (Blessings) Kareem demo: How to Make Fermented Plant Juice
Learn: Sign up for a Samad Gardens Initiative gardening class or find teas
Learn: Fruition Seeds - Free Container Gardening Course (and many other resources on their website for new and seasoned growers)
Learn: Sarah Rose and Azeem (Blessings) recommend Nigel Palmers book The Regenerative Growers Guide to Garden Amendments to new and aspiring growers
Plan: Consult a Biodynamic Calendar to learn which tasks to do when and how to sync your growing with lunar and planetary influences.
This show was produced by Robyn Doyon-Aitken, Meg Dalton, Tagan Engel, Katrice Claudio, Stephanie Stender, and Meg Fitzgerald. Our Social team includes Sabrina Herrera, Francesca Fontanez, Martha Castillo, Katherine Jimenez and Janae Spinato.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and email: seasoned@ctpublic.org.
Seasoned is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.
Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, we get the scoop on some of the state’s best ice cream shops from two people devoted to local ice cream. We talk with Craig Behun, the ice cream lover behind the Instagram @cticecreamtour and Shahan Kukreja of Micro Creamery. Since 2015, Craig’s been posting about his adventures trying ice cream shops all over the state. And Shahan takes the micro brewery concept and applies it to ice cream. You’ll find more than 70 local ice cream flavors in the shop.
Plus, Sweet Claude’s in Cheshire is an ice cream shop we love; get to know its owner Kelly Anne Pearce.
And finally, Dr. Steve Zinn, UConn professor in the Department of Animal Science, talks about the cows we have to thank for the milk used in the excellent ice cream served at the UConn Dairy Bar (@uconndairybar).
GUESTS:
Craig Behun: Ice cream lover, creator of @cticecreamtour Shahan Kukreja: Co-owner of Micro Creamery in Woodbridge and Milford, Conn. (@microcreameryofct) Kelly Anne Pearce: Owner and ice cream maker, Sweet Claude’s in Cheshire, Conn. (@sweet_claudes) Dr. Steve Zinn: UConn professor in the Department of Animal Science in the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR); previously department head of Dept of Animal Science Your Picks: Thank you to everyone who shared ice cream shop recommendations with us! We compiled all your shout outs here, including every shop that was mentioned during our round table discussion with Craig and Shahan.
This show was produced by Robyn Doyon-Aitken, Catie Talarski, Meg Dalton, Tagan Engel, Stephanie Stender, Katrice Claudio, and Meg Fitzgerald, with help from Sabrina Herrera on Social. It originally aired September 21, 2023.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and email: seasoned@ctpublic.org.
Seasoned is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.
Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.