Okayest Cook – Details, episodes & analysis

Celebrating One Year and 50 Episodes of The Okayest Cook Podcast In this milestone episode of The Okayest Cook Podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser celebrate their 50th episode and one-year anniversary. They reminisce about the past year's highlights, their favorite episodes, memorable guests, and the evolution of their cooking skills. They discuss recent meals, share personal growth in the kitchen, and set new culinary goals for the upcoming year. Additionally, they touch upon valuable lessons learned and even plan for upcoming endeavors such as mastering sausage making and the transition to stainless steel cookware. 00:00 Introduction and Celebratory Milestone 00:55 Reminiscing on Past Episodes 01:55 Recent Culinary Adventures 06:34 Reflections on Podcast Journey 23:22 Importance of Quality Ingredients 29:59 Embracing Recipe Flexibility 30:57 Mastering Meal Preparation 31:54 The Importance of Sides 32:32 Confidence in Cooking 34:18 Future Cooking Goals 34:30 Sausage Making Adventures 37:21 The Art of Writing Recipes 43:11 The Power of Stainless Steel 45:58 Essential Kitchen Tools 57:12 Reflecting on a Year of Growth ~ Support Okayest Cook by shopping with our favorite brands ~ Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2 Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr ~ More at https://OkayestCook.com Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe 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

Exploring Foraging and Offal with Alan Bergo In this episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, host Chris Whonsetler and co-host Andy Heiser welcome foraging expert and chef Alan Bergo. The conversation kicks off with discussions on a variety of unique culinary endeavors, from homemade truffle oil and innovative uses of venison to the intricacies of foraging wild plants like nettles and ramps. Alan provides an in-depth look into the recipes and techniques from his book 'Flora,' shedding light on traditional and innovative ways to use wild ingredients. The episode also dives into the world of organ meats, discussing delectable preparations of heart, tongue, liver, and kidneys, as well as the value of often-overlooked parts like venison feet for making stock. Alan teases his upcoming books on meat, promising more insightful and traditional culinary wisdom. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice forager, this episode is packed with valuable tips and fascinating discussions on the art of wild cuisine. Find Alan: Web: https://foragerchef.com/ Social: https://www.instagram.com/foragerchef/ The Forager Chef's Book of Flora: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1603589481?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title Mentioned in Episode: https://trufflecart.com/ ~ Support Okayest Cook by shopping with our favorite brands ~ Anova: We love their Precision Cooker 3.0 & vac sealers - https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR MEAT!: Powerful meat grinders - https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r Hedley & Bennett: Quality Aprons - https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2 Yeti: The king of coolers - https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq Lodge: Cast Iron cooking - https://lodgecastiron.pxf.io/zxe7dr ~ 00:00 Technical Difficulties and Introductions 00:38 Meet Our Special Guest: Alan Burgo 01:24 Culinary Adventures and Experiments 05:21 The Truffle Talk 15:24 Foraging and Wild Plants 35:20 Fermenting Ramp Leaves: A Siberian Tradition 36:24 Creating Ramp Steak Sauce 37:06 Future Projects: Upcoming Books 39:01 Cooking with Organ Meats: Heart, Tongue, and More 50:17 Making Stock from Venison Feet 55:25 Liver and Kidney Recipes 01:02:30 Scrapple and Sausage: Utilizing Offal 01:05:56 Conclusion and Where to Find More More at https://OkayestCook.com Sign up for our Second Helpings newsletter: https://OkayestCook.com/subscribe 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

The Okayest Cook Podcast: Culinary Adventures with Tyler Mieden In this episode of the OKistCook podcast, host Chris Whonsetler and co-host Corey Cole welcome Tyler Mieden, co-founder of Okayest Hunter and Upduck, to discuss their seasonal cooking adventures. They delve into favorite recipes, including Dutch baby pancakes, pheasant dishes, and the use of cast iron skillets. The conversation includes tips and tricks for wild game cooking, including Tyler's simple yet effective duck marinade of orange juice and Worcestershire sauce. The hosts also explore baking sourdough bread and making pizza from sourdough discard, sharing their personal recipes and experiences. Tyler highlights the fun of pheasant hunting and the benefits of having hunting dogs. The episode wraps up with ideas for utilizing leftover duck and geese in creative recipes like goose pastrami and pheasant jerky. We are fueled by the following companies and absolutely love their gear! Every purchase made with these links helps keep us up and running: Anova: https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR MEAT!: https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r Hedley & Bennett: https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2 Yeti: https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq Connect with Tyler: https://www.instagram.com/t.mieden/ https://www.instagram.com/okayest_hunter/ https://instagram.com/upduckco/ Chris on Upduck: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2rSBwy6HCwMwhE1cK3Jjlm?si=65ae9ce8cac14e5d 00:00 Exciting Podcast Kickoff 00:42 Meet the Guest: Tyler Mieden 01:07 Holiday Meals and Dutch Baby Pancakes 03:15 Carnivore Diet and Exotic Meats 05:32 Cooking Tips and Techniques 08:45 Duck Hunting and Recipes 16:15 Pheasant Hunting in Wisconsin 25:25 Pickle Juice Experimentation 27:14 Goose and Venison Delicacies 30:41 Sourdough Adventures 36:55 Duck Pizza Inspirations 42:13 Cooking Tips and Parting Thoughts 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

Exploring Off-Grid Cooking and Food Preservation with Half Ass Off Grid In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler and co-host Corey Cole are joined by Chris from Half Ass Off Grid. The discussion delves into the essentials of living off-grid, focusing on cooking and food preservation without traditional power sources. They share experiences and tips on canning, dehydrating, smoking meats, and the importance of versatile spices. Highlighting psychological and safety aspects, the episode also includes practical advice for beginners looking to take baby steps towards self-sustainability. With stories of personal mishaps and successes, this episode offers valuable insights into the off-grid lifestyle. We are fueled by the following companies and absolutely love their gear! Every purchase made with these links helps keep us up and running: Anova: https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR MEAT!: https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r Hedley & Bennett: https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2 Yeti: https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq Follow Chris' journey off grid: https://www.instagram.com/halfassoffgrid https://www.youtube.com/@halfassoffgrid1036 00:00 Introduction 01:54 Thanksgiving Meal Highlights 03:56 Homemade Butter and Breakfast 06:09 Venison Stew and Preservation Tips 10:24 Off-Grid Living and Food Preservation 14:45 Starting the Off-Grid Journey 18:13 Essential Gear for Off-Grid Living 26:03 Safety and Common Mistakes 28:43 Cooking and Preserving Methods 32:15 Debating the Merits of Freeze Drying 33:33 Power Solutions for Off-Grid Living 35:05 Exploring Canning Techniques 43:08 Cooking with Propane and Wood 46:40 Psychological and Practical Aspects of Off-Grid Living 52:11 The Versatility of Cast Iron Cooking 57:20 Parting Thoughts and Chris’ Crying Tiger Recipe Sharing 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

The Future of Food: From Homesteading to High-End Wild Game Cuisine In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser welcome special guest Gunner Emberg, a traveling wild game chef. They discuss a wide array of topics, including the lifestyle and benefits of homesteading, the impact of processed foods on health, and practical tips for a healthier diet. Gunner shares insights on wild game cooking, highlighting unique recipes and techniques, and delves into his perspective on the future of food in America amid economic and political challenges. The episode wraps up with a mouth-watering recipe for sourdough discard pizza crust with buffalo turkey and blue cheese and an emphasis on the importance of eating real, unprocessed food. We are fueled by the following companies and absolutely love their gear! Every purchase made with these links helps keep us up and running: Anova: https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR MEAT!: https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r Hedley & Bennett: https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2 Yeti: https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq Follow Gunnar:  https://instagram.com/the.hungry.huntsman linktr.ee/hungryhuntsman 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:03 Discussing Hunting Preferences 03:16 Notable Meals of the Week 09:06 Gunner's Culinary Credentials 15:34 The Future of Food and Homesteading 35:45 The Depletion of Soil Minerals 35:56 The Impact of Farming Practices 36:21 Nutritional Deficiencies in Modern Produce 36:52 Cultural Differences in Food Perception 38:26 The Role of Carbohydrates in Diet 41:11 The Future of Food Production 43:11 Practical Tips for Healthier Eating 51:00 The Benefits of Farmers Markets 55:02 Homemade Food and Fermentation 01:01:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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

The Art of Cooking with Chef Alan Sternberg In this episode of The Okayest Cook Podcast, hosts Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser sit down with Alan Sternberg, the executive chef at Bluebeard in Indianapolis. Chef Sternberg shares invaluable insights on aging meat, the use of acidity and salinity in seasoning, and maintaining consistency in cooking. He also offers practical tips for home cooks, such as managing heat and weighing ingredients, while emphasizing the importance of adapting techniques to fit personal taste and context. The episode further explores the community aspect of cooking and how personal experiences and experiments can lead to exceptional food. We are fueled by the following companies and absolutely love their gear! Every purchase made with these links helps keep us up and running: Anova: https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR MEAT!: https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r Hedley & Bennett: https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2 Yeti: https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq 00:00 Introduction and Alans Title Debate 00:38 Podcast Kickoff and Setting the Scene 01:29 Special Guest: Chef Alan Sternberg 03:19 Notable Meals of the Week 05:36 Cooking Techniques and Home Cooking Tips 15:16 Holiday Cooking and Keeping Food Warm 21:42 The Importance of Acidity and Salinity in Cooking 24:53 Exploring Vinegars and Their Uses 30:40 Reflecting on Past Statements 31:02 Cooking Techniques for Duck and Goose 31:52 Aging and Preparing Game Meat 33:52 Restaurant vs. Home Cooking 39:33 Consistency in Cooking 44:05 Exploring Unique Ingredients 49:55 Chef's Journey and Philosophy 53:18 Competitive Cooking Insights 58:44 Final Thoughts and Tips 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

Thanksgiving Traditions and New Tastes: A Tale of Two Holiday Feasts Hosts Chris Whonsetler and Andy Heiser discuss their personal Thanksgiving experiences and preparations on the latest episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast. The hosts share their unique holiday plans, recipes, and memories. Andy shares his excitement about spending Thanksgiving in Texas with a blend of traditional and Thai dishes, while Chris plans a more conventional meal in Arizona. The episode delves into the nuances of Thanksgiving side dishes, desserts, and even the importance of leftovers and commensality. Chris also offers a simple yet delightful cranberry sauce recipe, and the hosts reflect on the significance of the holiday beyond the meal itself. We are fueled by the following companies and absolutely love their gear! Every purchase made with these links helps keep us up and running: Anova: https://bit.ly/3WT36ZR MEAT!: https://bit.ly/4ho5a4r Hedley & Bennett: https://hedley-and-bennett.sjv.io/EEzBq2 Yeti: https://yetius.pxf.io/a1NJXq AI Generated 'Chapters' 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup 00:48 Hunting Season Stories 01:46 Deer Hunting Experiences 05:01 Food Talk: Waffle Grilled Cheese 09:52 Thanksgiving Plans and Traditions 18:05 Thanksgiving Meal Preparations 29:09 Discovering Apple Pie Cheesecake 30:03 The Pie Table Tradition 31:15 Pumpkin vs. Apple and Cherry Pies 33:19 The Hoosier Favorite: Sugar Cream Pie 36:34 Thanksgiving Ham Debate 38:13 Excitement for a Unique Thanksgiving 41:17 The Joy of Leftovers 42:39 Thanksgiving Reflections and Traditions 48:11 Cranberry Sauce Recipe 50:01 Final Thoughts and Thanksgiving Wishes

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

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

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