Passing the Plate Podcast
The Passing the Plate podcast is all about food, traditions, and the wonderful connections they create. Each week, co-hosts Ashley Covelli of Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen and Lisa Lisson of Are You My Cousin? will guide you on a flavor-packed adventure.
Tune in to dive into family history, explore new cultures and cuisines, and preserve favorite recipes for future generations. Every episode of Passing the Plate guarantees to be a feast for the senses and a celebration of togetherness.
Visit passingtheplate.org for more.
Episodes
71 episodes
71: Retro Fall Favorites: A Menu Time Machine
We're taking a trip back in time using vintage newspapers from 1965 and the 1980s, courtesy of our friends at Storied. Exploring trends that defined these eras, we're uncovering the fascinating, fun, and the sometimes strange world of retro aut...
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Episode 71
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34:40
70: Island Flavors and Family Ties: Trinidadian Traditions with Shareba Abdul
Food has a way of carrying stories across oceans and generations. In this episode, we chat with Shareba Abdul of In Search of Yummy-ness to learn about her Trinidadian culinary roots and the flavors that shaped her kitchen journey.From h...
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Episode 70
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35:30
69: Jet Engines to Spice Kits: Sheila Narayanan's Mission to Make Indian Cooking Accessible
What happens when a rocket scientist decides to revolutionize home cooking? Meet Sheila Narayanan, founder of Simply Masala, whose remarkable journey took her from designing jet engines to creating innovative spice kits that make authentic Indi...
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46:17
68: A Seat at the Tray Table: The Story of the TV Dinner
In this episode, we’re digging into the origins of the TV dinner—those individually portioned frozen meals that became a staple of American convenience.We’ll explore the history, marketing myths, and cultural impact of the TV dinner, and...
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Episode 68
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20:48
67: Scoops, Swirls & Sips: Cooling Off with Frozen Classics
As August winds down and the temperatures stay high, we’re looking close at a deliciously refreshing topic: frozen treats. In this episode, we’re breaking down the differences between ice cream, sherbet, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, f...
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29:10
66: Celebrating National Farmers Market Week
In honor of National Farmers Market Week (August 3–9, 2025), this episode shines a light on the essential role farmers markets play in connecting communities with fresh, local food. We’ll explore why these markets matter—economically, culturall...
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Episode 66
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23:03
65: Brunch and Banchan: Bridging Korean and Southern Flavors with Cynthia Christensen
What happens when Korean flavors meet Southern comfort food? Our guest Cynthia Christensen of But First We Brunch knows exactly how magical this combination can be.Growing up in a household where kimchi shared fridge space with cornbread...
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Episode 65
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49:03
64: A Kernel of Truth: Sweet Corn on the Summer Menu
In this episode, we're getting a little corny and taking a closer look at sweet corn—a seasonal staple with a strong presence in summer meals and memories. From its agricultural roots to its place in regional dishes, sweet corn offers more than...
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Episode 64
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22:08
63: Slice by Slice: The Story Behind Poundcake and Shortcake
Ever wonder how poundcake got its name? Or what makes shortcake, well, short? In this episode, we're taking a close look at the origins of two dessert staples: poundcake and shortcake.Explore old-world baking traditions to their modern-d...
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Episode 63
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26:22
62: Mint & Basil: Ancient Herbs with Modern Appeal
Two herbs with rich histories that continue to enhance our cooking today. Mint was used medicinally by ancient Egyptians and Romans, while basil traveled from India to become essential in Mediterranean cuisine.This episode connects ancie...
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Episode 62
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26:59
61: Beyond the Pie Crust: The Charm of Fruit and Dough Marriages
When you think of baked fruit desserts, pie might steal the spotlight, but there's a world of regional sweet treats waiting to be known.Learn about these rustic, practical desserts - from North Carolina sonkers to French Tarte Tatin - th...
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Episode 61
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23:35
60: Meet Ashley: Food Writer & Recipe Developer
Meet the woman behind the recipes! This week, Lisa sits down with Ashley to uncover the journey that led her to become a food writer, recipe developer, and cooking class instructor. This candid conversation serves up a fresh perspec...
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Episode 60
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27:06
59: Bourbon, Bootleggers, and the Kentucky Derby
Can't tell your bourbon from your whiskey? Don't know why mint juleps and the Kentucky Derby go hand-in-hand? We've got you covered. This week, we're pouring a glass of Kentucky's liquid history as we trace how these spirits shaped ...
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Episode 59
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20:20
58: Blast from the Past: Easter Celebrations Through the Decades
Step back to Easter Sunday, 1920. We'll recreate the sights and smells of holiday tables across America through recipes, advertisements, and family stories. Learn about traditional dishes that graced these feasts, regional variation...
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Episode 58
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31:58
57: Meet Lisa: Family Trees & Food History
Pull up a chair as we chat with co-host Lisa Lisson about her path into genealogy and food history.She shares pivotal moments that shaped her career, practical research tips, and how tracing family recipes sparked bigger historical quest...
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Episode 57
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31:49
56: Kitchen Copycat: The Art of Recipe Recreation
Want that restaurant vinaigrette or bakery cookie at home? We'll share strategies for recreating beloved dishes, starting with simple observation and tasting notes. Learn the art of recipe detection through real attempts - like a NY...
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Episode 56
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17:35
55: Spice Box Stories: Cinnamon Takes Center Stage
This aromatic spice shaped trade routes and transformed cuisines across continents. We'll talk all about cinnamon's rich history, bust common myths, and share creative uses beyond desserts. Learn about the amazing variet...
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Episode 55
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22:06
54: Side Dish Symphony: Tradition Meets Innovation
We're exploring the essential role of side dishes in creating memorable meals. Learn how these supporting players have evolved from simple vegetable sides to creative culinary statements.This episode uncovers traditional wisdom about me...
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Episode 54
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19:52
53: The Chocolate Files: Past, Present & Possibilities
We're talking about the yummy history of chocolate and the artistry behind its creation. Learn about the distinct profiles of dark, milk, and white chocolate, plus the secrets of modern chocolatiers.This episode explores chocolate's glo...
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Episode 53
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17:38
52: Chicken Done Right: Kitchen Stories & Essential Tips
We're talking about the secrets to perfecting everyone's favorite poultry dish. In this episode we are focusing on family stories of chicken dinners while exploring practical tips for achieving juicy, flavorful results every time.Learn ...
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Episode 52
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20:53
51: Beyond the Glaze: America's Donut Heritage
We're exploring the interesting story of donuts and their place in American culture. These yummy treats have sparked regional pride, created lasting family traditions, and even earned a spot at holiday tables throughout history. Learn about the...
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Episode 51
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21:25
50: Ringing in the New Year With Global Celebrations
As 2024 comes to a close, we're celebrating the arrival of the new year by exploring New Year's traditions from around the world. Learn about casting molten tin in Finland and eating twelve grapes in Spain, and discover how different cultures m...
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Episode 50
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28:31
49: Delis, Traditions, and Genealogy: Uncovering Jewish Culinary Roots with Daniel Horowitz of MyHeritage
Dive into the history of Jewish deli cuisine, inspired by our guest Daniel Horowitz of MyHeritage. We'll explore how dishes from favorite delis can provide clues to your own genealogy research, while also touching on the significance of kosher ...
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Episode 49
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38:06
48: Price Check: Grocery Store Comparison
In this episode, we’re chatting about a topic that hits home for everyone—grocery prices. Whether in big cities or rural areas, the cost of groceries can fluctuate depending on location and the type of market you shop at. Join us as we compare ...
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Episode 48
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48:54
47: Salt-N-Pepa - Pushing Your Palate
We’re talking about two pantry staples that might seem simple but pack a powerful punch—salt and pepper. From the wide variety of peppercorns to the differences between table and kosher salt, there’s a lot more to these ingredients than meets t...
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Episode 47
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35:00