All Of It: Episode Summary – "Easy Cold Weather Meals"

Released on January 23, 2025, "Easy Cold Weather Meals" is an episode of WNYC's "All Of It," hosted by David Fuerst in place of Alison Stewart. The episode delves into the art of winter cooking, emphasizing the versatility of Dutch ovens and sharing a variety of comforting recipes perfect for the chilly season.

Introduction: Embracing Winter’s Chill with Comforting Meals

David Fuerst sets the stage by highlighting the recent deep freeze affecting the area, stressing the importance of warming up with hearty meals. He introduces the Dutch oven, a cast iron pot celebrated by Food and Wine magazine for its versatility in creating everything from roasts to soups. David invites listeners to share their favorite winter recipes, fostering a community dialogue around seasonal cooking.

David Fuerst [00:38]: "Once you're inside and you peel off all of those layers of coats, there's no better way to warm up than with a good hot meal."

Guest Spotlight: Andy Gosnell from Food and Wine

Andy Gosnell, Assistant Food Editor at Food and Wine, joins the conversation to discuss ideal winter meals and the significance of Dutch ovens in home cooking.

The Versatility of Dutch Ovens

Andy elaborates on why Dutch ovens were featured prominently during the COVID pandemic, emphasizing their multifunctionality and durability.

Andy Gosnell [03:02]: "The high sides, the tight fitting lid, and the heavy bottom cast iron material are really great for heat retention, even cooking, and switching from stovetop to oven."

Top Dutch Oven Recommendations

Andy recommends several Dutch oven brands catering to different budgets:

• Staub 5.5 Quart Round Cocotte: Praised for heat retention and aesthetic appeal.
• Le Creuset and Staub: Iconic brands known for quality.
• Lodge Dutch Oven: An affordable yet durable option.
• Cuisinart: Reliable and budget-friendly.

Andy Gosnell [04:28]: "If you're looking for an upgrade, definitely look for those materials like cast iron or enamel cast iron for that super even cooking."

Listener Recipes and Stories

The episode features various listener-submitted recipes and personal anecdotes, showcasing a range of winter dishes made using Dutch ovens.

Pedro’s Beef Picadillo [05:44]

Pedro from Fort Lee shares his experience making beef picadillo to comfort his family during his wife’s illness. The one-pot recipe became a family favorite, blending chilies for an added kick.

Pedro [05:44]: "After my wife took a bite of it, she totally perked up because it has a little bit of chilies in there and she loved it."

Edith’s Warm Memories [09:29]

Edith from Manhattan reminisces about her Vermont childhood, recalling the comforting aroma of homemade pea soup simmering in a cast iron pot.

Edith [09:41]: "I open the door to my home and my mother would have on the stove a homemade from scratch pea soup with ham... wonderful comfort memory."

Amanda’s Dominican Sancocho [10:41]

Amanda from Morning Edition describes her version of Sancocho, a hearty Dominican stew rich with potatoes, meats, and a flavorful broth reminiscent of Filipino dishes.

Amanda [10:41]: "That thing is gonna make you feel just like... it's just like a hug."

Brian’s Antique Dutch Ovens [11:18]

Brian from Bloomfield inquires about using inherited aluminum Dutch ovens, to which Andy confirms their safety but suggests cast iron for better heat distribution.

Andy Gosnell [11:47]: "Aluminum Dutch ovens aren't as popular anymore, but they're perfectly safe to use. However, cast iron offers more even heating."

Naomi’s Bone Broth Hack [13:23]

Naomi from Brooklyn shares her penchant for beef bone broth, which enhances the richness and umami of her dishes.

Andy Gosnell [13:54]: "Homemade broth... the flavor that you get from doing it on your own is just absolute peak."

John’s Spaghetti with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage [14:23]

John from Fanwood recommends adding crumbled sausages to spaghetti with broccoli rabe, enhancing flavor through rendered fat and aromatics.

Andy Gosnell [14:35]: "When you take it out of the casing and crumble the meat yourself, it helps render the fat a little bit more."

Casserole Classics and Twists

Andy introduces the King Ranch casserole, a Tex-Mex twist on traditional lasagna, incorporating shredded chicken, cream, chili powder, and dried chili oil for depth of flavor.

Andy Gosnell [15:14]: "It's basically like a Tex-Mex version of lasagna... with shredded chicken and salsa macha on the top."

Modern Cooking Tools: Instant Pot vs. Dutch Oven and Air Fryers

Listeners pose questions about contemporary kitchen gadgets. Andy compares the Instant Pot and Dutch oven, highlighting the Instant Pot’s convenience and the Dutch oven’s timeless control and aesthetics. Regarding air fryers, he notes their convenience but emphasizes the Dutch oven's superior moisture retention and even cooking.

Andy Gosnell [16:37]: "The Instant Pot is great for cutting down cook time with its walk-away factor, but the Dutch oven offers a more controlled and aesthetically pleasing cooking experience."

Closing Thoughts and Additional Resources

As the episode wraps up, Andy directs listeners to Food and Wine’s website for more Dutch oven recipes, including weeknight skillet chili and whole roasted chicken. He encourages exploring the February issue for further culinary inspiration.

Andy Gosnell [19:44]: "Go ahead and look up any recipes you can actually just search Dutch oven recipes on our site and a bunch of beautiful galleries will come together for anything from Weeknight Skillet chili to whole roasted chicken."

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Gosnell [02:50]: "Soups and stews and casseroles are really great options to lean on a lot of stuff that you already have... perfect for this cold, wintry season."

• Edith [09:41]: "I just walk freezing and into that wonderful warm scent of homemade pea soup."

• Naomi [19:24]: "I fully support this. If the world goes down, we'll all have our Dutch oven."

Conclusion:

"Easy Cold Weather Meals" offers a rich exploration of winter cooking, celebrating the Dutch oven's enduring versatility and sharing a tapestry of recipes and personal stories that embody the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to expand your repertoire, this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration to make the most of the winter season in the kitchen.