Podcast
Okayest Cook
Hosted by Okayest Podcast Network · EN
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.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Finding Your Place with Michael Zarick
Mar 901:08:23Tap to summarizeFood, Community, and Third Spaces with Michael Zarick (Third Space Indy) Host Chris Whonsetler welcomes Michael Zarick of Third Space Indy to the Okayest Cook podcast to continue a conversation on community and “third spaces” as places outside home and work that foster consistent connection and conversation. Michael shares notable meals from a new food-focused project with Amanda Gibson featuring Indianapolis restaurants Macizo and Wisanggeni Pawon, emphasizing owner stories and kitchen access, while Chris highlights a Greenfield coffee shop, Hitherto, filled with board games and game nights. They discuss why third spaces matter amid isolation, COVID-era habits, and phone-driven convenience, and how car-centric infrastructure, zoning, and suburban design discourage spontaneous community compared with pub culture and transit-rich cities. Michael describes merchandise plans (locally made mugs) intended to get people into local businesses, recalls Pizzeria Ruby in northwest Arkansas as a personal third space, and cites Flanner House’s Flanner Farms and Cleo’s Bodega addressing food access. They also touch on roller rinks, walking, bus riding, and Michael’s ideal model: Abby Reckard’s forthcoming Lille Bønne community space in a rezoned Dutch church. Find Michael: @Thirdspaceindy on Instagram Web: https://thirdspaceindy.com/ ~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch! https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/ Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~ 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 Cold Open and Sizzle 00:35 Meet Third Space Indy 01:38 Notable Meals and Food Show 04:15 Coffee Shop Third Place 06:55 What Makes a Third Space 10:16 Isolation and Why It Matters 12:50 Mugs That Get You Out 15:39 Food as Culture and Story 18:19 Pizzeria Ruby Community 24:11 Beyond Food Third Spacesn 31:50 Food Deserts and Flanner Farms 36:26 Why Third Spaces Matter 37:19 Skateland as Third Space 39:15 Intergenerational Rink Culture 40:23 Online Community Limits 41:46 Cars Kill Spontaneity 46:07 Pub Culture and Transit 49:00 Zoning and Missing Middle 52:02 Transit Benefits Everyone 53:41 Bus Serendipity and Bus Camp 56:23 Walkable Cities and Green Space 59:17 How to Make Friends IRL 01:01:05 Dream Third Space Li Labon 01:04:18 Final Shoutouts and Where to Find Him -- 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
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Combating food insecurity with Sierra Nuckols
Mar 101:04:32Tap to summarizeCommunity Food Box Project: Mutual Aid, Food Insecurity, and Food Apartheid Host Chris Whonsetler continues a conversation about community and commensality, connecting his lack of personal experience with food insecurity to the need to keep community needs front-of-mind. Guest Sierra Nuckols, an Indianapolis native, explains how her upbringing and interest in gardening led her to food justice work, including partnerships with urban growers and community gardens. She describes food apartheid as the historically rooted, racialized and class-based system behind “food deserts,” noting how food desert maps mirror redlining patterns. Sierra outlines the Community Food Box Project (under Cultivate Indy), emphasizing 24/7 access, easy-open high-protein donations, and biweekly volunteer meetups, plus plans for a live box-status map and upcoming March 7 fundraiser. They discuss donating regularly, attending local policy meetings, and simple habits like buying an extra item each grocery trip. Support the Community Food Box Project: https://bit.ly/4sdmiPb Food Box Map: https://bit.ly/46xP3Ok Social: https://www.instagram.com/communityfoodboxproject/ ~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch! https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/ Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~ 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 ~ Chapters: 00:00 Cold Open Banter 00:33 Podcast Intro Community 01:54 Food Insecurity Blind Spots 03:49 Meet Sierra Nuckols 06:12 Gardening and Local Food 07:13 Community Garden Partnerships 08:20 Food Apartheid Explained 13:37 Rooftop Garden Tangent 14:52 Notable Meals Roundup 19:33 Spotting the Food Boxes 21:09 Origins of Food Box Project 23:31 What to Donate and Why 26:47 Root Causes and Awareness 28:32 Practical Ways to Help 31:18 One Item Challenge 31:49 Volunteer Meetups 33:55 Recurring Donations 34:24 Interactive Box Map 36:06 Food Apartheid Explained 40:31 Grassroots Solutions 45:57 If Mutual Aid Disappears 51:39 Magic Wand Future Focus 56:06 Community Dinners Plans 58:01 Start a Pantry Anywhere 01:00:38 Asking for Help Safely 01:02:49 Final Call to Action Mentioned in Episode: -- 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
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Sunday Dinner with Strech
Feb 1400:59:25Tap to summarizeCommensality and Community: Dwayne Stretch on Sunday Dinner and Follow D Money Chris Whonsetler talks with Indianapolis community builder Dwayne “Stretch” Thalley about “commensality” — how eating together builds community and makes tough conversations easier by encouraging people to listen. Stretch shares his journey from Los Angeles to Indianapolis, his work connecting diverse networks, and how events like Sunday Dinner at Tinker Street and his earlier Breaking Bread dinners intentionally bring strangers together over food. They recap standout meals at Tinker Street (including a Black History Month chef collaboration, a shiitake custard tasting, and Sunday Dinner’s chicken-and-waffles pairing), discuss the need for respectful disagreement and safe spaces, and discuss why food lowers defenses and improves listening. Chapters: 00:00 Cold Open: “We’re Red” + Studio Banter 00:30 Welcome to Okayest Cook: Commensality & Why Food = Community 01:32 Meet Dwayne “Stretch” Thalley: Sunday Dinner as a Community Table 03:39 Stretch’s Two-Minute Bio: From LA to Indy, Defining Community as Family 05:37 Parenthood, COVID, and Relearning How to Be Social Again 07:59 Notable Meals: Black History Month Chef Collaboration at Tinker Street 11:04 Top-Five Bite: The Shiitake Custard Tasting Menu Rave 13:44 Inside Sunday Dinner #2: Seating Strangers, Chicken & Waffles, and Pairings 17:50 Sunday Dinner Origins: Breaking Bread Networking + How the Idea Came Together 23:37 Menu Memories & Stretch’s Mom’s “Secret Recipe” Layered Dessert 26:42 Why Dinner Works: Listening, Shared Joy, and Opening the Events to All 29:06 Building the Audience: Invites, Community Network, and Teasing Stretch’s Podcast 29:36 Can We Multiply Sunday Dinner? Building Community Through Conversation 30:27 Why ‘Follow D Money’ Exists: Telling Indiana Stories & Hosting Everyone 32:44 Diversity Makes a Stronger Community (and Better Perspectives) 33:51 Food as a Bridge: Collard Greens, Cultural Intentionality & Trust 36:58 How Food Disarms Conflict and Improves Hard Conversations 39:14 Food Insecurity in Indy: Awareness, Kids, and Community Responsibility 45:00 What’s Next: Sunday Dinner #3, Outdoor Picnic Vision & Breaking Bread Returns 50:40 Car Takeout Reviews vs. Shared Tables: The Food Influencer Debate 57:37 Closing: Where to Find Follow D Money + Keep Being a Safe Place Find Stretch: Web: https://followdmoney.com/ Personal: https://www.instagram.com/thalleyboy/?hl=en Follow D$: https://www.instagram.com/followdmoneypod/?hl=en Mentioned in Episode: Tinker Street: https://tinkerstreetrestaurant.com/ Keith Lee: https://www.instagram.com/keith_lee125/?hl=en -- 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
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Building A Stronger Relationship With Your Food: Jason Erman
Feb 601:11:04Tap to summarizeExploring the Fifth Quarter with Jason Erman In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler and co-host Andy Heiser chat with their guest, Jason Erman, an advocate for homesteading and nose-to-tail eating. Jason discusses his journey from culinary school to raising and butchering his own animals in Nevada County, California. The trio delve into utilizing lesser-known cuts of meat, commonly referred to as the fifth quarter, such as pig heads, hearts, and liver. Jason shares practical recipes and insights on optimal cooking techniques, the cultural shift in food consumption, and the importance of connecting with local farmers. The episode also touches on America’s national eating disorder and how returning to whole foods can enhance both diet and enjoyment. Find Guest: Social: https://www.instagram.com/nosetotailnevadacounty Mentioned in Episode: Jason Notable Meal of the Week: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTl3bYwj_W3/ No Way Jose 5th Quarter Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTwMhdSjtPX/?img_index=1 ~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch! https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/ Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~ 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 ~ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Coffee Concerns 00:30 Welcome to the Okayest Cook Podcast 01:06 Discussing the Four Pillars 02:11 Introducing Jason Erman 02:54 Jason's Homesteading Journey 05:58 Notable Meals and Bourbon 08:12 Cooking with Venison 11:11 Exploring Lamb and Sunchokes 21:10 The Importance of Resting Meat 28:10 Utilizing the Whole Animal 35:03 The Value of Butchering Your Own Meat 37:03 Exploring Uncommon Cuts at the Butcher Shop 37:51 Cooking Techniques for Heart and Other Organs 41:50 Overcoming Mental Hurdles with Organ Meats 46:32 The National Eating Disorder 50:04 The Importance of Knowing Your Food's Origin 57:57 Practical Tips for Eating Healthier 01:05:02 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 01:06:07 Scrapple: A Delicious Way to Use Odd Bits 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
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Boosting Baseline Energy: A Conversation with AJ Kazmierczak
Jan 2801:33:57Tap to summarizeBoosting Baseline Energy: Insights from The Coffee Viking In this episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, host Chris Whonsetler sits down with AJ Kazmierczak, also known as the Coffee Viking. They discuss a range of topics from their personal backgrounds and funny family traditions, to practical insights on boosting daily energy levels. AJ shares his journey as an entrepreneur and outdoorsman and provides valuable advice on maintaining energy through passion, activity, whole foods, and proper supplementation. They touch on the importance of cutting screen time, the potential benefits and pitfalls of caffeine and nicotine, and the recipe for a delicious venison breakfast casserole. This episode is packed with tips for enhancing daily vitality and overall well-being. Find AJ: https://www.instagram.com/the_coffeeviking https://1stphorm.com/coffeeviking Jenningsjava.com Lonewolfcustomgear.com ~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch! https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/ Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~ 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 ~ Chapters: 00:00 Podcast Kickoff and Introductions 00:45 Family Heritage and Backgrounds 01:29 Marriage and Name Changes 02:35 AJ Kazak: The Coffee Viking 04:16 The ATA Show and Business Insights 07:15 Notable Meals and Food Adventures 17:09 Energy and Wellness Tips 47:16 The Importance of Setting Realistic Goals 47:24 Learning from Elite Athletes 48:02 Adapting to Life's Phases 48:32 The Necessity of Flexibility 50:15 Balancing Family and Personal Goals 51:56 Maximizing Sleep and Recovery 58:01 The Impact of Screen Time 01:10:19 Exploring Nicotine and Cognitive Function 01:18:07 The Benefits of Physical Activity 01:23:41 Final Thoughts and Practical Tips 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
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Unlocking the Full Potential of Wild Game with John Wallace
Jan 2401:16:25Tap to summarizeUnlocking the Full Potential of Wild Game: Cooking Tips with John Wallace In this episode of the Okayest Cook podcast, host Chris Whonsetler welcomes John Wallace, known as the Wild Game Cook on social media, to discuss the intricacies of preparing and cooking wild game, particularly duck and goose. The discussion delves into John's career shift from conservation to wild game cooking, his popular recipes like Dove Sushi and Duck Leg Wontons, and actionable tips on field preparation, aging birds, and utilizing often-discarded parts like legs and inner organs. The episode emphasizes maximizing the yield from each hunt and transforming game meat into delectable, approachable dishes, offering listeners practical advice and innovative recipe ideas. Find John: Web: https://wildgamecook.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/wildgamecook/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wildgamecook ~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch! https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/ Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~ 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 ~ Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to the Okayest Cook Podcast 00:32 Meet John Wallace: The Wild Game Cook 01:18 John's Journey: From Conservation to Cooking 01:44 Dove Sushi and Wild Game Recipes 02:31 Self-Taught Cooking: Embracing the Home Cook Identity 04:04 Notable Meals: Perfecting the Omelet 05:51 Duck Leg Wontons: A New Recipe 12:22 Maximizing Your Waterfowl Harvest 20:45 The Fifth Quarter: Utilizing Hearts and Livers 30:30 Avoiding Steel Shot: Tips and Tools 36:37 Plucking and Cooking Whole Birds 37:40 Dealing with Pin Feathers and Plucking Techniques 40:56 Aging Birds and Preparing for Cooking 44:15 Cooking Techniques and Recipes for Waterfowl 46:41 Utilizing All Parts of the Bird 54:16 Addressing Food Waste and Ethical Hunting 01:03:11 Final Thoughts and Tips Mentioned in Episode: Dumpling Recipe: Steps: - Brine the legs in @himtnseasonings Gamebird and Poultry brine (OPTIONAL) - Debone the meat - Place chunks in food processor or grinder - Then add your ingredients to a bowl I like to use (approx): Meat (around 1/2lb) White Miso Paste (2-3tbsp) Minced garlic (1/2tbsp) Grated ginger (1/4tbsp) Fish sauce (1/4tbsp) Sesame oil (1/4tbsp) Green onions thinly chopped (2tbsp) Salt and pepper (pinch of each) Red chili flakes (to taste) Many of these can be left out, just play with it. Feel free to saute the green onions if you wish. Mix to incorporate. Place small amount of mixture in the center of a wonton wrapper. Wet 2 edges of your wonton wrapper. And then fold onto itself. Looks and presentation isn't all that important and you can watch videos online to see how to make them look nice. Place a little oil (~2tbsp) in a skillet. Add in your dumplings and sear the bottom side slightly. Then add 1/4c of water and add a lid to steam them for a couple mins. It doesnt take long to cook through. Shuffle them around to get all the edges cooked a little. Serve with @trybachans original! Feel free to add sesame seeds and or green onions to the dipping sauce. -- 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
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BHA Rendezvous Wild Game Cookoff with Jordan Linger
Jan 1400:58:24Tap to summarizeCooking Adventures at the BHA Rendezvous: Interview with Jordan Linger In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler chats with guest Jordan Linger about their experiences at the BHA Rendezvous, an annual event for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Jordan shares insights on the Wild Game Cookoff, discussing his North Carolina-inspired dishes and the cooking techniques he used with jet boil stoves. The conversation covers a variety of topics including hunting stories, the challenges of cooking for competitions, and future outdoor adventures. Listeners also get tips on participating in the Wild Game Cookoff, as well as Jordan’s favorite recipes like dove biscuits and gravy. Find Jordan: Social: https://www.instagram.com/tie_dyeandcamo BHA: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/Get-Involved/Chapters/north-carolina ~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch! https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/ Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~ 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 Introduction and Host's Update 01:07 Meet the Guest: Jordan Linger 01:32 Recent Culinary Adventures 05:06 Cooking Gear and Techniques 06:24 Jordan's Background and BHA Involvement 08:47 The Wild Game Cookoff Experience 10:47 Preparing for the Cookoff 14:03 Cooking Process and Challenges 31:31 Exploring Cooking Equipment Options 32:07 Camping Trip Cooking Experience 33:13 Cookoff Rules and Challenges 34:10 Judges' Feedback and Impressions 39:08 Unique Ingredients and Dishes 42:59 Future Hunting and Cooking Plans 47:46 Favorite Recipes and Cooking Tips 54:59 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts Mentioned in Episode: Jet Boil Genesis Basecamp System: https://jetboil.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/shop/stoves-systems/genesis-basecamp-system 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
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Escaping the Kitchen Rut with Nick Otto
Jan 701:04:52Tap to summarizeBreaking Culinary Ruts: From Midwest Kitchens to Global Flavors In this episode, Chris Whonsetler is joined by culinary enthusiast and fellow food podcaster, Nick Otto, to discuss and share insights on handling getting out of kitchen ruts, from simple technique changes to over the top showstoppers. They explore ideas like making kebabs, pastrami, and regional favorites such as pasties and bulgogi. They highlight more adventurous culinary endeavors like tartar and carpaccio, emphasizing a balance between simple tweaks and elaborate preparations for venison and other meats. The episode promises to shift how you think about wild game cooking and inspire fresh ideas for your kitchen adventures. Packed full of tips, humor, and shared personal experiences, the episode ends with a promise of more to come in part two. Find Nick: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntavore Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-huntavore/id1403496684 ~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch! https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/ Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~ 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 ~ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter 00:34 Welcome to Michigan: Meet Nick Otto 01:15 The Joy of Face-to-Face Conversations 02:27 Processing Deer and Making Sausage 03:06 Notable Meals: Sicilian Short Ribs and Tinned Salmon 06:52 Tinned Fish Tasting: Salmon and Tuna 16:04 Breaking Down Deer: From Quarters to Meals 17:02 Overcoming Kitchen Ruts: Tips and Tricks 28:50 Exploring Deli Meats: Pastrami and Roast Beef 33:11 Exploring Pastrami and Cured Meats 33:50 The Art of Meat Aging with Umai Dry 35:11 Challenges of Using Residential Refrigerators for Meat Drying 36:22 Sharing Salami and Sujuk Experiences 41:05 Making Pepperoni and Other Cured Meats 41:49 Steak Adjacent: Kebabs and Hand Pies 48:52 Innovative Meat Dishes: Euros and Bulgogi 56:55 Tartar and Carpaccio: A Culinary Adventure 01:03:14 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward to Part Two Mentioned in Episode: Sena Sea Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/72muABGeQEwouHG9Uws6Kd?si=b5f7e0c6ccad453f Link to Canned Salmon: https://www.senasea.com/products/smoked-salmon-tin-copper-river-combo Link to Amelias Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6e7YHABbqsSzHIdXMNjzDg?si=ef82e7fb6de84e05 Link to Amelias: https://ameliasbread.com/ FishWife Link: https://eatfishwife.com/ UmiDry: https://www.umaidry.com/pages/huntavore Outdoor Edge Wild Game Wednesday Pockets: https://www.outdooredge.com/blogs/wild-game-wednesday/venison-shank-pockets 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
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Culinary Storytelling with Holly Hearn
Jan 100:55:17Tap to summarizeWild Game Gourmet: In the Kitchen with Chef Holly Hearn In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler is joined by professional chef Holly Hearn, owner of Game Girl Gourmet. Holly discusses her journey into becoming a wild game chef, emphasizing the importance of storytelling through food and honoring culinary traditions. The conversation spans her experience on the TV show Chopped, the India Project with Blood Origins, and her unique approach to creating dishes inspired by the native habitats of wild game. Holly also shares insights on making dishes accessible and adaptable, and the challenges of cooking for different audiences including children. The episode provides valuable tips for both novice and experienced home cooks interested in incorporating wild game into their meals. Find Holly: Web: https://www.gamegirlgourmet.com/ Social: https://www.instagram.com/gamegirlgourmet ~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch! https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/ Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~ 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 Introduction and Host's Update 01:04 Guest Introduction: Holly Hearn 02:08 Holly's Culinary Adventures 03:56 Chris's Memorable Meal 05:40 Holly's Experience on Chopped 06:18 Wild Game Cooking Insights 09:08 Cultural and Historical Culinary Inspirations 15:38 Blood Origins India Project 28:39 Exploring the Diet of Animals 29:52 Tex-Mex with an Indian Twist 41:06 Cooking for the Camera vs. Cooking for People 46:47 Cooking for Kids and Picky Eaters 52:11 Final Thoughts 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
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Hands on Venison Butchering
Dec 601:19:25Tap to summarizeMastering Deer Butchery: A Hands-On GuideIn this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler is joined by Andy Heiser for an in-depth, hands-on breakdown of butchering a deer. The duo discusses the various cuts from the rear hindquarter and front shoulder, offers tips and tricks for meat preparation, and emphasizes the importance of understanding where your food comes from. Chris and Andy also share notable meal experiences and discuss different recipes and cooking techniques for venison. They cover essential equipment, safety tips, and the importance of properly trimming and cleaning meat for optimal flavor and quality. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for hunters and home cooks looking to maximize their yield and culinary experience from hunting. Mentioned in Episode: - Meat Eater Cookbook: https://store.themeateater.com/products/the-meateater-fish-and-game-cookbook?variant=42137336283234 - Yeti Bowl Affiliate Link: https://yetius.pxf.io/o42nme- Anova Vac Sealer Affiliate Link: https://alnk.to/3njQBc7 - MEAT! Grinder Affiliate Link: https://alnk.to/eZJRl43 - Outdoor Edge 20% off Code: OKC20- Blade Roast Highlight Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRrsb3ogALU/?igsh=ZTJuMXB3YWE1cWVo - Jeremiah Doughty: https://www.instagram.com/fromfieldtoplate - Browning Meat Wrong: https://open.spotify.com/episode/51vndcELPel7myHCioU2WQ?si=55e663eb1cd4448e Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup 00:42 Hunting Season Updates 01:10 Breaking Down the Deer 02:37 Notable Meals and Drinks 06:41 Butchering Techniques and Tips 15:49 Tools and Equipment for Butchering 34:22 Packaging and Storing Meat 41:29 Tying the Shank and Cooking Tips 41:50 Pulled Meat Recipe with Shanks 43:09 Using Bones for Dogs and Stock 44:27 Processing the Front Shoulder 47:34 Cleaning and Preparing Meat for Grinding 50:07 Maximizing Meat Yield and Storage Tips 01:07:48 Final Thoughts and Conclusion ~ Support Okayest Cook by grabbing some of our new merch! https://shop-okayestcook.square.site/Shopping with our favorite brand via affiliate links is also a huge help ~ 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
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