The Joy of Cooking Podcast: Episode Summary Title: We Are Joined At The Table With Liz Crain: Inspired By The Holidays
Release Date: December 18, 2024
Hosts: Megan Scott, Jon Becker, Shannon Larson
Guest: Liz Crane

Introduction

In this special holiday edition of The Joy of Cooking Podcast, hosted by Megan Scott, Jon Becker, and Shannon Larson, the team takes a festive detour to celebrate the season with guest Liz Crane. The episode delves into holiday culinary traditions, fermentation passion projects, favorite recipes from Joy of Cooking, and a delightful tasting segment featuring icebox cookies.

Welcoming Liz Crane

The episode kicks off with the hosts introducing Liz Crane, a renowned cookbook author and co-founder of the Portland Fermentation Festival. Liz shares her extensive background in food writing, recipe development, and her love for fermentation.

Liz Crane (07:17):
"I love food and I am a cookbook author. I've written, co-authored different cookbooks such as Toro Bravo, The Tasty Cookbook, Fermentor Cookbook Book, Dumplings Equal Love, and Food Lovers Guide to Portland. I'm also the co-founder and organizer of the Portland Fermentation Festival."

Exploring Fermentation

Liz elaborates on her journey into fermentation, inspired by Sandor Katz's Wild Fermentation. She discusses the intricacies of fermenting various foods and the sensory experiences it offers.

Liz Crane (08:02):
"Fermentation is so sensorial. You're learning to trust your senses—smell, sight, and even sound. It's always a surprise, much like the anticipation of what might be under the holiday tree."

The conversation touches on her efforts to make fermentation accessible, especially for children, highlighting the festival's "bacterial petting zoo."

Jon Becker (10:16):
"I admire how Liz manages her fermentation projects, especially the long-term ferments like Shoyu or Dobanjang. It's inspiring how she balances quantity and quality."

Holiday Recipes and Traditions

The hosts and Liz share their cherished holiday recipes and family traditions, emphasizing the blend of old and new culinary practices.

Shannon Larson (35:25):
"Cranberry sauce is the unsung hero of the holiday table. It brings everything together with its bright and tangy flavor."

Jon Becker (38:27):
"We make our special eggnog every year. It's boozy and perfect for holiday gatherings."

Liz introduces unique family traditions from Cincinnati, including a fermented soda challenge and Cincinnati chili with dumplings.

Liz Crane (36:17):
"We always make dumplings with our Cincinnati chili buffet style. It's a fun and time-honored tradition that brings us together every Christmas."

Tasting Segment: Icebox Cookies

Megan Scott presents her homemade icebox cookies in three flavors: cranberry ginger with orange glaze, lime cardamom, and chocolate. The group tastes and discusses the versatility and nostalgic value of icebox cookies.

Megan Scott (14:13):
"These icebox cookies have been enjoyed since 1931. They're forgiving and perfect for experimenting with different flavors, making them a staple for holiday baking."

Shannon Larson (15:38):
"I love how the orange glaze adds a beautiful striped pattern. It's as delicious as it is visually appealing."

Holiday Cooking Tips and Q&A

The hosts and Liz address various holiday cooking questions, offering practical tips and sharing their expertise.

Question: How to prevent pizzelles from tasting like anise cardboard?
Megan Scott (41:00):
"Toast the anise seeds before adding them to the dough to enhance their flavor. Alternatively, consider making them homemade with a pizzelle iron for fresher taste."

Question: How to cook a 25-pound turkey at 6,000 feet elevation?
Jon Becker (44:46):
"Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure doneness, and cook at a moderate temperature like 325°F to accommodate the altitude and size of the turkey."

Liz Crane (49:42):
"A pickle platter and fizzy ferments like kombucha can add bright flavors and textures to a heavy holiday meal."

Favorite Recipes from Joy of Cooking

Liz shares her top picks from Joy of Cooking, highlighting seasonal favorites and innovative twists.

Liz Crane (21:24):
"My seasonal favorite is the green tomato chow chow. It's the only true good green tomato recipe I love, and I now use it in place of pimentos for pimento cheese."

Megan Scott (22:27):
"Buttermilk cheddar scallion biscuits with crispy cheddar feet are a hit in my household. They're perfect for egg sandwiches and bring a lovely texture to the table."

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Dishes and Projects

As the episode nears its end, the hosts discuss what they're excited to cook in the coming weeks, sharing personal projects and inspirations.

Megan Scott (51:07):
"I'm excited to make haluski, a Polish dish of caramelized onions, cabbage, and egg noodles. It's simple, rich, and perfect for the cold weather."

Liz Crane (53:07):
"I'm finishing up a cookbook and testing the Lizzo salad this week. It's a vegan salad with massaged kale, hemp seeds, and a nice vinaigrette."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listeners to share their holiday cooking stories and recipes. They remind everyone to tune in next week for answers to the salmon hotline question and to celebrate the season with delicious food and joyful gatherings.

Megan Scott (54:14):
"Call our hotline at 503-395-8858 to share your holiday recipes, stories, or cooking questions. We love hearing from you!"

Shannon Larson (54:27):
"A big thank you to our fantastic team at the Joy of Creating Production House. Happy holidays, everyone!"

Notable Quotes

• Shannon Larson (35:25):
  "Cranberry sauce is the unsung hero of the holiday table. It brings everything together with its bright and tangy flavor."

• Liz Crane (08:02):
  "Fermentation is so sensorial. You're learning to trust your senses—smell, sight, and even sound. It's always a surprise."

• Megan Scott (14:13):
  "These icebox cookies have been enjoyed since 1931. They're forgiving and perfect for experimenting with different flavors."

This episode of The Joy of Cooking Podcast offers a warm and insightful exploration of holiday culinary traditions, the art of fermentation, and the enduring legacy of Joy of Cooking. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just beginning your culinary journey, this episode provides valuable tips, inspiring stories, and delicious recipe ideas to enhance your holiday celebrations.