The Dinner Plan

Anna Hezel's new book is full of fun party food you can serve when you're entertaining—and this conversation with Anna offers tips for hosting without stress. Learn how Anna likes to serve party food in courses of quick snacks, heartier appetizers and warm dishes, and even dessert, and get her thoughts on the things we can learn from cocktail parties of generations past. If you've been in a cooking rut, it could be that planning a casual gathering is exactly what you need: "Asking yourself the question of, 'what do I want to cook for my friends?’ is a good answer," Anna says, "to the question of 'what do I want to cook for myself?'" Get Anna's matrimonio tartine recipe on The Dinner Plan's newsletter at TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com—you'll need to scroll all the way down.____Thanks to this week's sponsors:Made In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer.Nice Cans: Get 20% off Nice Cans sardines by using code DINNERPLAN20 at JustNiceCans.comFind In the Test Kitchen from America's Test Kitchen wherever you listen to podcasts and on Netflix. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spice importer Sana Javeri Kadri and her team traveled for four and a half months across the length and breadth of India and Sri Lanka to learn family recipes from the spice farmers she works with. They joined a wedding feast in Kashmir and a pakora party in Gujarat, toured a women's market in Manipur, and learned to make fish puffs like the ones at a legendary Sri Lankan bakery. In this episode of The Dinner Plan, Sana shares the bites and cooking techniques that surprised her most during these travels—and how, back in California, they were translated into a cookbook for an American audience. Sana also mentions the recipes she leans on most when cooking at home for her stepdaughters. Get a preview of The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook on this week's newsletter at TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com.___Thanks to this week's sponsors:Dirty Labs: Use code THEDINNERPLAN to get 15% off your first order at dirtylabs.com.Made In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer.Find Not from Concentrate wherever you listen to podcasts and at CatherineSmart.Substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cookbook author and content creator Maxine Sharf organized her new cookbook, Maxi's Kitchen, by day of the week. Easy recipes for Mondays anticipate lower energy and keep things simple, while Tuesday recipes cut down on dishes. Wednesday mixes things up a bit, and Thursday is date night, with restaurant-worthy dishes you can make at home. Listen to the full episode to learn how she plots the rest of the week, the important thing she does before serving every meal, and why she thinks it's worth building up a regular repertoire of dinner ideas of your own. For Maxine's easy teriyaki chicken meatballs recipe and a list of her favorite cookbooks, head to TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com.____Thanks to today's sponsors:Find LaBelle Patrimoine chicken at Whole Foods or GrownAsPromised.comBrooklyn Delhi: Use code DINNERPLAN15 for 15% off your order at BrooklynDelhi.com.Made In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer.Find Brami’s made-in-Italy protein pasta at Costco or wherever you shop. Get Franklin Farms Ready Bake Tofu Kits wherever you buy groceries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ella Quittner conducted around 1500 recipe tests as a part of her research for her new book, Obsessed With the Best. In this episode of The Dinner Plan, Ella and host Maggie Hoffman discuss the pros and cons of the internet's preoccupation with pronouncing certain foods and cooking techniques "the best," and what Ella was looking for as she attempted to figure out the best roast chicken, crispy smashed potatoes, and other favorite dishes. Ella shares one game-changing pantry staple that’s worth adding to your pantry, the struggle meals she makes when she's out of energy at dinner time, and the weird and fun dinner party tradition she's started with a few friends. Get Ella's Definitely Not a Lasagna and vodka sauce recipe at TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com.____Thanks to today's sponsors:Rouxbe Online Culinary School: Get 30% off your first course with code DINNERPLAN30 at Rouxbe.comFind LaBelle Patrimoine chicken at Whole Foods or GrownAsPromised.comStone and Skillet English Muffins: Check stoneandskillet.com for a store locator.Find Franklin Farms Veggie Balls and Veggie Burgers in the refrigerated aisle. Store locator: FranklinFarms.com/where-to-buyMade In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you find feeding your kid frustrating, you're absolutely not alone. In this episode of The Dinner Plan, host Maggie Hoffman interviews cookbook author Phoebe Lapine, who is also the voice behind the Munch Menus newsletter on Substack. Phoebe's menu system helps busy parents figure out kid dinners, and in this conversation, she shares her advice for increasing variety if your child is picky (perhaps the word "rigid" is a better one.) She also talks about the ways her experience with auto-immune disease and SIBO changed her thinking about food and home cooking. Listen for Phoebe's favorite store-bought shortcuts for easy dinners, how she strategizes using the freezer to make weeknights less stressful, and how the logistics actually work in her family's busy schedule. Get Phoebe's favorite sheet-pan chicken recipe from Carbivore here at TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com.___Thanks to today's sponsors:Rouxbe Online Culinary School: Get 30% off your first course with code DINNERPLAN30 at Rouxbe.comMade In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer.Find Franklin Farms Veggie Balls and Veggie Burgers in the refrigerated aisle. Store locator: FranklinFarms.com/where-to-buyListen to The Side Dish from America’s Test Kitchen on your favorite podcast app or watch on Netflix. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They call Naoko Takei Moore "Mrs. Donabe"—she’s taught classes on cooking with these Japanese clay pots, and wrote the first English-language book on the topic. Her new book, Simply Donabe, focuses on simple one-pot meals made in the donabe. In this week’s episode of The Dinner Plan podcast, host Maggie Hoffman asks Naoko about the advantages of donabe cooking, the best things to cook in the pot, and how she chooses between the many types of miso she always keeps on hand in the fridge. Over on The Dinner Plan's newsletter, you'll get Naoko's recipe for salmon steamed over quinoa. Find it at TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com.____Thanks to this week's sponsors:Aunt Fannie’s cleaning supplies are available on Thrive Market and Amazon or AuntFannies.comMade In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer.Society Insurance: Find your local agent at SocietyInsurance.comCatch The Side Dish from America’s Test Kitchen on Netflix or wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jerrelle Guy was in the midst of a serious case of burnout when she began to dream up her new book, We Fancy. It's not a cookbook highlighting high-end ingredients or elaborate meals—it’s about finding magic in everyday weeknight dinners. In this episode of The Dinner Plan, Jerrelle talks to host Maggie Hoffman about how to calm your nervous system if your kitchen is stressing you out, what to make for dinner when time and energy is limited, and the ways that creativity in the kitchen relates to the kind of creative flow she feels as an artist. Get Jerrelle's jerk mushroom taco recipe and her cookbook recommendations for free on our newsletter at TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com.____Thanks to this week's sponsors:Stone and Skillet English Muffins: Check stoneandskillet.com for a store locator.Made In Cookware: Head to https://madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chef Vivian Howard has written two cookbooks—and now she's the star of a public television series called Kitchen Curious. But she still struggles with the challenge of cooking on busy weeknights. In Episode 82 of The Dinner Plan, Vivian chats with host Maggie Hoffman about her real-life dinner routine, the way she's cut down her grocery spending, and some important fridge safety tips that she learned in professional kitchens. Get links to Vivian's recipe recommendations and favorite cookbooks at TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com.____Thanks to today's sponsors:Rouxbe Online Culinary School: Save 30% on any course over $50 with code DINNERPLAN30 at Rouxbe.comFind LaBelle Patrimoine chicken at Whole Foods or GrownAsPromised.comFind Brami’s made-in-Italy protein pasta at Costco or wherever you shop. Learn more at EnjoyBrami.comSociety Insurance: Find your local agent at SocietyInsurance.comMade In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chef Natasha Pickowicz always wants to bring people together, and her new book, Everyone Hot Pot, shows you how to host a truly impressive night of hot pot with zero stress. In this episode of The Dinner Plan, host Maggie Hoffman chats with Natasha about why hot pot is such a perfect low-key way of entertaining, and gets all her advice for the hot pot equipment you need, what to buy and prep in advance, and how to make the whole hot pot party even more fun. Get Natasha's recipe for more-than-just-scallion pancakes for dipping into the broth for free at The Dinner Plan's newsletter: TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com.____Thanks to this week's sponsors:Made In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer.Brooklyn Delhi: Use code DINNERPLAN15 for 15% off your order at BrooklynDelhi.comGuittard Chocolate: Use code DINNERPLAN15 for 15% off at Guittard.comHouse Foods: Find House Foods tofu and tofu hot pot kits wherever you buy groceries, or get more info at house-foods.com.Society Insurance: Find your local agent at SocietyInsurance.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Kitchen Cupboard Chef by Theo A. Michaels focuses on pantry recipes: dishes that highlight your stash of beans, tinned fish, and canned tomatoes. In this episode of The Dinner Plan, Theo shares favorite cupboard staples, and the cooking techniques he's learned to help them shine. He also shares advice for cooking with kids: While it's not going to be "rainbows and unicorns" he says, Theo strongly believes that cooking is an essential life skill that all kids need to learn. Get all the links from this show and Theo's recipe for Greek-style baked butter beans for free on The Dinner Plan's newsletter at TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com.___Thanks to today's sponsors:Heyday Canning Co.: Get 20% off Saucy Beans variety packs with code DINNERPLAN20 at Heydaycanning.comMade In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer.Aunt Fannie’s cleaning supplies are available on Thrive Market and Amazon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You eat 21 meals a week, Jenn Lueke points out, which is a lot of choices to make. Jenn's new book, Don’t Think About Dinner, aims to ease the decision fatigue and help you create a low-stress meal planning routine. On this episode of The Dinner Plan, Jenn talks to host Maggie Hoffman about how to fit meal-planning into your schedule, why your wallet will thank you, and how a kitchen reorg can really help your day-to-day cooking routine. She shares favorite creators to follow and cookbooks to add to your bookshelf, too. Head to TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com to win a copy of Jenn's book or an annual subscription to her popular Substack, The Eat Goood Newsletter.____Thanks to today's sponsors:The Zero Proof: Use code DINNERPLAN20 for 20% off at TheZeroProof.comFind Row 7 vegetables at Whole Foods or visit Row7Seeds.com to find the closest store near you.Made In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer.Early Bird Granola: Save 15% on your order with code DINNERPLAN15 at EarlyBirdFoods.comRouxbe: Save 30% on any course over $50 with code DINNERPLAN30 at Rouxbe.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've ever rushed into the kitchen and frantically tried to throw dinner together—or if that's how you always cook—you know that feeling of fight-or-flight doesn't actually make for a tastier meal. Nicki Sizemore, the author of Mind, Body, Spirit, Food, chats with The Dinner Plan's host Maggie Hoffman about how she gets out of that state of stress at the end of the day—and gets more out of the cooking process as a result. Nicki shares advice for getting through the dark days of winter, tips on cooking when you just don't feel inspired, and a few recipes she loves to make when the weather's cold. Head to The Dinner Plan's newsletter at TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com for a recipe from Nicki and a chance to win a copy of the book.____Thanks to this week's sponsors:The Zero Proof: Use code DINNERPLAN20 for 20% off at TheZeroProof.comMade In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer.Rouxbe: Save 30% on any course over $50 with code DINNERPLAN30 at Rouxbe.comEarly Bird Granola: Save 15% on your order with code DINNERPLAN15 at EarlyBirdFoods.comAunt Fannie's cleaning supplies are available on Thrive Market and AmazonFind Franklin Farms’ new Organic Super Firm Tofu wherever you buy groceries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even if you really want to getting more organized about your daily meals, creating a meal-planning and meal-prepping routine from scratch can feel like a lot. But Coco Morante's new book, The Instant Kitchen Meal Prep Cookbook, takes a lot of that work off your plate with 10 full weeks of meal plans and shopping lists, ready to go. On the 77th episode of The Dinner Plan, host Maggie Hoffman talks to Coco about the way meal prepping has transformed her routine, how it can facilitate an easier division of household responsibilities, and her notes on which ingredients keep really well in the fridge (and which just don't.) Get a preview of the book over at TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com___Thanks to this week's sponsors:The Zero Proof: Use code DINNERPLAN20 for 20% offAunt Fannie's cleaning supplies are available on Thrive Market and AmazonLaBelle Patrimoine: Find these heritage-breed chickens at Whole Foods and GrownasPromised.comMade In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Dinner Plan, host Maggie Hoffman talks to Debra Borden, a licensed clinical social worker whose book, Cooking As Therapy, describes how she uses cooking as a tool to unlock whatever her clients are struggling with. Through the use of mindfulness, metaphor, and mastery, cooking can lead to breakthroughs. Learn the core tenets of Debra's practice, plus tips for dealing with the stress of holiday get-togethers with family. For a chance to win a copy of Debra's book, head to TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com.___Thanks to this week's sponsors:The Zero Proof: Use code DINNERPLAN20 for 20% off at TheZeroProof.comRouxbe: Save 30% on any cooking course over $50 with code DINNERPLAN30 at Rouxbe.comMade In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flora Shedden, who you might remember from The Great British Bake Off, opened the acclaimed ARAN Bakery in the heart of Scotland when she was just 21. She’s the author of Gatherings, Aran, Supper, and the new cookbook, Winter in the Highlands: Eating, Drinking and Celebrating in Scotland. In this episode of The Dinner Plan, Flora shares favorite holiday food traditions, ways to get ahead when you're hosting, and the cookbooks she finds most inspiring. Get two recipes from Flora's book over at our newsletter: TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com._____Thanks to today's sponsors:LaBelle Patrimoine: Find these heritage-breed chickens at Whole Foods and GrownasPromised.comGuittard Chocolate: Use code DINNERPLAN15 for 15% off at Guittard.comMade In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer.Rouxbe: Save 30% on any course over $50 with code DINNERPLAN30 at Rouxbe.comZassenhaus Classic Bread Slicer: Get 10% off the Zassenhaus Classic Manual Bread Slicer on Amazon (https://amzn.to/48S3heh) through the end of 2025 by entering code BW5IRSLO at checkout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joshua Russ Tupper is the 4th-generation co-owner of Russ & Daughters, the iconic New York City appetizing shop, and the co-author of the cookbook Russ & Daughters: 100 Years of Appetizing. In this episode, Josh talks to host Maggie Hoffman about the ultimate fishy bite from the shop, his go-to brunch moves and holiday appetizer favorites, his thoughts on hosting a latke party for Hanukkah and the very best recipes for winter cooking, plus lots of family stories from 100 years in the business. Get two recipes from Russ & Daughters and a chance to win the book at The Dinner Plan's newsletter at TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com.___Thanks to this week's sponsors: Rouxbe.com: Save 30% on any course over $50 with code DINNERPLAN30Frog Hollow Farm: Save 10% on your order with code DINNERPLAN10 at FrogHollow.comFind Row 7 vegetables at Whole Foods or visit Row7Seeds.com to find the closest store near you.Early Bird Granola: Save 15% on your order with code DINNERPLAN15 for 15% off at EarlyBirdFoods.comMade In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the 73rd episode of The Dinner Plan podcast, Alex Snodgrass of The Defined Dish shares her winter salad formula, a few favorite low-lift weeknight meals, and her family's essential December food tradition. Her most important holiday entertaining advice? It's all about a strategic menu that doesn't require everything to be prepped last minute. Twice-baked potatoes are your friend. Get a few weeknight recipes from Alex and a chance to win her book, Dinner Tonight, at The Dinner Plan's newsletter on Substack.___Thanks to today’s sponsors:Rouxbe: Save 30% on any cooking course over $50 with code DINNERPLAN30 at Rouxbe.comGuittard Chocolate: Use code DINNERPLAN15 for 15% off at Guittard.comFrog Hollow: Save 10% on your order with code DINNERPLAN10 at FrogHollow.comMade In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tamar Adler's new book, Feast on Your Life, captures 365 moments of delight in the kitchen. Looking for those moments of goodness in the necessary practice of feeding oneself, Tamar Adler says, “ended up being super lucky because when you’re depressed, even if you’re a food writer, you know, you don’t really want to cook, you don’t want to do anything. And so it was this secret mind trick that really changed my life.” In the 72nd episode of The Dinner Plan, Tamar chats with host Maggie Hoffman about the simple things she cooks in winter, the reasons she come back to cooking over and over, and the very best way to cook spinach. Get the recipe and a chance to win the book over at TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com.___Thanks to this week's sponsors:The Zero Proof: Use code DINNERPLAN20 for 20% off at TheZeroProof.comEarly Bird Granola: Use code DINNERPLAN15 for 15% off at EarlyBirdFoods.comSaturday Sauce: Use code DINNERPLAN20 for 20% off when you purchase two jars at Sababa-Foods.comMade In Cookware: Head to madein.cc/dinnerplan to unlock your discount offer.Rintaro: Japanese Food from an Izakaya in California by Sylvan Mishima Brackett is available on Bookshop or wherever you buy books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kat Craddock, editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine, has one main piece of Thanksgiving advice: "Revel in the shortcuts, and take the time to do the things that matter to you," she says. "And get started earlier than you think you should." On this episode of The Dinner Plan, Kat shares pie-making advice, quick dinners to eat in November, and the story of how she made scratch-and-sniff happen in the latest issue of the magazine. Get a chance to win that issue—plus some other fun Saveur merch—on TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com.___Thanks to today's sponsors:Frog Hollow: Save 10% on your order with code DINNERPLAN10 at FrogHollow.comRouxbe: Save 30% on any course over $50 with code DINNERPLAN30 at Rouxbe.comMade In: Save up to 30% off during the Black Friday sale until December 7th at MadeInCC/dinnerplanWildly Virgin Olive Oil: use code DINNERPLAN15 for 15% off at WildlyVirgin.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Episode 70 of The Dinner Plan, host Maggie Hoffman talks with Toni Chapman, @themoodyfoody on Instagram, and author of Everything's Good. “Cooking is at the intersection of everything in our lives,” Toni says. "Approaching it with care and love and learning just makes it better." Toni shares holiday recipe favorites, soups she loves, and thoughts on dialing down Thanksgiving stress. Get all the links, Toni's signature cornbread recipe, and discount codes at TheDinnerPlan.Substack.com.___Thanks to this week's sponsors:Lapo’s Espresso Martini: Get 20% off your order with code DINNERPLAN20 at TheZeroProof.com.Save on sets at Goldilocks Cookware (CookGoldilocks.com)Find LaBelle Patrimoine chicken at Whole Foods or at GrownAsPromised.comFind Cangshan’s Kita Series knives at at CangshanCutlery.com and Crate and BarrelWildly Virgin: Use code DINNERPLAN15 for 15% off Portuguese olive oils at WildlyVirgin.comZassenhaus Classic Manual Bread Slicer: get 10% off on Amazon with code BW5IRSLO at checkout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.