Cook It Real Good

This week's episode is all about toffee!The holidays are coming up and toffee makes a wonderful treat to share or to give us gifts to friends and family.I chat with Heather from Browned Butter Blondie who shares all her tips and tricks for making toffee successfully.  Heather has a long history with toffee, including owning a toffee business, so she definitely knows her stuff!We chat ingredients, toppings, common mistakes and how to store toffee to keep it fresh for weeks.Grab all the links discussed in today's episode from cookitrealgood.com/63.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode is a rewind episode.  I'm taking us all the way back to episode 15 where I chatted to Lauren from the food blog Hunger Thirst Play about making holiday cooking easier.Even though the holidays may look a little bit different this year, many of you have told me you're excited to keep traditions alive, even if that means making a large feast and delivering it to the door step of your family members.     Lauren shares some wonderful tips on how to make holiday cooking as stress free as possible, so if you missed out on this episode originally you won't want to miss out!All the links discussed are in the show notes - cookitrealgood.com/15. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode is all about Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is coming up in just a few weeks for all my American friends, so I reached out to Barbara from Barbara Bakes to share her tips about how to prepare for the big day. Barbara shares a lot of tips on how to pull the meal together without stress, and she also has some great ideas for those who's celebrations look a bit different this year with a smaller group.The holidays this year may look a little different this year, but that doesn't mean they can't still be special.  I hope this episode gives you some ideas of how to have a scaled down feast without sacrificing on any of your favourites!Get all the links discussed in today's episode by visiting the show notes - cookitrealgood.com/61.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode is all about bringing the flavours of the world to your home cooking.  I chat with Laura and Sarah from the food blog Wandercooks who share tips on how to get a taste for different cuisines when we aren't travelling, where to source unique ingredients and how to create special food experiences at home.  2020 has been far from the year of travel and I know many of us have itchy feet wondering when we'll be able to jump on a plane to a far off destination next.  But while we wait, eating delicious dishes from around the world at home seems like a great compromise.Grab all the links discussed in this episode by visiting the show notes - cookitrealgood.com/60.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode is all about Italian cooking!I chat with Marcella from the food blog Marcellina in Cucina.  Marcella shares her knowledge of Italian cooking and family recipes on her blog, and was so kind to share them with us in today's chat.Fair warning - this episode is going to make you very very hungry!Get all the links discussed in today's episode by visiting the show notes - cookitrealgood.com/59. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode is all about shortcuts to getting dinner on the table!I chat with Lorie from the food blog Lemons + Zest.  Lorie believes that delicious, homemade food does not have to be a chore. Her recipes are simple, and no nonsense—if she can’t make it with a toddler attached to her leg, then it’s not happening.Lorie spills her secrets for how she feeds her family night after night efficiently and without stress.  You're going to love this episode!Get all the links discussed in today's episode by visiting the show notes - cookitrealgood.com/58.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode is a little bit different!  We're chatting about mindfulness in relation to cooking. I chat with Ada, founder of Marmalade + Kindness.  Ada is an accredited mindfulness teacher and shares her advice for incorporating mindful cooking into our daily life, as well as tips for sustainability in the kitchen.  If you've found yourself feeling stressed out at meal times, or have been trying to add meditation and mindfulness into your day, you'll love this episode.For all the links discussed in today's episode head to cookitrealgood.com/57.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode is all about baking!I chat with Vee from Vee the Baker who shares all her advice for baking beginners.  We discuss what tools every baker should have, the ingredients to have on hand that will get you baking a whole host of things and also some good beginners recipes.  Oh and probably the most fun part - how to rescue baking flops!Get all the links discussed by visiting the show notes - cookitrealgood.com/56.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode is all about baking bread!Bread baking at home has had quite the resurgence over the past few years, but especially during the pandemic.  I chat with Rachel Ballard from Feast and Farm who shares her advice for how to get started and all the essentials that will help you along the way. If you've ever thought about making a sourdough starter, or saw people on Instagram baking bread and thought "hey I can do that", the good news is you can and with Rachel's tips you'll be well on your way!Get all the links discussed in today's episode by visiting cookitrealgood.com/55.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is all about chef secrets that actually make a difference in your home cooking.I chat with Nicole Schwegman, host of the podcast BFF with the Chef. Nicole is a home chef and food enthusiast who celebrates with her stomach and travels with her taste buds. On BFF with the Chef, she aims to help people benefit from the knowledge she seeks out every day, bringing them the very best inspiration, guidance, and tips from the chefs and culinary professionals she admires.Nicole shares so many helpful tips that will transform your cooking.  You'll love this one!Get all the links discussed in today's episode head to cookitrealgood.com/54.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode is for anyone who's ever found themselves frustrated at having to make dinner night after night… ok yes that's all of us!I chat with Kendra Adachi, the New York Times Bestselling author of The Lazy Genius Way and creator of The Lazy Genius Podcast. As a systems expert and professional permission giver, Kendra helps others stop doing it all for the sake of doing what matters. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and three kids.Kendra shares her tips for how to actually enjoy making dinner rather than it being chore.  I know you're going to love this one.Grab all the links discussed in today's episode by visiting the show notes - cookitrealgood.com/53.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is all about chicken!I chat with Natasha Bull from the popular food blog Salt and Lavender. If you've searched for a chicken recipe online chances are you've come across one of Natasha's.  Salt & Lavender is all about tasty recipes that are made from scratch and easy to prepare.  Natasha believes that delicious recipes made from good quality ingredients shouldn't have to be complicated or overly time-consuming.  She strives to  make her recipes approachable for the average cook with easy-to-find ingredients and clear instructions.Natasha's readers love a good chicken recipe and I knew she was the woman I had to speak to to give us the breakdown on cooking with chicken.I'll be the first to admit I've had quite a journey when it comes to chicken.  I used to notoriously overcook it as I was scared of salmonella and food poisoning but really the only thing I was at risk of was dry bland chicken. Natasha and I chat about the pain points people have when it comes to cooking chicken, chicken safety, what cut of chicken is best for what recipe and cooking tips to getting it perfect every time. Get all the links discussed in today's episode at cookitrealgood.com/52. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is all about how to keep fresh food fresh for longer. I chat with MarisaMoore from MarisaMoore.com.Marisa is a registered dietitian nutritionist living in Atlanta, GA. She uses her blog to share (mostly) vegetarian recipes and credible nutrition information.I was lucky enough to meet Marisa on a bus last year at the Everything Food Conference in Utah and I'm so glad I did because I've learnt so much from her already. Recently she shared an Instagram video about keeping food fresh and I just knew I had to get her on the podcast to share these tips with you guys. The majority of us are still trying to avoid going to the grocery store as much as we used too pre-covid, and I know I'm not the only one who is aiming to reduce food waste as much as possible.  This episode will give you so many great ideas to take away and start applying immediately.Head to the show notes for all the links discussed - cookitrealgood.com/51. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A little check in to let you know about upcoming episodes for season 2 and to introduce The Cooking Hotline!If you've ever had a burning question for myself or one of my guests, here's your chance to ask it!I want to hear all your cooking questions in voice memo form.  It can be anything! You've got questions, I want to give you answers.  Share yours by recording a memo and sending it via email to cassie@cookitrealgood.com for a chance to be featured on an upcoming episode.  You can easily record a memo right on your smartphone using the "Voice Memo" app -- no fancy recording equipment needed.  Give us your name, where you're from and your question.  I look forward to hearing from you!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is all about common baking problems and how to solve them.I chat with Sylvie from A Baking Journey.  Sylvie was born in Belgium and moved to Melbourne here in Australia in 2014.  She is an architect-turned-baker and owner of the blog A Baking Journey, where she develops and shares delicious sweet and savoury baking recipes with a French twist. Her goal is to make baking accessible to anyone! Sylvie is my go-to when I come across baking problems myself, and I've spent hours talking to her about the pitfalls that can happen when we mistakenly use baking soda instead of baking powder, or if our oven isn't calibrated correctly. So I thought it might be helpful if we break down the things that can go wrong in baking, and how to fix them to ensure it doesn't happen next time.  Baking is a science, and there are many intricate things at play during the process.  But don't let that put you off baking from scratch.  Using reliable recipes from wonderful bakers like Sylvie, and following the tips in today's episode will have you on your way to delicious baked goods every time. Get all the links discussed in today's episode by visiting the show notes - cookitrealgood.com/50.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is all about how to make better dinners with less fuss!That's my guest Paula's motto and one that I think we can all get behind. Paula Hingley is a former chef turned food blogger and YouTuber. She started How To Make Dinner as a way of helping home cooks streamline their dinner making process by introducing them to the clever tricks and techniques used in professional kitchens. Also, it has been her lifelong dream to have her own cooking show. Since finishing culinary school in 2005, Paula has cooked in an eclectic variety of kitchens. From luxury hotels, to high volume catering companies, to tiny cafes, tree planting camps, and even a 92 foot sailboat. It’s these quirky experiences that have given Paula a unique perspective on which corners to cut, and when. Paula doesn’t believe in rushed cooking, because that can feel like a chore. But she is 100% about simplicity–and making the most out of whatever you have on hand.If you're anything like me and a bit over this whole having to make 3 meals a day everyday forever right now you'll love Paula's tips in today's episode. Get all the links discussed by visiting the show notes - cookitrealgood.com/49.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week is all about getting your kids to eat anything.I chat with Emily from A Mummy Too who literally wrote the book on this and generously shares her knowledge with us in today's chat.Emily lives in Nottingham with her husband Mark, her son JD (12), her daughter Jay (8) and their guinea pig Barbas (5).  She founded her blog A Mummy Too in 2011, born out of a love of family, food and photography. She released her book Get Your Kids To Eat Anything in 2019.Now an award-winning blogger and author, Emily is consistently ranked in the top ten most influential food bloggers in the UK. Emily also works as a recipe developer for a number of brands, with clients including Marks & Spencer, Ocado, Heinz and Hello Fresh.Emily has practical tips for getting your kids to be more interested in food and cooking and how to address fussy eating. Get all the links discussed in today's episode by visiting the show notes - cookitrealgood.com/48.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is all about Indian cooking!I chat with Meena from Hooked on Heat who shares her tips and tricks for getting started with Indian cooking at home.Meena is a freelance food writer, recipe developer and cooking instructor based in, Ontario, Canada. She is also the author of two cookbooks, Knack Indian Cooking and 500 Indian Dishes. Not only does she try to simplify traditional cooking methods without compromising on taste, but she also loves to experiment with different ingredients and infuse flavours from the East and West.The recipes on her food blog, Hooked on Heat, are inspired by classic Indian dishes and dressed up to suit our modern tastes. She enjoys creating recipes to meet with the increasing demands of quick and simple everyday meals.She started her series ‘Indian Cooking 101’ on her blog many years ago, to bust the myth that Indian cooking is just too hard. Through this series, she shares how to make basic Indian food, beginning with the essentials and slowly moving up to a point where you will be confident enough to throw in a pinch of this and a dash of that.You'll get so much out of today's episode!Get all the links discussed in today's episode by visiting the show notes - cookitrealgood.com/47.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is all about gluten free baking.If you've been a long time listener of this podcast you'll probably remember many of the food bloggers we've had as guests have mentioned they're biggest cooking disasters have been with gluten free baking.  So I thought it would be great to have a special guest on to give us some tips for mastering it.And that person is Alex from the food blog It's Not Complicated Recipes.  The blog reflects Alex's approach to cooking.  She likes it to be simple, easily prepared and delicious.  She aims to inspire those who love cooking and encourage those who don't. Given that one of Alex's most popular recipes is gluten-free almond cookies, and she has countless other gluten free goodies on the blog that are equally as delicious, I knew she was the woman for the job. I'm fairly certain we all know someone who can't eat gluten, so understanding the basics behind gluten free baking is a great start.  You'll learn a lot from Alex today.Grab all the links discussed in today's episode by visiting the show notes - cookitrealgood.com/46. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is all about getting kids into the kitchen.I know many parents are at home with kids right now, trying to keep them entertained and their minds active.  Cooking is definitely an activity that can tick all the boxes, and set them up with life skills that will serve them well into the future. I chat with Jessica Braider from the blog The Scramble.  Jessica is a certified health coach and mother of two active and playful boys. As the CEO of The Scramble, she fulfils her passion for food and her love for working with parents and children to build healthy and happy families by helping them to get quick, easy, and delicious meals on the table every night. She believes that food is one of the most powerful tools for building connections and that it should be savored, enjoyed, and shared, rather than restricted, avoided, or argued over. Jessica shares her tips for how to get kids involved in the kitchen, age appropriate tasks and how to make the process less stressful.  Get all the links discussed in today's episode by visiting the show notes - cookitrealgood.com/45.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.