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Today we are learning how to build a curry with award-winning teacher Raghavan Iyer, author of 660 Curries. Jane and Michael Stern have found pecan pie worth the trip at the Texas Pie Company in Kyle, TX. Joshua Wesson brings us wines for the picnic basket and we look the misunderstandings behind MSG with The New York Time's Julia Moskin.

Recipes

Chunky Potatoes with Garlic and Peanuts

Once in a great while a curry comes along that blows everyone's palate, including my own. This Maharashtrian-influenced potato dish will appeal to all, and I have no qualms betting my first-born on it. Get the full recipe.

Artichokes Stuffed with Ham and Pine Nuts

Baked this way, artichokes turn almost silky, while the stuffing browns to a nice crust. Try experimenting with this stuffing; chopped green olives are good, too. Get the full recipe.

Lynne's Summer Picnic Menu

Lynne Rossetto Kasper created this diverse and delectable menu that's perfect for toting to outdoor concerts, afternoons at the lake or evenings by the river. Get the full menu.

Features

Jane and Michael Stern: Texas Pie Company
Kyle, TX

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As the name says, it's all about pie at the Texas Pie Company in Kyle, located just off Interstate 35 half way between Austin and San Antonio. There's a minimal eat-there menu of sandwiches and simple salads, but more than two dozen pies are offered.

Jane says those pies could be some of the best she's eaten anywhere. Don't miss the off-the-charts pecan pie loaded with huge, crunchy-fresh Texas pecans. For cake fans the deliciously moist strawberry cake with strawberry frosting will be irresistible.

Texas Pie Company
202 West Center Street
Kyle, TX
512-268-5885

Wines for the Picnic Hamper

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No one wants to fuss with precious, serious wines when loading up the picnic basket. We want uncomplicated, value-priced bottles we can quaff from a paper cup, that don't mind some jostling about, and marry well with the wild array of picnic food flavors. We asked wine wizard Josh Wesson what we'd find in his hamper this summer.

Whites: Look for cool climate Sauvignon Blancs from the Loire Valley of northern France; New Zealand (especially the south island); South Africa; and especially Chile, where you can still find a great bottle for $10.00.

Reds: Josh looks to Argentina's Mendoza region for super inexpensive bottles like a Bonarda, a blueberry/blackberry juice bomb in the $6.00 to $10.00 range.

Music

• "Pecan Pie" by Golden Smog, from Down by the Old Mainstream, Rykodisc
• "Safety Bricks" by Kevin Drew from Spirit If..., Arts & Crafts
• "Voodoo Lady" by Ween from Chocolate and Cheese, Elektra
• "Smile Around the Face" by Four Tet from Everything Ecstatic, Domino
• "Wrong Baby" by Colder from Heat, Output Recordings
• "Call Me" by Peggy Lee from The Best of Peggy Lee, Blue Note

Books

• 660 Curries by Raghavan Iyer
• How to Pick a Peach: The Search for Flavor from Farm to Table by Russ Parsons

Heard on the Show

• Jane and Michael Stern visit The Texas Pie Company in Kyle, TX.
  
• Joshua Wesson picks the best picnic wines.
  
• Raghavan Iyer and Lynne talk about how to build a curry.
  
• Russ Parsons on artichokes.
  
• The New York Time's Julia Moskin describes some of the misunderstandings about MSG.
  

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