December 2005
December 3 - December 10 - December 17 - December 24 - December 31
(How to listen)

December 3: Burgundy | Listen
Master Sommelier Andrea Immer Robinson joins us this week to talk Burgundy wine. It's the tricky but luscious older brother of Pinot Noir that the movie "Sideways" crowned the new king. Andrea's Pearl Barley Risotto with Mushrooms and Carrots pairs beautifully with Pinot Noirs from Burgundy's Côte Chalonnaise district.

The Sterns are dining with night owls and truckers at Jo Jo's Restaurant in Pittsburgh.

Sally Schneider stops by with what we need to know about seasoning with nut oils. Her divine Leek "Noodles" with Crème Fraîche and Hazelnut Oil is the best introduction we know.

When one more carol threatens to send you screaming from the room, World Music master Bob Duskis comes to the rescue with holiday music to entertain by. The good news is there's not a fa-la-la-la-la in the bunch!

Then we have the latest from Paris—temporary restaurants. They're open a few days then they're gone forever!

December 10: Cooking in Southwest France | Listen
Paula Wolfert, the culinary scholar and author who brought cassoulet, roast garlic and confit to America, joins us to talk about the updating of her groundbreaking classic, The Cooking of Southwest France. Her recipe for Chicken Breasts in Garlic Wine comes from the area around Agen, located halfway between Bordeaux and Toulouse.

The Sterns are visiting the Museum of Taxidermy and eating a stellar breakfast at Lisa's in Greybull, Wyoming.

The always-curious Peter Mayle is back in Provence and this time he's making bread. He tells all in his new book, Confessions of a French Baker: Breadmaking Secrets, Tips, and Recipes.

We'll take you to Portland, Oregon, where Andina is the Rose City's restaurant of the year. The story behind the fabulous food is especially fascinating. On a recent visit, Lynne was intrigued by the unusual and delicious chicha Morada.

Finally, Ben Davis of Portland's Grand Central Bakery explains why late-night drivers are stealthily pulling up to the back door of the city's restaurants.

December 17: Charcuterie | Listen
This week we're talking all things salted, cured and smoked with food writer Michael Ruhlman, co-author of Charcuterie. In Europe, charcuterie is high craft, done by masters. Here, it's the latest thing in the artisan food movement. Michael has tips for making your own home-cured meats and seafood and shares his recipe for the ultimate party food: Pâté de Campagne.

The Sterns are at Becky's Diner, beloved by locals in Portland, Maine. The food is delicious and Becky makes you feel like you've come home to mom.

Wine wit Joshua Wesson suggests wines to sip with fruitcake. Can they redeem the much-maligned gateau

Dorie Greenspan brings a French twist to the holiday cookie exchange with Anise Cookies and Lemon Butter Cookies from her wonderful book, Paris Sweets: Great Desserts from the City's Best Pastry Shops

Our New York food guy Mike Colamecco returns to talk pure romance: Christmas in New York. He names restaurants and food shops that serve up holiday magic along with great food.

Robert Tinnell, author of Feast of the Seven Fishes, tells the story of the comic strip inspired by a Christmas Eve date, and, as always, the phone lines will be open for your calls.

December 24: Great Food Around the World | Listen
Today we offer our holiday special, a special guide to reveling, relaxing, and reflecting. This is a remarkable time of the year and no matter where you go, you'll find celebrations and feasting.

Chef and Mexican food expert Rick Bayless spends every Christmas in Oaxaca and he takes us inside the holiday south-of-the-border. Wine maverick Joshua Wesson advises us on whether to drink or store those wonderful gift wines we receive.

Jane and Michael Stern find a place to celebrate the holidays all year round in Frankenmuth Michigan.

Traveling around the globe we get the best of India's celebrations with actress and food authority Madhur Jaffrey. From London, Nigella Lawson talks about life, food, and Christmas dinner.

In Europe it is Christmas in Paris with Patricia Wells and of course Lynne shares Italian celebrations.

Listen to our audio guides:

• The Sterns visit Frankenmuth, Michigan.
  
• Joshua Wesson discusses when to drink it.
  
• Nigella Lawson keeps the holidays simple.
  
• Patricia Wells: Christmas in Paris.
  
• Rick Bayless: Christmas in Oaxaca.
  
• Madhur Jaffrey: Christmas in Goa
• Lynne Rossetto Kasper: Christmas in Italy
• Advise on removing food stains from New York's Cameo Cleaners.

December 31: Per Se | Listen
This week it's the mother of all kitchen tours. When Thomas Keller, repeatedly named the best chef in the country, set out to duplicate his famed California restaurant, The French Laundry, in New York City, he dictated every design element, but for unheard of reasons. The result is Per Se, one of the hottest restaurants in the country. Chef Keller leads the tour and shares his recipe for Mussels with Saffron and Mustard from his fabulous book Bouchon.

The Sterns are forking into classic cowboy steak at Sleepy Hollow in Oklahoma City.

Wine maverick Joshua Wesson talks Mourvedre, the new muscle man grape that produces a big bruiser of a red.

Sally Schneider, author of A New Way to Cook, suggests vanilla beans to rescue a ho-hum dish. An example is her recipe for Vanilla Bean Syrup that kicks the natural flavors of fruit to new heights.

We have new food game—the SmartsCo flash cards—for trivia at the dinner table, and, as always, Lynne takes your calls.

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