Episode 75: Molly Stevens
I think that one of the things that I've come to realize after teaching for so long is that the technique is really important—but the most important thing to offer to students, I think is inspiration and encouragement.
This week, we're thrilled to welcome cookbook author and culinary instructor Molly Stevens to Salt + Spine, the podcast on cookbooks.
A native New Yorker who spent a short stint learning culinary skills in France, Molly has written several cookbooks and has been named Cooking Teacher of the Year by both Bon Appétit magazine and the International Association of Culinary Professionals.
Her first two solo cookbooks — All About Braising and All About Roasting — both won the James Beard Award for Single-Subject Cookbook.
Molly's latest cookbook, All About Dinner, is aimed at helping home cooks "invigorate your everyday menus and build your kitchen know-how." The book includes 150 recipes, ranging from chipotle pork tacos to parmesan risotto to a triple-ginger apple crisp.
In today's show, we're talking with Molly about:
how she still considers herself primarily a home cook;
what led her to cookbook writing;
and how she approaches recipe development as a culinary teacher.
Plus, as always, we're playing a Salt + Spine game with Molly!
Also in today's show:
Food writer Charlotte Druckman joins us to talk cookbook covers—and why British cookbooks often get a different cover in the United States. Read her piece on the same topic on Epicurious.com.
And Stained Page News editor Paula Forbes joins us to talk about March's new cookbook releases.
Bonus Content This Week
PAID SUBSCRIBERS (you can become one!) this week will get two featured recipes excerpted from All About Dinner: Chard and Onion Tart with Two Cheeses and White Bean Gratin with Tomatoes and Sausage.
Celebrated cooking teacher Molly Stevens' secrets to simple, perfect dinners