Savor artwork

Savor

732 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★ - 1.5K ratings

Savor digs into how people live and how they eat – and why. Hosts Anney Reese and Lauren Vogelbaum interview the culinary creators and consumers of the world, exploring the science, history, and culture of food and drink, all with a key question in mind: Why do we like what we like, and how can we find more of those things?

Food Arts Society & Culture Places & Travel
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Atlantic Halibut: Bombastic Side Eye

April 18, 2024 01:48 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MB

Don’t call it a comeback quite yet, but this seafloor-dwelling fish is doing well in some places across the North Atlantic. Anney and Lauren dip into the biology and history of the Atlantic halibut. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside ‘Your Mama’s Kitchen’ with Michele Norris

April 13, 2024 01:30 - 1 hour - 56 MB

We kinda like food, but talking about the kitchens we grew up in involves a lot more than that. Anney and Lauren chat with journalist Michele Norris about how this became the prompt for her new interview-based podcast, ‘Your Mama’s Kitchen,’ and why those early experiences are both so evocative and instructive to us today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Tour of Thousand Island Dressing

April 11, 2024 01:38 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MB

This creamy condiment adds a pop of color and flavor to salads and sandwiches alike – but its origin story isn’t so magnanimous. Anney and Lauren dip into the many competing histories and recipes for Thousand Island dressing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savor Sips: Total Eclipse of the Pod

April 08, 2024 16:15 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MB

We love astronomical events and we love weird food & beverage industry marketing tactics. Today, the two join forces! In this mini episode, Anney and Lauren talk through the offerings of the 2024 solar eclipse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The X-TREME Mountain Dew Episode

April 05, 2024 20:44 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MB

This brand of soft drinks has always gone hard in its marketing concepts. Anney and Lauren x-plore the science and history of Mountain Dew. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Down the Rabbit Hole with Carrot Cake

April 03, 2024 16:05 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MB

This special-occasion cake comes from a long line of vegetal desserts. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of carrot cake. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Fresh Pair of Eyes on Emmental

March 28, 2024 23:49 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MB

This is a cheese of many holes and many imitators. Anney and Lauren dig in to the science and history of Emmental, the original Swiss cheese. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savor Classics: Basil

March 26, 2024 15:46 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MB

This popular and ancient herb is associated with a strange range of myths and legends, from scorpions and basilisks to star-crossed lovers. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren explore the many stories of basil. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savor Turns Seven!

March 22, 2024 20:48 - 55 minutes - 51.3 MB

It's the seven-year anniversary of our first episode!?!? In celebration, our excellent producers, Andrew and Dylan, joined us to chat about how we all came together to create the show, and about some of our favorite memories (and meals) from along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Churros: No Small Fry

March 20, 2024 12:42 - 45 minutes - 41.4 MB

This iteration of tasty deep-fried dough bedevils historians as much as it delights fans. Anney and Lauren think the science and history of churros really shaped up in the end. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Got Orgeat?

March 15, 2024 23:05 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MB

This sweet syrup adds smooth, fruity flavors to cocktails, coffee, and beyond thanks to the ‘milk’ of almonds (or other nuts/seeds). Anney and Lauren contend with what they’ve wrought in the science and history of orgeat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Goat Episode: The GOAT??

March 14, 2024 16:56 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MB

These mid-sized, milk-producing mammals have been part of human cuisine and culture for millennia. Anney and Lauren are not kidding around about the biology and history of goats. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All That and a Jar of Chili Crisp

March 07, 2024 14:58 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MB

This condiment is a study in contrasts – crunchy-silky, savory-fruity, and varyingly spicy. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and culture(s) of chili crisp. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a Jam with Lingonberries

March 02, 2024 03:14 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MB

These small, tart fruits love the cold but are extra useful when they’re heated up. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of lingonberries. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listener Mail XIX: Adventures of the Inbox

February 29, 2024 19:09 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MB

Once again we return to our version of rule by the people: Messages from you, good listeners! In this original script, we’ve got everything from fairy bread to salad fries and capybaras to apple butters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rewriting History: The Malinda Russell Episode

February 24, 2024 00:36 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MB

Though her story was almost lost, this accomplished Black American cook and cookbook writer from the 1800s is teaching us new things about the cuisine and culture of her time. Anney and Lauren dig into the rediscovery of Malinda Russell and her recipes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savor Classics: The Mai Tai Cocktail

February 21, 2024 21:02 - 26 minutes - 24 MB

For a rum punch designed with escapism in mind, this cocktail has a lot of controversy swirling around it. In our classic episode, Anney and Lauren dip into the history of the mai tai (plus, the science and history of cocktail umbrellas). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Fish Fry (Oh, Tartar Sauce)

February 19, 2024 15:26 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MB

This social meal is a tradition in communities across the United States for a couple of dovetailing (fishtailing?) reasons. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and cultures behind the Friday fish fry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Many-Layered Baklava Episode

February 16, 2024 20:07 - 32 minutes - 30.3 MB

This buttery pastry has as many iterations as it (often) has thin, flaky layers. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and cultures behind baklava. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Demogorgonzola

February 14, 2024 23:52 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MB

This slightly aged, green-blue veined cheese is prized for its heckishly piquant flavor. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of gorgonzola. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turmeric: It Was All Yellow

February 10, 2024 00:32 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MB

This vivid yellow underground stem has been used as a spice, medicine, and pigment for millennia. Anney and Lauren get into the rhi-zone with the science and history of turmeric. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple Butter: Spread the Word

February 07, 2024 00:00 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MB

This sweet, rich spread is made by cooking down apples until they’re smooth as butter. Anney and Lauren dip into the dairy-free science and history of apple butter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savor Marinates on Bulgogi

February 02, 2024 22:17 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MB

This dish of marinated, barbecued beef doesn’t necessarily need to be barbecued, and it doesn’t need to be beef. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and science behind bulgogi. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bubbly Tepache Episode

January 27, 2024 17:42 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MB

This lightly fermented drink is often made tangy-sweet with pineapple skin, core, and fruit. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and history of tepache. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Light Golden Syrup Episode

January 24, 2024 23:36 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MB

This sweet syrup is a baker’s friend -- and an industrial byproduct of sugar refinement. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and science of golden syrup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savor Classics: Kale

January 22, 2024 17:11 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MB

Nutrient dense and easy to grow, this leafy green was a culinary staple long before it was labeled a superfood. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dig into the rich history and savory science of kale. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hats Off to Sea Urchins

January 19, 2024 17:25 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MB

These marine invertebrates have excellent skeletons and delicious gonads. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of eating sea urchin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The House That Escoffier Built

January 12, 2024 22:11 - 41 minutes - 38 MB

At the turn of the 20th century, this French chef, writer, and restauranteur shaped the way that modern restaurants work, from the way kitchens are run to the experience of dining. Anney and Lauren explore the life and impact of Auguste Escoffier. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Papaya: Gettin’ It Ripe

January 12, 2024 04:18 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MB

This tart, crunchy salad ingredient morphs into a soft, sweet (and slightly funky) dessert when it ripens. Anney and Lauren peel back the science and history of papaya. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dim Sum: More Than the Sum of Its Parts

January 08, 2024 20:15 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MB

In this category of cuisine, many (many) types of dishes, teas, and establishments may feature – but all add up to a deliciously communal experience. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and culture of dim sum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mulling Over Mulled Wine

January 04, 2024 14:16 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MB

This spiced beverage is seasoned with bright fruit and served warm – and, like all of the ingredients, the wine can vary (or be optional). Anney and Lauren dip into the science and history of mulled wine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savor Side Dish: Holly, Jolly Marketing

December 30, 2023 05:05 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MB

Ah, the holidays! Because nothing is more merry and bright than a marketing campaign, Anney and Lauren present another season's worth of the weirdest gimmicks and co-brandings that the food & beverage industry has to offer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savor Classics: Brie

December 27, 2023 21:24 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MB

To brie, or not to brie, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the caves to age to the firmness and funk of outrageous Roquefort, or to take weeks to form a rind of yeast poops, and, post-ripening, eat them. (Sorry I borked the meter. This is a classic about brie, y’all. /LV) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiss from a Rose Water

December 22, 2023 20:48 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MB

This fragrant flavoring has been favored for millennia, and was ubiquitous in American desserts before vanilla became affordable. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and science behind rose water. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savor Updates: Sriracha

December 20, 2023 19:30 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MB

This Thai-style condiment, popularized in the U.S. by a Vietnamese immigrant, inspires fan loyalty and frustrations alike. Anney and Lauren explore where sriracha comes from, its meteoric pop-culture rise, and the science of why hot sauce burns so good. Plus, an update: Corporate drama and comeuppance! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Flat-Out Delightful Pizzelle Episode

December 18, 2023 19:09 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MB

These airy cookies are made waffle-style in specialized presses with beautiful designs. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of pizzelle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savor Does Las Vegas

December 14, 2023 14:30 - 1 hour - 74.8 MB

It’s recap o’clock! Having logged three trips to Vegas this year, Anney and Lauren (and Super Producer Andrew) sampled a lot more excellent cuisine than they’ve had time to discuss on the show. So that time is now! From seafood towers to steak basements, we chat through the dishes and drinks we shared during our Vegas visits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interview: The Feel and Function of Pastry

December 08, 2023 22:08 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MB

Pastry is an edible, architectural art form – creating it at a resort-level scale takes a lot of teamwork. In this sponsored interview, Anney and Lauren chat with Jen Yee, the Executive Pastry Chef at the Wynn Las Vegas, about how she helms the resort’s pastry program and helps facilitate everything from room-service cheesecake to showstopping centerpieces. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Low and Slow Rendang Episode

December 07, 2023 00:17 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MB

This dish (and/or cooking method) reduces a stew completely – and invites infinite iterations. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and culture(s) that add up to make rendang. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five Spice of Life

December 01, 2023 22:46 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MB

This spice blend can contain any number of ingredients – the idea is that they should work together to balance five traditional flavors: bitter, sweet, sour, pungent, and salty. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and science of Chinese five spice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dragon Fruit Episode Slays

November 29, 2023 21:10 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MB

These mild-flavored fruits grow on giant cacti and look like dragon eggs. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and science of the dragon fruit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savor Classics: Crayfish

November 27, 2023 21:36 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MB

Crayfish (aka crawfish or crawdads) are arguably the tastiest li'l Lovecraftian horrors around. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren dig into the history and seriously strange science behind these curious crustaceans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malted Milk Episode Is a Whopper

November 22, 2023 17:28 - 35 minutes - 33 MB

This shelf-stable powder made from milk, wheat, and barley malt has been everywhere from your milkshake glass to the mountains of the Antarctic. Anney and Lauren explore the cool science and contested history of malted milk. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fannie Farmer: The Mother of Level Measurements

November 16, 2023 22:26 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MB

Fannie Farmer’s practical, scientific guide to home cooking, ‘The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book,’ changed the way we write recipes amidst a rapidly changing world. Anney and Lauren dig into the life and legacy of Fannie Farmer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chewing the Fat with Lardo

November 11, 2023 00:53 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MB

This cured pork product is composed almost entirely of fat – no meat necessary. Anney and Lauren get salty about the history and science of lardo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pan de Muerto: Raising the Bread

November 09, 2023 00:16 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MB

This aromatic sweetened bread welcomes celebrants both living and dead to the festivities of el Día de los Muertos. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and culture of pan de muerto. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interview: Eating Is Our Common Ground

November 04, 2023 21:12 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MB

Specialized fields like wine can seem intimidating, but we’re all just here to make connections and have a nice time. In this sponsored interview, Anney and Lauren chat with Jeff Eichelberger, the Senior Manager of Wine for the Wynn Las Vegas, about how he coordinates with winemakers, chefs, and staff to help people navigate the universal language of food and drink – and have a blast doing it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chowing on Chowder

October 27, 2023 22:11 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MB

This thick, comforting soup comes in red, white, and clear varieties with countless adaptations. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and culture of chowders, clam and beyond. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese Water Chestnuts: Children of the Corm

October 25, 2023 23:58 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MB

This sweet, semiaquatic vegetable stays crisp even when cooked or canned. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of the Chinese water chestnut. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savor Classics: Tempeh

October 20, 2023 19:39 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MB

This textured vegetarian protein is fairly new to a lot of the world, but tempeh's history goes way back. Anney and Lauren dig in, plus explore the amazing fungal chemistry that makes tempeh tasty, nutritious, and safe to eat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guests

Julia Child
1 Episode

Books

Where the Heart Is
1 Episode