The hottest Cooking Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Food & Drink Topics

Paid content: Parables for pruning an apple tree

Wood From Eden • 336 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Gardening Sustainability Cooking Agriculture
  1. Pruning an apple tree is important for its health and growth. It helps the tree produce better fruit and stay strong.
  2. There are techniques to prune effectively that can improve the overall structure of the tree. Learning these can make caring for a tree easier.
  3. Knowing when and how to prune is key to successful gardening. Timing your pruning can lead to the best results for your apple tree.

A Perfect Autumn Sweetheart Cassoulet

Kate Hill's Gascon Year Journals • 1278 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking Seasonal Cuisine Gardening
  1. Fall is full of delicious pumpkins and squashes, which can inspire various tasty dishes. They are popular in the markets and can be used in soups, stews, and even stuffed dishes.
  2. A special type of cassoulet using pumpkin has become a cozy meal for chilly days. This Sweetheart Cassoulet combines the warmth of traditional cassoulet with the sweetness of pumpkin.
  3. It's easy to get creative in the kitchen with seasonal ingredients. Using leftover ingredients can lead to new, tasty meals that celebrate the flavors of autumn.

Sandwiches from the Garage

Vittles • 343 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Culinary Arts Food culture Writing Cooking Personal narratives
  1. When writing, some people prefer simple meals that don't take much time to prepare. It's about using food as fuel to focus on the writing process.
  2. Eating repetitive or plain food can help writers maintain their energy and concentration. It's not about gourmet meals, but about keeping distractions to a minimum.
  3. The experience of eating while writing can be very personal and varies from person to person. Some find comfort in routine meals that help them stay grounded while they work.

Shopping the French Village Markets- a primer.

Kate Hill's Gascon Year Journals • 1638 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🍲 Food & Drink Markets Cooking Local Food Cultural Practices Travel
  1. Shopping at French village markets is a fun experience with a variety of fresh, local foods. You'll find everything from fruits and vegetables to meats and cheeses that travel short distances from farms.
  2. It's important to take your time when shopping. Walk around the market first to see what looks good, buy heavier items first, and make sure to have small bills and coins ready.
  3. Being friendly goes a long way at the market. Smile, say hello, and chat with vendors or other shoppers to learn more about the local food and culture.

Three Ingenious and Lawless Indian Toasties

Vittles • 97 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cuisine Cooking Snacks Home Cooking
  1. Indian toasties are simple and versatile, made with whatever ingredients you have on hand. They can be created in many different ways, showing the creativity of home cooks.
  2. Three popular toastie recipes include a Kerala-style tuna melt, a potato and green chutney toastie, and smashed spiced peas on toast. Each offers a unique flavor and style influenced by different regions.
  3. These toasties represent the fun and casual side of South Asian cooking, where tradition can take a backseat to tasty, spontaneous meals.
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All Substack Writers Must Send Me Five Delicious Pasta Recipes by 5 P.M. Friday or Be Shot Out of a Cannon

I Might Be Wrong • 11 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking Cuisine Food culture
  1. Substack writers are humorously required to send five easy pasta recipes by a certain deadline. If they don’t, there's a funny threat of being shot out of a cannon.
  2. The writer presents a comical and exaggerated tone, implying that gathering recipes is straightforward and shouldn't take long.
  3. There's a playful mention of using AI to evaluate the recipes submitted, showing how technology can add a twist to a lighthearted demand.

If in Doubt, Add Cream: Three Cheese Macaroni Gratin

Vittles • 118 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking Cuisine Nutrition
  1. Using cream instead of a béchamel sauce makes macaroni gratin easier and creamier. It saves time and creates a rich flavor.
  2. Choosing the right cheeses is important for balance; a mix of mild cheeses like cheddar and Jarlsberg works best. Avoid strong cheeses that can make the dish too overpowering.
  3. To balance the richness of the macaroni, serve it with something acidic, like a salad or hot sauce. This helps lighten the meal.

Rick Stein’s Oddity

Vittles • 490 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Food Media Culinary culture Personal Reflection Culinary History
  1. Rick Stein's cooking shows evoke strong feelings of nostalgia for many, reflecting personal histories tied to food and family. Watching his programs can remind people of their childhood and special memories with loved ones.
  2. Stein represents an old-school style of British cooking, which can sometimes come off as out of touch and patronizing. His remarks, often laced with literary references, may feel elitist or unaware of modern sensibilities.
  3. Despite his flaws, Stein's shows highlight a deep passion for food and culture. His approach to cooking and sharing meals can offer comfort and joy, showing how food connects to home and family.

Bourbon, Cynar, Fernet, and Sweet Vermouth, In an Easy-to-Batch Format

Cocktails With Suderman • 379 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cocktails Beverages Recipes Mixology Cooking
  1. You can easily make cocktails that don't need to be chilled, perfect for camping or parties. This means you can enjoy drinks without worrying about having ice or a fridge.
  2. The suggested cocktail has interesting flavors and uses bourbon, Cynar, Fernet, and sweet vermouth mixed to create a unique taste. It's a bit bitter and herbal, making it rich and flavorful.
  3. To make it easier, you can batch this drink by multiplying the ingredients and keeping it ready in a bottle. This way, you can serve multiple guests without needing extra preparation.

“Why Am I So Stoked About Surprise Legumes??"

Culture Study • 2449 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Food culture Gastronomy Community
  1. The Rancho Gordo Bean Club sends members surprise shipments of unique legumes along with recipes, creating excitement and community around cooking beans.
  2. Freshness is key for Rancho Gordo beans, as they only sell beans that are two years old or less, which makes them easier and quicker to cook.
  3. The Bean Club has grown massively, but the founder prioritizes quality and community, with a focus on maintaining a special experience for members.

Quick and Easy Bakes: Marmalade Chocolate Loaf, Fifteens, and Brown Bread Shortcake

Vittles • 143 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Baking Recipes Cooking Culinary Gastronomy
  1. Make baking easy with simple recipes that don't take much time. There are options for cakes and desserts that can be quickly done.
  2. You can use common ingredients you already have at home, like leftover bread, to create tasty treats.
  3. These recipes are perfect for both new bakers and those who want quick, satisfying sweets without a lot of fuss.

How I clean my kitchen at the end of the day

Overthinking Everything • 279 implied HN points • 16 May 25
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Cleaning Food Safety Meal Prep
  1. Cleaning the kitchen will usually take about an hour, so it's good to start early and accept that time. It can be a chance to think or enjoy some music while you work.
  2. You don't need to aim for perfect cleanliness, just make it 'clean enough' for the next day. Focus on a standard that allows the kitchen to be usable.
  3. Have a clear process for cleaning, like tackling the trash first and then washing dishes. This helps you stay on track and makes the task feel more manageable.

FOURTH ANNUAL SOUP EXTRAVAGANZA

Culture Study • 2808 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking Cuisines Nutrition Dining
  1. November is the perfect time for making soups, and the author has already tried at least eight different ones this season. It's great to enjoy winter with warm and comforting meals.
  2. The focus is on exploring new recipes, particularly with Rancho Gordo beans, which have been tasty additions to the soup lineup. Trying new ingredients can lead to enjoyable cooking experiences.
  3. The post encourages readers to share their favorite soup recipes or ask for recommendations, fostering a community around cooking and good food. It's all about exchanging ideas and making cooking fun!

Hot Sauce

Points And Figures • 826 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Fermentation Recipes Home Cooking Healthy Eating
  1. Cooking at home can be a fun and creative outlet, especially for those who enjoy trying new recipes and dishes. Using fresh ingredients can enhance the experience, like making homemade pasta or fermented sauces.
  2. Fermented foods like hot sauce and sauerkraut are not only tasty but also good for gut health. They can be simple to make at home and can add unique flavors to your meals.
  3. It's often frustrating when dining out, as homemade meals can sometimes taste better than restaurant dishes. This makes cooking at home even more rewarding and enjoyable.

This is my favorite bean recipe

Read Max • 1659 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking Nutrition Food culture Meal Prep
  1. Beans are very easy to cook, and you can make them tasty with just a few ingredients. Remember to simmer them until they're done, adding fat and salt for the best flavor.
  2. You can customize your beans by adding whatever ingredients you have on hand, like herbs, spices, or even a cheese rind. This makes them versatile and delicious.
  3. Leftover beans are great because you can use them in many meals throughout the week. They can be eaten on their own or added to dishes like pasta or toast.

Waffles From Scratch

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Recipes Breakfast Food Science Home Cooking
  1. Making waffles from scratch can be easy and fun! You don't need a fancy recipe; just follow a simple one and you'll impress your family.
  2. Using the right tools, like a good waffle maker, makes a huge difference in the final taste and texture of the waffles.
  3. It's all about experimenting! You can change ingredients and try new combinations to find what you like best.

Pamelia Chia’s Curry Chicken

Vittles • 123 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Recipes Culinary Arts Diet Cultural cuisine
  1. Singaporean curry chicken is a popular dish known for its unique turmeric color and rich coconut milk flavor, distinguishing it from other curry types. It's often enjoyed with rice or roti prata, making it a familiar comfort food in Singapore.
  2. Learning to cook curry can be a personal journey, as many traditional recipes involve intuitive cooking methods rather than precise measurements. The process of making the spice paste, or 'rempah', is essential and can evolve over time based on personal taste.
  3. Letting curry chicken rest in the fridge overnight can enhance its flavor, especially the potatoes, which soak up the spices. This resting period is a simple trick to make the dish even more delicious.

Melek Erdal's İçli köfte two ways (one disrespectful)

Vittles • 182 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Culture Cooking Tradition Cuisine
  1. İçli köfte is a special dumpling that needs a lot of care and the right techniques to make it delicious. It's usually made in big batches for gatherings rather than just for one meal.
  2. There are different versions of içli köfte across various cultures, but the Kurdish style values having a thin and delicate casing while allowing the filling to shine through.
  3. It's okay to play around with traditional recipes, as culture evolves and can be expressed in new ways. You can make a simpler, 'disrespectful' version of içli köfte while still respecting the culture behind it.

Vittles Restaurants: Three’s a Crowd

Vittles • 223 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisine Reviews Culture Cooking
  1. Agrobeso is a popular Ghanaian restaurant in Peckham where families often go when they're too tired to cook at home. It offers delicious traditional dishes like jollof rice and peanut soup in a cozy setting.
  2. Blue Nile is a unique Jamaican restaurant known for its seafood, like pepper prawns. The atmosphere combines old Peckham charm with a lively kitchen vibe, making it a great place for comfort food.
  3. Felix Kebab Grill serves spicy suya late at night, attracting a crowd looking for a tasty snack. It's a small, no-frills spot that delivers on flavor and warmth, perfect after a night out.

New Year New Name: Introducing Vittles Cooking

Vittles • 213 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking Food culture Nutrition Sustainability
  1. Vittles Cooking is changing its name from Vittles Recipes to reflect a broader focus on home cooking. It aims to embrace creativity and fun in cooking, rather than just sticking to traditional recipes.
  2. The platform is inviting new pitches related to home cooking. They're looking for unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and experiences that challenge the usual cooking norms.
  3. Vittles Cooking wants to highlight how cooking intersects with daily life and current issues like the climate crisis. They're interested in stories about cooking in tough times or finding joy in everyday meals.

The Row 7 Flavor Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1085 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🍲 Food & Drink Consumer Trends Flavor SOURCING Cooking
  1. Row 7 is trying to make vegetables tastier and more enjoyable. They believe that grocery store veggies often lack flavor because companies prioritize size and saleability over taste.
  2. Potatoes, usually thought of as bland, can be packed with flavor when grown from the right seeds in good conditions. A flavorful potato doesn't need lots of toppings to be delicious.
  3. Row 7's produce might be priced high now, but many people are willing to pay for great flavor. If they can keep improving taste and manage costs, they might attract even more customers.

Homesteading: Preparing for Spring

Who is Robert Malone • 13 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Gardening Homesteading Sustainability Cooking
  1. Start your seeds indoors to get a jump on the growing season. Using tools like indoor gardens can help you grow food like lettuce and herbs easily.
  2. Raised beds are great for gardening, especially if your soil isn't good or if you have pests. They make it easier to cover plants and protect them.
  3. Invest in good gardening tools that can last. Taking care of your tools is important, so they work when you need them most.

Tart but sweet

The Crucial Years • 587 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Thanksgiving Cooking Recipes Celebrations Traditions
  1. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and appreciate what we have, even if the circumstances are challenging. It’s important to stay grateful during tough times.
  2. Sharing moments with loved ones during the holidays can bring joy and comfort. These gatherings help strengthen our connections.
  3. Finding sweetness in hard situations can be uplifting. It reminds us that there is hope and positivity, even when things seem tough.

You Can’t Go Wrong With Delia

Vittles • 282 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Recipes Tradition Culture Celebration
  1. Delia Smith's recipes are a reliable choice for traditional Christmas dinners. Many people rely on her approach to make sure their meals turn out well.
  2. Celebrating Christmas can involve a mix of personal traditions and modern adjustments. It's important to adapt holiday meals to fit family and cultural backgrounds.
  3. Cooking for Christmas can bring back memories and connect us with our loved ones. It’s often about creating a warm atmosphere, regardless of the methods or ingredients used.

You asked, I answered...

The Soup • 3085 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Daily Life Cooking Healthy Eating
  1. The author shares favorite recipes and mentions the challenges of cooking for family members with diverse tastes, highlighting the joy of cooking for loved ones despite differing preferences
  2. The post discusses the author's strong connection with their son and how he shows gratitude for the meals prepared, showcasing the special bond through shared meals despite individual food preferences
  3. The author talks about the different roles of food and how the act of cooking links them to absent loved ones, emphasizing the emotional connection food holds in their life

rosemary garlic pork shoulder with sweet potato puree

What To Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking • 3144 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking Meal Prep Ingredients Cuisine
  1. The recipe for rosemary garlic pork shoulder with sweet potato puree takes longer than an hour to cook, but the active cooking time is only about 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. The dish involves slow roasting pork shoulder and sweet potatoes together, creating a savory and delightful meal.
  3. The recipe includes a simple herby sauce to balance the richness of the pork and provides detailed instructions to make the cooking process easy.

True or False: The Best Salads Are the Simplest Salads

The Department of Salad: Official Bulletin • 2712 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Salads Cooking Recipes Food Photography Food culture
  1. Some people believe that the best food is the simplest, while others enjoy complex salads with various ingredients.
  2. Food presentation on social media, particularly salads, can be very aesthetically pleasing and popular.
  3. Salad is a versatile dish that can be made with endless combinations of ingredients and styles, allowing personal creativity and expression.

8 Things I Love About My New Kitchen

Dinner: A Love Story • 2771 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking
  1. The author downsized from a house to an apartment in New York City but loves their new kitchen.
  2. The kitchen serves multiple purposes, including dining room, home office, and dog bedroom.
  3. The author feels settled in the kitchen space, which is working efficiently on every square inch.

Issue 14 – Salt

Unbox Inbox • 1982 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Ingredients Products History Culture
  1. People have different preferences when it comes to salt, from carrying salt in tin pockets to seeking out salts from specific countries.
  2. Salt can be a luxury experience, with high-end brands offering unique flavors and sustainable options.
  3. The history of salt is rich and fascinating, influencing trade, wars, and civilizations throughout time.