Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Jeffrey Spear - My Life in Gluttony

On this delicious episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show, presented in collaboration with the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we’re joined by Jeffrey Spear, author of the mouthwatering book “My Life in Gluttony: A Culinary Adventure.”
From indulging in street food like char-grilled mouse in Malawi to tracking down the best hot dogs in New York City, Jeffrey shares the unforgettable meals, flavors, and foodie moments that have defined his travels across the globe. With stops in Ghana, South Africa, Lebanon, Paris, Serbia, and beyond, Spear shows us that culinary curiosity can turn any trip into a gastronomic adventure.
Tune in as Jeffrey discusses:- His philosophy of “living to eat”  - His most surprising and exotic food finds- The 96 travel-inspired recipes featured in his book- Memorable moments from travels in the U.S. and abroad
Whether you're a food lover, travel enthusiast, or just curious about global cuisines, this episode will awaken your taste buds and spark your wanderlust!
📖 Grab your copy of “My Life in Gluttony: A Culinary Adventure” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/My-Life-Gluttony-Culinary-Adventure/dp/0988919117 
🍲 Try Jeffrey’s featured recipe – Mućkalica - here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/jeffrey-spear-my-life-in-gluttony/ 
Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on our Big Blend Radio “Vacation Station” Travel Channel! Explore even more engaging shows on the Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Let's Make Pizza with Chef Ivan Flowers!

In this flavorful shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Happy Hour" shows, 5-Star Chef and Culinary Instructor Chef Ivan Flowers serves up everything you need to know about crafting the perfect homemade pizza. From dough-making secrets and topping techniques to fun facts about regional pizza styles, this episode is a delicious deep dive into everyone’s favorite comfort food.
Chef Ivan also dishes on who he and his wife Tracy would invite to their ultimate pizza party—bringing personality, warmth, and plenty of foodie inspiration to the mic.
Whether you're gearing up for National Pizza Party Day on May 16, 2025, or just craving a slice of kitchen creativity, this episode is your go-to guide for pizza night success.
Plus, check out Chef Ivan’s DIY Pizza Dough recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/lets-make-pizza/ 

Bevin Cohen - Herbs in Every Season

In celebration of National Garden Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features gardening expert Bevin Cohen who discusses his new book, "HERBS IN EVERY SEASON: 48 Edible and Medicinal Herbs for the Kitchen, Garden, and Apothecary," that's out now through Timber Press. 
"Herbs in Every Season" offers gardeners, herbalists, cooks, and homesteaders a new way of looking at herbs throughout the year, and from every angle. The photographed guide features information on gardening, cooking, and integrating herbs as part of a holistic wellness routine. Herbalists will learn how an herb’s growth habits inform its medicinal capabilities, and gardeners will gain insight into herbs as integral culinary plants for the kitchen garden, pollinator plants for perennial borders, and key ingredients for a home apothecary. 
Bevin Cohen is an author, herbalist, gardener, seed saver, and educator. He is the owner of Small House Farm, the founder of Michigan Seed Library Network, and offers workshops and lectures. More at: http://www.smallhousefarm.com/ 

A Foodie's Guide to Agritopia in Gilbert, Arizona

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva," talks about Agritopia, a culinary haven in Gilbert, Arizona, that invites food lovers to experience farm-to-table dining like never before. 
With its community gardens, artisanal eateries, and vibrant farmer’s market, this unique planned urban farming development blends agriculture with gastronomy, creating a feast for the senses. Read Linda's article about the unique housing, attractions, and amenities in Agritopia: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-foodies-guide-to-agritopia-in-gilbert-arizona/ 
Travel writer Linda Kissam appears on Big Blend Radio every first Saturday. Follow her podcasts here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1LoD5wiSJu4NM4KZxuJYoj 
Follow Diva Linda's adventures here: https://allingoodtaste.info/ 
This episode is also being shared and featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" channel and "Garden Gossip" Channel. Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Celebrate Spring Holidays and Traditions with The Peanut Patch

Get ready for Spring Celebrations like Easter weekend, Brunch Parties, and Mother's Day with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "The Peanut Patch" Podcast with Donna George. So many foodie ideas to make happen and treats to enjoy!
Open NOW from October-April and located in Yuma, Arizona, The Peanut Patch is a southwest tradition for farm fresh peanuts, nuts and dried fruit, locally grown Royal Medjool Dates, culinary gifts, and sweet treats including homemade fudge and peanut brittle. Shop online year-round and learn more at https://thepeanutpatch.com/  
Check out Donna's recipes that include all kinds of delicious favorites from peanut butter cookies to sensational salads, and even pasta dishes: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/donna-george/ 
The Peanut Patch podcast airs every 1st Friday. Listen to episodes and follow the show here: https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ 

Arizona Wine and Food Trends 2025

The wine industry is experiencing a lot of change. From climate change and water issues to demographic spending shifts, wineries must navigate these changes to stay relevant and successful. This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast focuses on Wine & Food Trends in Arizona, as well as the growing wine and culinary scene in Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale. 
ON THIS EPISODE:- PEGGY FIANDACA, along with her winemaker husband Curt Lawrence Dunham, owns and operates LDV Winery. More: https://ldvwinery.com/ *** Plus, check out Peggy's Southwestern Pesto Shrimp Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/southwestern-pesto-shrimp/ 
- SUSIE TIMM - President & CEO of Knife & Fork Media Group. More: https://knifeandforkmedia.com/ 
- SHANNAN METCALF-PERCIBALLI - Editor and Publisher of Edible Phoenix. More: https://ediblephoenix.ediblecommunities.com/ 
Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" Podcast airs every 1st Wednesday at 4pm Arizona time. Follow the podcast here: http://tinyurl.com/42j5zucj 
This episode is also being shared and featured on other Big Blend Radio Network Channels including "Eat, Drink & Be Merry," "Success Express, and "Women Making History." Check out our network of podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

A Happy Hour Toast to Spring 2025

Celebrate the Start of Spring with this Big Blend Radio ”Happy Hour” Show that focuses on wine, sips, and nibbles from around the world and across America. 
FEATURED GUESTS* MERLE ROSENSTEIN is a freelance writer specializing in travel, drinks, and food. She holds Level 2 Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) certification. Merle will focus on her global travels and Bangkok’s Cocktail Culture. Visit: https://superbubbie.ca/
* CHERYL OGLE is a world traveler, travel advisor, and owner of Hey Wanna Go Travel that specializes in travel to Europe and the UK, as well as river and ocean cruises. Cheryl will share some of her favorite regional food and drinks from her travels. Visit: https://heywannago.com/
* PEGGY FIANDACA owns and operates LDV Winery in Arizona with her winemaker husband Curt Lawrence Dunham. Peggy talks about their unique events, tasting an pairing parties, and winemaker talks held at their tasting room in downtown Scottsdale. Visit: https://ldvwinery.com/
* DAVE SPECTER is the winemaker of Bells Up Winery in Oregon, that he owns and operates with his wife Sara. Hear about their private and exclusive wine tastings hosted by Dave, and upcoming  2017 Library Release Party with  Chef Carlos Perez. Visit: https://bellsupwinery.com/

Spring Brunch Tips & Cheese Stuffed Mini Rolls

Get Ready for Spring Brunch Season with this "From the Vault" episode of Big Blend Radio's COOKING WITH RUTH Podcast with Ruth Milstein, author of the Gourmand award-winning recipe book, “Cooking with Love: Ventures Into the New Israeli Cuisine.” 
On this episode, Ruth shares tips on planning and preparing a spring brunch, and talks about her Cheese Stuffed Mini Rolls recipe, that you can see here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/cheese-stuffed-mini-rolls/  
Learn more about Ruth Milstein here: https://www.ruthmilstein.com/ 
Listen to Big Blend Radio's 3rd Sunday "Cooking with Ruth" podcasts here: https://tinyurl.com/yr9jp58n
This episode is also featured on our other Big Blend Radio channels: "Big Daily Blend," and "Eat, Drink & Be Merry." Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork