Eat, Drink and Be Merry

A Taste of September: Medjool Dates, Peanut Brittle, Honey and Salsas

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “The Peanut Patch” Podcast, we're celebrating a new season! Donna George, owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona, shares all the delicious details as the country store gets ready to open its doors for the season on October 1st.
Whether you’re visiting in person or exploring their brand-new website, you'll get a taste of everything in store, including their famous homemade peanut brittle and sweet freeze-dried candy. We also dive into the health benefits of their locally grown Medjool dates, how to use Donna’s signature salsas for Chicken Month, and why local honey is a sweet must-have. Plus, she shares some delicious ideas perfect for Family Meals Month and Better Breakfast Month!
Tune in to discover how this cherished Southwest tradition is celebrating a new season of flavor while continuing to delight locals and travelers alike. 🛒 Shop year-round: https://thepeanutpatch.com/ 
🍽️ Get inspired in the kitchen with Donna’s recipes: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/donna-george/ 
🎧 Listen and follow the podcast (new episodes every 1st Friday): https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ 
📲 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork   

A Taste of Fall - Grapes, Apples and Wine

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Wine Time with Peggy" celebrates the start of the fall harvest with delicious recipes and wine pairings. We revisit three of Peggy's fantastic dishes—Ricotta and Roasted Grape Crostini, Apple and Blueberry Crisp, and Spiced Apple Chutney Wontons—while highlighting LDV Winery's special offers and celebration of International Grenache Day (Sept. 20).
Featured Recipes in this Episode:- Ricotta and Roasted Grape Crostini: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/ricotta-roasted-grape-crostini/ - Apple & Blueberry Crisp: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/peggys-apple-and-blueberry-crisp-recipe/ - Spiced Apple Chutney Wontons: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/spiced-apple-chutney-wontons/ 
Episode Highlights:- LDV Winery is offering a 50% discount on select wines this September 2025.- Ricotta and roasted grape crostini is a simple yet elegant appetizer.- Roasting grapes enhances their sweetness and flavor.- Apple and blueberry make a delightful pairing in desserts.- Using Macintosh apples can elevate the apple blueberry crisp.- Allspice adds a unique flavor to desserts and dishes.- Spiced apple chutney wontons are a creative and fun recipe.- Cooking together can be a romantic date night activity.- Wine pairings can enhance the flavors of fall-inspired dishes.- LDV Winery encourages visitors to experience their tasting room.
Hosted by Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery in Arizona, "Wine Time with Peggy" brings together food, wine, and culture. New episodes drop every 1st Wednesday at 4pm Arizona time. 
 🍇 Learn more about LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com 
🎧 Follow “Wine Time with Peggy” Podcast: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/ 
🎙️  This episode also airs on the Big Blend Radio's "Eat Drink & Be Merry" and "Big Daily Blend" podcast. Discover more shows at https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Burger Bliss, Part 3: Burger Culture and Places

Celebrate National Sandwich Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Burger Bliss Series, where we explore burger culture from its origins to unique flavors and favorite local spots. From peanut butter “Elvis Burgers” and nostalgic drive-in cheeseburgers to gourmet creations and jalapeño bacon stacks, our guests share their tasty stories and culinary connections.
Featured Guests- Glynn Burrows – Norfolk Tours, England | https://norfolk-tours.co.uk/ - Victoria Chick – Artist, World of Art Podcast | https://victoriachick.com/ - Lisa Evans – Travel writer & author | https://writerlisa.com/ - Beth Hilburn – Hi-Way Café, Vinita OK | https://hi-waycafe.com/ - Steve & Karen Wilson – The Lion & The Rose B&B, Asheville NC | https://lion-rose.com - Tiffany Bertram – Tiffany’s B&B, Hot Springs AR | https://www.tiffanysbedandbreakfast.com/ 
Episode Highlights- The Hamburger Name Debate (Hamburg, Germany connection)- Peanut Butter “Elvis Burger” & Elvis’s Tupelo cheeseburger stop- The new Jefferson Highway Burger at Hi-Way Café- Asheville’s favorite burger & beer pairings- Burger hotspots in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Listen to Burger Bliss 1 & 2:- Part 1: https://eat-drink-merry.podbean.com/e/hamburger-happy-hour/ - Part 2: https://eat-drink-merry.podbean.com/e/cooking-burgers/ 
Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Hamburger Origins with Glynn Burrows05:00 – Memorable Burger Stories with Victoria Chick10:30 – Elvis & Johnnie’s Drive-In with Lisa Evans15:30 – The J.H. Burger with Beth Hilburn20:00 – Asheville Favorites with Steve & Karen Wilson25:00 – Hot Springs Flavors with Tiffany Bertram30:00 – Wrap-Up: Burger Culture & Shared Food Memories

Burger Bliss, Part Two: Cooking Up the Perfect Burger

Celebrate National Sandwich Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Burger Bliss Series, we head into the kitchen (and fire up the grill!) to explore the art of cooking burgers — from creative vegetarian options to turkey, venison, and the classic all-American patty. Along the way, we dig into the joy of cooking, the importance of simplicity, cultural twists on burgers around the world, and even the future of food sustainability.
👉 Listen to Burger Bliss – Part One: https://eat-drink-merry.podbean.com/e/hamburger-happy-hour/ 
Featured Guests & Recipes:* Angela Laws – Community Manager of TrustedHousesitters.com, on the quest for the perfect vegetarian burger.
* Shelley Whizin – Transformational Life Coach & author of What Do You Bring to the Table?, sharing her Turkey Meatloaf Burger Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/shelleys-savory-and-sweet-turkey-meatloaf-burgers/ 
* Chef Ivan Flowers – 5-Star Chef & Culinary Instructor, on crafting the perfect patty and his Classic American Hamburger Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/classic-american-burger-recipe/ 
* Ryan Slough – Travel writer (Wanderers Compass) sharing tips and health benefits of cooking flavorful Venison Burgers: https://www.wandererscompass.com/ 
More Burger Recipes from the Big Blend Archives:- Peppercorn Crusted Burgers: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/peppercorn-crusted-burgers/ - ShackBurger: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-shackburger/ - Mushroom Provolone Burger: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/mushroom-provolone-burger/ - Vegetarian Italian Herb Burgers: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/viva-la-vegan-happy-hour-party-recipes/ - Ultimate Black Bean Burgers: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/ultimate-black-bean-burgers/ 
Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Burger Bliss Series02:03 – Exploring Vegetarian Burgers11:09 – Transformational Cooking with Shelley Whizin28:01 – The Joy of Burgers29:11 – Teaching Culinary Skills Through Burgers31:56 – Crafting the Perfect Burger Patty32:36 – Defining the Classic American Burger34:44 – Simplicity in Burger Restaurants36:51 – The Nostalgia of Burgers and Milkshakes39:04 – Cultural Variations of Burgers41:45 – Innovative Vegetarian Burger Options54:31 – The Future of Food: Bioengineering and Sustainability57:11 – Culinary Creativity: Merging Tradition with Innovation1:00:40 – Exploring Venison: Health Benefits and Cooking Techniques1:04:04 – The Art of the Burger: Crafting Deliciousness1:10:03 – Cultural Perspectives on Meat: A Global Journey1:18:32 – Whiskey and Burgers: The Perfect Pairing
🎧 This episode is part of Big Blend Radio’s Eat, Drink & Be Merry and Big Daily Blend Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
🔥 Stay tuned for Part Three of our Burger Bliss Series, where we’ll wrap things up with even more juicy burger fun. 👉 Subscribe to Big Blend Radio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigblendradio 

Savor the Sweet Treats of England

Join us on Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" Podcast with Glynn Burrows, owner of Norfolk Tours UK, as we celebrate Eat Dessert First Month and National Sponge Cake Day with a lively and nostalgic conversation with about British desserts. 
From timeless classics like sponge cake, scones, trifle, puddings, carrot cake, and meringues, to the exciting wave of new desserts such as Eton Mess and other creative cakes, discover how England’s sweet traditions continue to evolve. Along the way, we highlight how historic favorites reflect culinary history while modern treats showcase changing tastes, and explore the cultural significance of bakeries, tea shops, and the beloved art of baking.
📖 Read Glynn Burrows’ companion article: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in England – https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/satisfy-your-sweet-tooth-in-england/ 
🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend and Eat, Drink & Be Merry podcast channels. explore: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The History & Legacy of Kelly’s Westport Inn in Kansas City

This episode of Big Blend Radio was recorded onsite with Pat Kelly, co-owner of the legendary Kelly’s Westport Inn in Kansas City, Missouri. A must-visit destination for both locals and travelers, Kelly’s is not only a cornerstone of Kansas City’s nightlife and culture, but also a historic treasure for those traveling the Jefferson Highway.
Founded on a legacy of hospitality, Kelly’s Westport Inn has been welcoming generations of guests with its warm, inclusive atmosphere. Pat shares stories of his father’s vision, the bar’s evolution over the years, and its deep connection to the local community. From hosting sports fans and local events to supporting Kansas City’s artists and musicians, Kelly’s has long served as a gathering place where history, art, and community come together.
This conversation also underscores the importance of preserving local history and art, connecting to earlier Big Blend Radio episodes with artist and historian Victoria Chick on Kansas City-connected artists Arthur Kraft and Thomas Hart Benton:* Arthur Kraft: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-life-and-legacy-of-artist-arthur-kraft/ * Thomas Hart Benton: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-thomas-hart-benton-country/ 
Learn more about Kelly’s Westport Inn at: https://kellyswestportinn.com/ 

Burger Bliss, Part One: Hamburger Happy Hour

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Hamburger Happy Hour Party” kicks off our 3-part “Burger Bliss” Series, celebrating National Sandwich Month and the lead-up to Labor Day Weekend grilling! This fun and flavorful group chat brings together food writers, world travelers, and burger lovers to swap stories, recipes, and favorite burger destinations from across America and around the globe.
From traditional backyard bites to creative gourmet stacks, we explore how hamburgers connect us through nostalgia, culture, and the simple joy of sharing a meal. We also take a tasty trip around the world to sample unique international burger variations, reminisce about memorable burger moments, and admit our fast food guilty pleasures.
Chapters:00:00 – Hamburger Happy Hour Introduction02:53 – Exploring Favorite Burgers05:27 – Happy Hour Conversations: Who Would You Invite?10:37 – Memorable Burger Experiences16:09 – Unique Burger Ingredients and Preferences23:50 – Global Burger Adventures35:14 – Unique International Burger Experiences38:26 – Fast Food Favorites and Experiments
Featured Guests:- Jeffrey Spear – Food writer & author of My Life in Gluttony. Shares his Peppercorn Crusted Burgers Recipe.* Website: https://spearwrites.com/ * Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/peppercorn-crusted-burgers/ 
- Jo Clark – Food, wine & travel writer (Have Glass Will Travel). Shares her adventures during Gwinnett Burger Week in Georgia.* Website: https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ * Article: https://recipestravelculture.com/unique-gwinnett-county-near-atlanta/ * Podcast: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-gwinnett-county-georgia/ 
- Cheryl Ogle – World traveler, travel advisor & owner of Hey Wanna Go Travel. * Website: https://heywannago.com/ 
- Johnny Schaefer – Award-winning singer-songwriter & world traveler. Released his new single “Find a Place” on the day of this recording.* Website: https://hearjohnny.com/ * Song Info: https://hearjohnny.com/epk-for-find-a-place 
🎧 This Happy Hour episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Big Daily Blend and Eat, Drink & Be Merry Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
🔥 Stay Tuned! This is just Part One of our 3-part Burger Bliss Series. Don’t miss Parts 2 & 3, where we’ll serve up even more mouthwatering recipes, travel destinations, and burger-loving stories. Subscribe to Big Blend Radio on YouTube for all the delicious fun: https://www.youtube.com/@bigblendradio  

Medford’s Award-Winning Wine, Beer & Culinary Treasures

Celebrate American Adventures Month on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Food, Wine & Travel Show” with IFWTWA, as we explore the vibrant food, wine, and beer scene of Medford, Oregon with Carole Skeeters-Stevens of Travel Medford.  
This Southern Oregon region is home to the Rogue Valley American Viticultural Area, recently named the #2 Best Wine Region in the United States by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
From over 70 wine varietals to craft breweries, fertile farmlands, and seasonal events, Medford offers a delicious mix of flavors and experiences. It’s also the hometown of two culinary legends: the world-famous Harry & David, known for gourmet gift baskets and artisanal treats, and the award-winning Rogue Creamery, celebrated for its world-class blue cheese. You can also visit Crater Lake National Park, a breathtaking natural wonder and perfect picnic destination. 
The conversation highlights how the region blends winemaking innovation with deep-rooted traditions, supports sustainable agriculture, and embraces the beauty of each season—especially in the fall. You’ll also hear about outdoor adventures, community hospitality, and how Travel Medford makes it easy to plan your visit.
🍷 Plan your trip: https://www.travelmedford.org/ 🎧 Subscribe & Listen: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com 🍷 Discover  the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA): https://ifwtwa.org 
📢 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station, Big Daily Blend, and Eat, Drink & Be Merry podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 
Photos courtesy Travel Medford.