Mario Batali, rock stars, & bucket lists

In this episode: we talk with rock star Mario Batali about the true rockstars: local farmers. And, our favorite Italian stew, cooking without a recipe, pickles, tiny houses, and bucket lists.   Our recipe of the week: Tomato artichoke lentil stew (A Couple Cooks) Sonja’s recipe pick: Spicy peanut stew with butternut squash and chickpeas (Ashlae Warner of Oh Ladycakes)Alex’s recipe pick: Roasted leeks with tangerine vinaigrette (Michael Anthony from V is for Vegetables)   Our honeymoon here, revisited: Rome + the Amalfi Coast The Flavor Bible by Karen Page.   What’s in season near you? A seasonal food chart. Sonja’s mom’s peach pie.   Mario Batali: his empire. His book, America: Farm to Table. Find a farmer’s market near you. Our refrigerator pickles. Mario’s pasta a la norma.   What’s on your bucket list? -Sonja’s bucket list was fulfilled in Alaska. And also, here. -Alex’s bucket list desire: a magical dinner. Tiny houses. A Couple Cooks on Instagram and Twitter