Dinner Chats at 9 AM

In this episode of Dinner Chats at 9 a.m., Liz and Jenabeth dive into the world of “snackage”—because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good snack? They kick things off by sharing what they’ve been eating lately, from a creative leftover pork banh mi to a delicious food-filled trip through Vienna (hello, schnitzel and Kaiserschmarrn!).Then it’s all about snacks: the quick, grab-and-go staples that save the day (think string cheese, trail mix, seaweed snacks, and Trader Joe’s finds) and the make-ahead favorites that keep your week running smoothly. From cookie dough protein balls and chia pudding experiments to cottage cheese toast, popcorn upgrades, and freezer-ready treats, they shareplenty of ideas to keep you fueled between meals—or satisfy that late-night craving.They wrap things up with a new segment, “What are wethinking about this week?”—touching on a legendary NYC restaurant closing and the ongoing debate: do we really need an air fryer?Whether you’re a planner or a pantry grazer, this episodeis packed with snack inspiration for every kind of eater.

Ever wonder why restaurant food just tastes different? Inthis episode of Dinner Chats at 9 a.m., Jenabeth and Liz open up their kitchens to share 10 simple, accessible pantry and fridge staples that take any dish from basic to spectacular! From the sweet-and-spicy balance of hot honey to theumami magic of anchovy paste, we break down our ultimate kitchen secret weapons for both sweet and savory cooking. Stock up your pantry, grab your microplane, and get readyto elevate your next meal! Instagram @dinnerchatsat9amFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DinnerChatsat9amThank you to our friends and family who helped makethispossible!Theme Music by: Chris SmithShow Branding By: Melissa Cercone, melissacercone.com

Grab your virtual boarding pass and pull up a chair! Inthis episode of Dinner Chats at 9 a.m., Liz and Jenabeth are back from their recent travels and serving up two completely different vacation food diaries.First, Liz recaps her family getaway to Disney World. From the ultimate travel hack of scoring an Instacart delivery directly to Bell Services , to enjoying an incredibly rich, literally sparkly Valrhona chocolate cake, she breaks down the highs and lows of park dining. You'll hear about her surprising shift in perspective on Disney buffets, a magical character dinnerfor Mother's Day , and a Neapolitan-style pizza in Epcot’  "Italy". Then, Jenabeth takes us to the historic 50th AnniversaryDaffodil Festival on Nantucket for an epic girls' weekend. She shares how her crew accidentally became part of a vintage car parade , the unexpected joy of Stop & Shop fried chicken at a high-end street tailgate , and the unforgettable apps—like a stellar chicken liver foie gras parfait—that outshone the main courses. Instagram @dinnerchatsat9amFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DinnerChatsat9amThank you to our friends and family who helped makethispossible!Theme Music by: Chris SmithShow Branding By: Melissa Cercone, melissacercone.com

Summer is officially around the corner, and the ladies ofDinner Chats at 9 a.m. are serving up the ultimate blueprint for stress-free Memorial Day entertaining. Kick back as Liz and Jenabeth share their favorite recent food fixes—from viral chicken Caesar tortilla wraps to a highly controversial "hot fudge sundae for dinner" routine. Then, they dive into the holiday menu strategy you didn't know you needed: skipping the grill entirely so you can actually hang out with your guests. Jenabeth breaks down her foolproof, non-negotiable rules for classic potato salad, an authentic chopped Greek salad (no lettuce allowed!), and a customizable "choose your own adventure" bean salad.On the sweet side, Liz takes us to baking school with the science behind getting that perfect crackly top on a fudgy brownie, alongside crowd-pleasing favorites like a nostalgic chocolate eclair icebox cake and sweet-and-salty Carmelitas.

Is it even a party without a great dip? In this episode of Dinner Chats at 9 a.m., Jenabeth and Liz celebrate National Hummus Day by settling the ultimate debate: store-bought vs. homemade. The hosts dive into the secrets of achieving the perfect hummus texture, the importance of high-quality tahini, and why peeling your chickpeas might actually be worth the effort. Beyond the hummus bowl, Liz shares her family’s legendary "Soltes Family Chip Dip," while Jenabeth breaks down her fool-proof method for homemade ricotta and a savory eggplant caponata that screams summer. Whether you're packing a snack for a baseball game or prepping for a backyard barbecue, this episode serves up all the "dip and rip" inspiration you need for the season.

Pull up a chair and join Jenabeth and Liz as they tradethe winter blues for the vibrant greens of Spring Ingredient Season. In this episode, your favorite "Dinner Chat" duo explores the elusive and the accessible, from the "chef-status" mystery of the wild ramp to the humble, crispy radish. The hosts kick things off with a peek into their recentkitchens: Liz shares the joys (and parenting logistics) of firing up the Ooni pizza oven for the first family night of the year on the patio, while Jenabeth recounts an unexpectedly perfect airport smash burger. Whether you’re foraging for fiddleheads or just trying tofigure out how to get the sand out of your leeks, this episode is packed with tips, recipes, and plenty of delicious ideas to help you eat with the season.

Get ready to celebrate! This week on Dinner Chats at 9a.m., Liz and Jenabeth are diving headfirst into Cinco de Mayo—which conveniently lands on Taco Tuesday this year. The duo explores the history of the holiday and shares a feast of recipe ideas that go way beyond the standard taco, from JB’s slow-simmered Mole and Pozole Verde to Liz’s favorite green enchilada sauce hacks.Before the fiesta begins, the hosts catch up on theirlatest culinary experiments. Jenabeth discusses her "lazy dumpling" social media influence (it's all in the squish!), and Liz shares her go-to protein-packed quinoa bowl that makes weekday meal prep a breeze.They also tackle the big kitchen questions: Is there aperfect margarita ratio? Do cilantro stems actually have more flavor than the leaves? And why should you never, ever head to a vacation rental without your own chef's knife?Instagram @dinnerchatsat9amFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DinnerChatsat9amThank you to our friends and family who helped makethis possible!Theme Music by: Chris SmithShow Branding By: Melissa Cercone, melissacercone.com 

How do you stay energized and eat well when you’re livingin a convention center for a week? This week, Jenabeth and Liz pull back the curtain on their recent team trip to Illinois to share their ultimate business travel food hacks.From the "Instacart hotel restock" and DIY room breakfasts to the high-stakes debate over Chicago deep dish, they discuss how they fuel 15-hour workdays without the burnout. Plus, the duo shares their essential "welcome home" rituals—including Liz’s re-centering miso cookies and Jenabeth’s massive produce haul. Whether you're traveling for work or a family vacation, these tips will help you find the perfect balance of healthy fuel and local treats.Instagram @dinnerchatsat9amFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DinnerChatsat9amThank you to our friends and family who helped make thispossible!Theme Music by: Chris SmithShow Branding By: Melissa Cercone, melissacercone.com

In this episode of Dinner Chats at 9 a.m., Liz  and Jenabeth dive into the world of "scrappy cooking"—the ultimate guide to saving money and reducing waste by using exactly what you have on hand. Whether you're staring at a near-empty fridge or a cluttered pantry, this conversation is packed withclever hacks to turn random ingredients into flavorful, "back-pocket" meals.You'll learn how to transform the dregs of a jam jar into a gourmet vinaigrette, why you should keep your cheese scraps for the ultimate Mac and Cheese, and the secret to freezing bananas for the perfect smoothie. From browning tomato paste to the "scrappy" magic of pickle juice, this episode will inspire you to be more resourceful, sustainable, and creativein the kitchen.Instagram @dinnerchatsat9amFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DinnerChatsat9amThank you to our friends and family who helped make this possible!Theme Music by: Chris SmithShow Branding By: Melissa Cercone, melissacercone.com

Pull up a chair for a special holiday edition of DinnerChats at 9 a.m. As Easter approaches and the produce aisle starts looking a lot greener, Jenabeth and Liz dive into the traditions, flavors, and family rituals that shape their spring kitchens.The episode kicks off with a look at their recentItalian-inspired weeknight wins—from a “cheater” baked eggplant parm to the technical triumph of a perfectly silky Roman Carbonara. From there, the conversation turns to springtime “pantry pulls” and all things Easter. Liz shares the multi-generational secrets behind her family’s Hungarian Easter bread (Kalács) and the hearty, peasant-style “Hungarian Easter Breakfast,” while Jenabeth discusses her evolution from classic au gratin potatoes to a crowd-pleasing fennel gratin (and a rare foray into homemade marshmallows!).Whether you’re looking for brunch inspiration, tips forfoolproof pasta, or just a nostalgia trip through the best and worst of Girl Scout cookie season, this episode is packed with fresh flavors and plenty of heart.Instagram @dinnerchatsat9amFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DinnerChatsat9amThank you to our friends and family who helped make this possible!Theme Music by: Chris SmithShow Branding By: Melissa Cercone, melissacercone.com

Pack your bags and grab a cooler—we’re going on a foodieroad trip! In this episode of Dinner Chats at 9 a.m., Jenabeth and Liz  take a delicious trip down memory lane totheir 2014 pilgrimage to Cleveland, Ohio. Driven by their shared fandom of Iron Chef Michael Symon, they recount how they meticulously mapped out a weekend dedicated to his iconic restaurants, from the juicy burgers at B-Spot to the upscale comfort of Lola and Lolita.Before diving into their adventure the duo catches up ontheir recent eats: Jenabeth shares a "sold out" success storyinvolving Michelin-recommended Texas barbecue (and a surprising love for smoked turkey), while Liz talks through her strategy for beating the March "cooking rut" with a hearty Mexican-inspired coleslaw. Whether you're a Michael Symon superfan or looking for inspiration to plan your own culinaryadventure, this episode is a "masterclass" in eating well.Make ShaSha Sauce: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/michael-symon/shasha-sauce-recipe-1973539 Recipe from Food Network & MIchael SymonInstagram @dinnerchatsat9amFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DinnerChatsat9amThank you to our friends and family who helped make this possible!Theme Music by: Chris SmithShow Branding By: Melissa Cercone, melissacercone.com

Hosts Jenabeth and Liz dive deep into the world ofweeknight tacos, sharing eight versatile recipes that range from "down and dirty" freezer pulls to slow-cooked Sunday-style meats. Along the way, they swap stories of St. Patrick’s Day "level-ups," the heartbreak of wasted olive oil, and why Japanese sweet potatoes might just be your newfavorite taco filling. Whether you’re a vegetarian, a steak lover, or a "fish-sticks-in-the-air-fryer" realist, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you "level up" your next meal.Instagram @dinnerchatsat9amFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DinnerChatsat9amThank you to our friends and family who helped make this possible!Theme Music by: Chris SmithShow Branding By: Melissa Cercone, melissacercone.com

St. Patrick’s Day is about more than just green food coloring; it’s about soul-warming, authentic Irish comfort. This episode, resident foodie Jenabeth dives into her family roots to rescue your holiday menu from bland grocery store staples while Liz gives us a some food history on corned beef - hint it’s not about corn! From the chemistry of a perfect, moist Irish Soda Bread (hint: stop over-mixing!) to the ultimate Ploughman’s Platter for effortless hosting, and how to master the "low and slow" corned beef - we’re talking about new twists or techniques you need to try this March. Whether you’re honoring your heritage or just looking for a world-class Sunday roast, pull up a chair and join us for a fun discussion of Irish American cuisine. Ina Garten's Soda Bread: https://barefootcontessa.com/recipes/irish-soda-breadInstagram @dinnerchatsat9amFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DinnerChatsat9amThank you to our friends and family who helped make this possible!Theme Music by: Chris SmithShow Branding By: Melissa Cercone, melissacercone.com

On this episode of Dinner Chats at 9 a.m., hosts Liz andJenabeth dive into how their love of cooking was born—from childhood Toll House cookies to working in restaurants and quick, comforting weeknight meals. They share the moments that shaped their confidence in the kitchen, the teachers whoinspired them, and why making food from scratch still feels magical. Along the way, they dish on family traditions, French pastries, homemade ricotta, and the cooking shows that taught them how to cook, not just how to follow a recipe.It’s a warm, inspiring conversation about finding joy, curiosity, and creativity through food.Instagram @dinnerchatsat9amFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DinnerChatsat9amThank you to our friends and family who helped make this possible!Theme Music by: Chris SmithShow Branding By: Melissa Cercone, melissacercone.com

In this deliciously cozy episode of Dinner Chats, Jenabeth and Liz dive into the art—and occasional chaos—of planning eventmenus. From Liz’s irresistible chicken meatballs marsala to Jenabeth’s New York food adventures, the hosts swap culinary stories, brainstorm birthday party menus, and dream up crowd‑pleasing dishes for an upcoming open house. Withcomfort food nostalgia, smart hosting hacks, and plenty of flavor inspiration, this episode is a warm, funny, and practical guide to making any gathering memorable—one dish at a time.

Warm up with Liz and Jenabeth as they ladle out theircoziest winter soup stories. From charred broccoli inspo straight out of NYC to a nostalgically gooey mac and cheese, the hosts kick things off with recent dinner delights before diving spoon‑first into the soul of the season: soup.They break down why a great stock is the backbone for agreat soup, swap favorite recipes—from French onion bliss to a bright carrot‑lentil combo—and celebrate the art of turning whatever’s in your fridge into something comforting. With riffs on butternut squash, charred cauliflower, minestrone,and more, this episode is a warm reminder that soup is both a recipe and a mood.Grab a bowl and settle in—your next winter go‑to just mightbe inside.Instagram @dinnerchatsat9amThank you to our friends and family who helped make this possible!Theme Music by: Chris SmithShow Branding By: Melissa Cercone, melissacercone.com

In this episode of Dinner Chats at 9 a.m., Liz and Jenabeth dive into the cozy world of snow‑day cooking—those slow-simmered meals, spontaneous kitchen projects, and comforting dishes that make winterfeel a little warmer. They swap favorite recipes, share memories of cooking with family while snowed in, and highlight the simple joys of baking, and using high‑quality ingredients. From long‑cooked comfort foods to versatile staples like pickled onions and great chocolate chip cookies, this conversation is allabout embracing the delicious side of winter.

Kick off the very first episode of Dinner Chats at 9 a.m.with hosts Jenabeth and Liz as they dive fork‑first into theworld of bold flavors, memorable meals, and Super Bowl–worthy bites.In this inaugural conversation, Jenabeth and Liz swapstories about recent food adventures—from cookbook discoveries to unforgettable dining moments—sharing the dishes and experiences that sparked their culinaryexcitement. Their conversation sets the stage for creative Super Bowl menu planning, inspired by regional flavors, personal traditions, and a few unexpected twists along the way.Whether you’re gearing up for game day, looking for freshrecipe inspiration, or simply enjoy listening to two friends talk passionately about food, this episode serves up connection, creativity, and plenty of appetite‑fueling ideas.Tune in—and get ready to be hungry.Instagram @dinnerchatsat9amThank you to our friends and family who helped make this possible!Theme Music by: Chris SmithShow Branding By: Melissa Cercone, melissacercone.com

Two friends. One big appetite for talking about food. Join Jenabeth—a weeknight solo cook and devoted entertainer—and Liz—a lifelong baker and working mom —as they dish on what’s cooking in their kitchens, the ingredients they love, and the unforgettable meals and foodie adventures that inspire them. Always tasty, always fun. Welcome to Dinner Chats at 9 AM.