Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Host Madeleine Brand looks at news, culture and emerging trends through the lens of Los Angeles.

Evan Kleiman on Press Play

School lunch packing inspiration for parents

Tonight’s dinner could be partly saved and repurposed for your kid’s school lunch the next day. Here are ideas to put in bento-style boxes and thermoses.

Turn to the Mediterranean for summer picnic ideas

Picnicking during Labor Day weekend? Consider the niçoise pan bagnat, a portable sandwich. Another good choice is ratatouille, a stew celebrating summer ingredients.

Making Tim Walz’s hotdish: 100% not authentic, 100% delicious

A hotdish must be a main dish that includes protein, starch, veggies, and a creamy element. Evan Kleiman takes on the recipe for Tim’s Turkey Taco Tot Hotdish.

Hydration plus crunch: Try these viral cucumber salad recipes

Cucumbers are a perfect foil for condiments of all kinds, so it’s not surprising that TikTok’s cucumber king, Logan Moffitt, is going viral with every cucumber salad recipe he posts.

Too hot to cook? Go for Mediterranean takeout

Don’t want to bother working the kitchen amid summer heat? Consider Mediterranean takeout from Papa Cristos, The Great Greek, Jerusalem Chicken, and Mini-Kabob.

How to make seasonal fritters out of nearly any vegetable

Veggie fritters are an easy treat to make for yourself and friends. They require few ingredients, the mixture can be made in advance, and cooking takes minutes.

Burgers, tacos, BBQ, vegan picks: Where to eat in Santa Ana

Want to grab food in Santa Ana before heading to KCRW’s Summer Nights at the Bowers Museum on Aug. 10? Consider Chapter One, Alebrijes, Heritage BBQ, and more.

Try Mexican, Indian, Italian green sauces to enliven savory dishes

Mexican tomatillo salsa, Indian green chutney, and Italian salsa verde — use them as condiments for grilled meat, fish, or tofu.

How to use summer peaches and nectarines in salads and savory dishes

One approach to a stone fruit salad: Be inspired by savory hot dishes that combine the peaches, nectarines, etc. with meat and spices.

Korean fruit punch is the shareable bowl you want for July 4

Hwachae is a quenching drink that includes fruit (often watermelon), sugar, and ice. Some mixes include a tart-sweet fizzy soda or milk.

Ceviche: Freshness of fish is paramount. Where to get the best in LA

Ceviche is a good option when summer tamps down on cravings for hot and rich food.

A pizza party is the best party. How to crank out the pies at home

Customization is endless when it comes to baking pizza. Here’s a breakdown of what tools you need, how to make dough, and which toppings to choose.

Saulitos BBQ, House of Mofos: Don’t miss these summer pop-ups

At five can’t-miss pop-ups this summer, treat yourself to Texas-inspired BBQ, vegan mofongo, hand-rolled bagels with homemade cream cheese, crispy duck mole, and more.

To avoid rock-hard popsicles, turn to cornstarch and dairy

Popsicles should be ice-cold but not ice-hard. Texture and flavor are equally important. The goal: Keep ice crystal formation small, which will produce a softer texture.

Bing, Brooks, Ranier: Make a meal with CA cherries

Chow down on cherries — dozens of varieties exist — while they’re still in markets for the next few weeks. Use them in pudding, salads, pies, and more.

Fill your Memorial Day with ‘Big Dip Energy’ — bring the chips!

Alyse Whitney’s new cookbook is exuberant, fun, and filled with recipes for all kinds of dips — classics, five-minute ideas, plus light and healthy fare.

Raw to refined, turbinado to kokuto: Peruse a library of sugars

How are various sugars made, and what textures and flavors do they add to baked goods and other dishes? Evan Kleiman walks you through her library of sugars.

Mother’s Day: Try marinated strawberries with cookies or ice cream

Strawberries are easy to transform into a dish that’s like a gift. To kick them up a notch, marinate them with a drizzle of flavorful balsamic vinegar.

Nutrition-packed fava beans: Use them for purees, pastas, salad

Fava beans are one of the most ancient plants and among the easiest to grow. They’re key in Mediterranean and Middle East food cultures.

Charoset: Endlessly customizable way to express Jewish identity

Charoset is a melange of dried and/or fresh fruits plus nuts — all chopped or ground to a paste. It’s typically prepared for seders or Passover ritual dinners.

Sonoran white wheat: Whole grain but doesn’t look or taste like it

Sonoran white wheat is core to making flour tortillas. It has resurged in the past decade thanks to its versatility in baked goods, sweet flavor, and white color.