Learn the 'ins and outs' of hosting on this week's episode of Hot Grease. Nicole Taylor is joined in the studio by Heather Christos, author of the recent Heather Christo's Generous Table. Tune into this episode to learn how to host a fabulous dinner with limited resources. Hear about Heather's life in Seattle, and why the climate provides such a bountiful harvest. Nicole heads South with Heather to talk bourbon and liquor tastings; hear what cocktails Heather suggests in her book! Later, Nicole calls Shell Harris, co-author of Skinny Smoothies, to talk about healthy, nutrient-rich beverages for the summer. Hear why some prefer drinking smoothies to juices, and find out what fruits to blends for a balanced diet! This program has been sponsored by Whole Foods. Thanks to The California Honeydrops for today's music.

"I try to create comprehensive menus with seasonally-appropriate ingredients because it makes it cheap and tasty, and it's just so easy." [7:00]

-- Heather Christo on Hot Grease

Straight from the farm, and into your glass! This week on Fuhmentaboudit!, Chris Cuzme and Mary Izett are talking with two brewers who put their own spin on the term 'local'. Paul Dlogukencky represents Long Island with his nanobrewery, Blind Bat Brewery. Tune into this episode to hear how selling at the Greenmarket has allowed for many Blind Bat collaborations. Hear about Paul's Long Island Potato Stout, and why it's important to get the word out about local breweries. Jason Sahler is a longtime homebrewing hoping to take the professional route with Strong Rope Brewery. Tune in to hear Jason talk about his love for local ingredients, and why beer should reflect the seasons. Hear about some of Jason's unique recipes featuring raspberries, basil, plantains, lavender, and more! Thanks to our sponsor, Hearst Ranch.

"All brewers should consider selling at Greenmarkets because you are exposing yourself to people into local food- locavores. Many people at the Greenmarket have never heard of any of the breweries on Long Island!" [4:30]

-- Paul Dlogukencky on Fuhmentaboudit!

"If you're part of a CSA share, sometimes you get too much stuff and you can't actually use it. Freeze stuff if you can." [25:15]

-- Jason Sahler on Fuhmentaboudit!

This week on Why We Cook Erica talks urban foraging and flavored honeys. A recent trip out to the northwest found Chef Erica in a wonderland of wild blackberries. These "Queens of the Berry World" grow like weeds out there, literally--many residents of Portland consider them to be thorny pests rather than a bounty of free wild treats, and they can often be found for sale at green markets a stones throw away from areas where they're growing wild. This episode also looks at carrot honey and Whole Foods's impressive new effort to spread awareness about conserving seafood. This episode was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

New York City’s Craft Beer Week is just around the corner, beginning Friday, September 24th and running through Sunday, October 3rd. To kickoff the annual series, Whole Foods Market Bowery is hosting a beer and food pairing event in their Beer Room. Oskar Blues is on tap and Chef Jacques Gautier of Park Slope’s Palo Santo is cooking up one of his South American delights to accompany. Food tasting goes from 5 to 7 and beer will continue til 9. With a Craft Beer Week passport get $3 off a 64 ounce growler fill. Meet Chef Gautier Friday, September 24th and enjoy some special tastes, on tap and from the kitchen.

Photo 1: Green Figs, Photo 2: Blackberries