Heartland Hot Dish

In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish , Jamie, Kieron, Daniel and Max sit down to a Dearborn dinner table overflowing with flavor. Known for its rich Arab American culinary traditions, Dearborn transforms the evening meal into a true feast — full of dishes meant to be shared, savored, and celebrated.

In this flavorful episode of Heartland Hot Dish , we head to Dearborn, Michigan — home to one of the largest and most vibrant Arab American communities in the country. With Jamie LeBoeuf as our guide and Daniel, Max and Kieron, we explore the foods, markets, and traditions that make Dearborn a true culinary treasure.

In this warm and earthy episode of Heartland Hot Dish , Claire Smith of Teffola returns to the kitchen to show us the beauty of baking with teff. This tiny, nutrient-packed ancient grain has deep roots in Ethiopian food traditions — and Claire is helping it find a new home in Midwestern ovens. Daniel, Max and Claire talk about: Bread baking with teff : The unique flavors, textures, and challenges...

In this hearty episode of Heartland Hot Dish , we trace the journey of beef stroganoff — a dish with aristocratic Russian roots that found a second life in American kitchens and Midwest church cookbooks. What began as tender beef in a rich sour cream sauce has morphed through the decades into everything from family-friendly weeknight dinners to beloved potluck staples. Toady Marcy, Daniel and Max...

Getting Jiggly with Salad takes a nostalgic (and slightly wobbly) dive into the quirky Midwestern tradition of Jell-O salads. Once a staple at church potlucks, holiday tables, and backyard barbecues, these technicolor creations blur the line between sweet and savory, dessert and side dish. In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish , Daniel, Marcy and Max explore: The history : How gelatin salads went...

In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish , we sit down with Claire Smith, founder & CEO of Teffola, to peel back the layers on teff — a tiny ancient grain that’s steadily making its way into kitchens far beyond Ethiopia. Claire shares the story of how her family farm in southern Michigan transformed its identity, growing teff among other grains, and building a transparent supply chain from field...

This week on Heartland Hot Dish , we’re getting wonderfully twisted as we explore the Midwest’s deep, doughy love affair with pretzels. Michigan pretzels here aren’t just snacks — they’re soft, salty symbols of community, celebration, and a proud German-American heritage. We’ll take you on a tour of: Classic Michigan bakeries Surprising dips And yes, we’ll dig into fun pretzel trivia, from medieva...

This week on Heartland Hot Dish , we’re cracking open a cold one — of the fizzy, sugary sort — to explore the Midwest’s deep love affair with soda (or as most of us say, pop ). From garage fridges stocked with Faygo and Vernors, to childhood memories of cracking cans at Little League games, we dive into why pop is practically a cultural cornerstone here. We’ll trace how regional sodas got their st...

This week on Heartland Hot Dish , we’re slicing into one of the Midwest’s most towering comfort foods: the 8-Layer Casserole. Part potluck legend, part family reunion hero, this dish proves that more really is more. We’ll explore the origins of the layered casserole tradition — from church basement suppers to grandma’s kitchen — and break down what makes this stacked wonder so beloved. Is it the t...

On this episode of Heartland Hot Dish , we’re diving into the humble yet mighty Walking Taco — the snack that turns a bag of chips into a portable party. Born at county fairs, tailgates, and Friday night football games, this Midwest staple is equal parts convenience and comfort. We’ll unpack the origins of the Walking Taco (a.k.a. “Taco-in-a-Bag”), explore its many regional twists — from Doritos t...

This week on Heartland Hot Dish , we chase the sweet, creamy heart of summer with a trip through the Midwest’s ice cream obsession. From small-town parlors that still hand-pack pints, to dairy bars serving up towering soft-serve swirls, we explore why ice cream is more than just a treat here—it’s a tradition. We'll taste-test local favourites, uncover the surprising history of frozen custard i...

In this episode, we head up to the sun-dappled fruit belt of Northern Michigan, where cherries are king, berries burst with flavour, and jam is practically a love language. Kieron, Daniel and Marcy sit down to talk American Spoon , the beloved small-batch preserve company that’s been bottling the essence of Michigan fruit since 1982.

Get ready to take a delicious journey through the crispy, cheesy, caramelized world of Detroit-style pizza! In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish , we explore how a humble Motor City invention grew into one of America's most beloved pizza styles. From its square roots at Buddy’s in the 1940s to today's creative corner pies and why that crunchy, cheesy edge is pure magic. Bring your appetit...

In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish , we’re pouring out the history of breakfast cereal — and it all starts right here in Michigan. From the health-obsessed kitchens of Dr. Kellogg’s sanitarium in Battle Creek to the sugary, cartoon-filled cereal boom that swept America, we’ll trace how a simple idea for a better breakfast turned into a billion-dollar industry. Grab your spoon and join us as we...

In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish , we're diving into the juicy, mouthwatering world of Italian beef — a true Midwest icon with deep Chicago roots. We’ll uncover how this humble sandwich grew from Depression-era kitchens to becoming a citywide obsession. Along the way, we'll explore the secrets behind the perfect jus, the fierce debates over sweet peppers versus hot giardiniera, and wh...

Maple syrup isn’t just a pancake topping—it’s a time-honored tradition in the Midwest! In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish , we dive into the sweet world of maple sugaring, from tapping trees to boiling sap into liquid gold. Join us as we explore the history, techniques, and flavors of this beloved regional staple, plus some delicious ways to enjoy it beyond breakfast. Grab your flannel and get...

In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish , host Kieron, Daniel and Marcy deep dives into another Iconic HOTDISH, this time the rich, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting world of the Cheesy Bratwurst Casserole! From the sizzle of perfectly browned brats to the layers of creamy, melty goodness, this dish embodies the heart of Great Lakes comfort food. Tune in for a warm, nostalgic, and flavor-packed journey t...

Paczki Palooza – Dive into the delicious world of paczki (pronounced poonch-kee ), the rich, deep-fried Polish pastries that take the Midwest by storm every Fat Tuesday! In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish , we explore the history, traditions, and sheer indulgence of these filled doughnuts, from the bustling bakeries of Detroit’s Hamtramck neighbourhood to other treats of Shrove Tuesday or Lent...

Few dishes scream "Midwest" quite like Tater Tot Casserole—or as some folks call it, Tater Tot Hotdish. It’s a staple at potlucks, family dinners, and church gatherings, bringing layers of nostalgia, crispy golden tots, and pure comfort to the table. But where did this beloved dish come from? Why is it so deeply embedded in Midwestern food culture? And what makes the perfect Tater Tot Ca...

In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish, we’re delving into the history and lore of Ranch. This is one of the Midwest’s most famous exports. Daniel, Marcy and Kieron step into the history of this very American sauce from its humble begins on the job site to the mail-order power house of itts first big debut . We talk tablecloths and ranch on a branch, we go much further than the powder or sauce. Thi...

In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish, we’re unwrapping one of the Midwest’s most unexpected culinary creations: Velveeta Fudge! Yes, you read that right—Velveeta, the ultimate cheesy comfort food, takes a sweet turn in this surprisingly decadent dessert. Daniel, Marcy and Kieron explore how this quirky treat became a regional sensation, blending savoury and sweet in a way only Midwestern kitchens...

Kieron, Daniel and Marcy share some of their holiday memories and discuss the origin of iconic seasonal recipes. Please grab a cup of hot cocoa, cosy up by the fire, and join us for a special serving of Midwestern holiday cheer. This episode will leave you inspired, hungry, and ready to make new traditions of your own.

In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish, join Kieron Hales, Marcy Hoopingarner, and Hungarian Ann Arborite Zsofie Towne as they explore Hungarian Jewish foodways in anticipation of a scintillating holiday dinner at Zingerman's Roadhouse. Zsofie talks about the mouthwatering menu of traditional dishes she will prepare for this very special event on December 10th, 2024, and lavishes us with rich stori...

In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish , host Chef Kieron Hales Daniel Burman, Lee Vedder takes you on a savory journey through the rich history and enduring appeal of pasties, the beloved hand pies of the Midwest. From their humble beginnings as the portable lunches of Cornish miners to their treasured status as a comfort food in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, pasties tell a story of immigration, res...

In this episode of Heartland Hot Dish , we take a delicious dive into the world of pierogi—those irresistible pockets of joy that have been warming hearts and plates for generations. From their humble Eastern European roots to their cherished status in Midwest kitchens, pierogies have become a symbol of comfort food at its finest. Join host Kieron Hales as he explores the history, cultural signifi...