About this episode

Michael Symon and Carla Hall explore unexpected flavor combinations and improvisational cooking techniques.

Today on Chewed Up , Michael Symon and Carla Hall are exploring unexpected flavor combinations that sound unusual at first - and then somehow make perfect sense. Carla puts that idea into practice with a peach galette made with a savory curry crust, ripe peaches, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, lemon, almond, and a little jam to boost the fruit when it needs extra sweetness. As she builds the galette, Carla and Michael break down why recipes should be treated as guides instead of rigid rules, how to adjust fruit depending on sweetness and acidity, and how one solid dough technique can be adapted into endless sweet or savory variations. The finished galette gets a crisp crust, juicy peaches, and just enough warm curry spice to make the combination unexpected without overpowering the dessert. Then Michael and Carla turn the theme into a game, pulling random sweet and savory ingredients and improvising dishes on the spot - from sun-dried tomatoes with hot honey to caramelized onions, maple syrup, bourbon, cherries, and pork. Along the way, they also talk favorite cookbooks, underrated ingredients, mixed prints, and why sometimes the best combinations are the ones you never would have…

Sponsors

Frontgate, FreshDirect

More episodes of Chewed UP

• Michael Symon's Tailgate Tacos Recipe · September 9, 2026 · 35 min
• Clams, Corn & Chicken: The Perfect Labor Day Dish · September 7, 2026 · 40 min
• The Crispy Summer Veggie We Can't Stop Eating. · September 2, 2026 · 34 min
• Which Frozen Pizza Actually Tastes Like the Real Thing? Round 2 · August 31, 2026 · 36 min
• The Only Rib Recipe You'll Ever Need · August 24, 2026 · 45 min
• We Tried the Viral Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Bagel · August 19, 2026 · 35 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Chewed UP podcast page.