Food news antipasto

Ina Garten’s cookbook tour is going virtual. Williams Sonoma announced that it would host the Barefoot Contessa herself in a series of events to celebrate the launch of her latest, Modern Comfort Food. The first event sees Ina chatting with Jennifer Garner on October 20, followed by a talk with Katie Couric on November 17. For both events, fans must get tickets from Williams Sonoma at least two days ahead of time, but you should probably do it sooner, as they are limited, and the included autographed copies of the cookbook could run out. 

We used to take flour for granted, but the pandemic changed how we look at this ubiquitous substance. Just how much do you know about this grain? Bee Wilson’s review of Amber Waves: The Extraordinary Biography of Wheat by Catherine Zabinski provides a fascinating glimpse into the long history of wheat, and how its transformation from wild grass to cul has changed how the world eats.

Have you ever been frustrated when trying to brush an egg wash onto a pie crust or butter onto phyllo dough? If you are using a silicone pastry brush, that might be the problem. Food & Wine Magazine explains why you should ditch the silicone for a brush made from boar bristle or nylon.

The Guardian has just published a fantastic profile and interview with chef (and star of Netflix’s Chef’s Table) Asma Khan, author of Asma’s Indian Kitchen: Home-Cooked Food Brought to You by Darjeeling Express. The story of how she became an acclaimed chef and restaurateur is amazing. In a male-dominated profession she has created a space where her entire team is composed solely of women who have only ever cooked at home.