NBC’s Today show launched the Today Food Club, an interactive community where everyday cooks can connect with show anchors and experts to share recipes, techniques and stories from the kitchen. Media members were invited to a special demonstration hosted by Today special food contributor Siri Pinter, senior editor Vidya Rao, digital executive producer Ashley Parrish, and food stylist Allison Simpson.
“We’re not just doling out to-dos, recipes, and advice — we’re setting the stage for a conversation where talent, experts, and users are all in this together – a community of cooks and eaters,” Parrish said. “The best part of this community is that we will elevate and reward community members for their thoughts, recipes, and advice by featuring them online and inviting them to cook alongside our talent in food segments on the show.”
The Today food team whipped up some samples for the crowd, including banana bread and spaghetti pie. Parrish described the club as a “place to embrace no fear cooking” and ensured us that “it’s OK if you don’t know how to cure a pan, make a reduction sauce, or stuff a turkey.” We don’t know how to do any of those things, so Parrish’s advice was nice. But the highlight of the event, at least for us, was easily the spaghetti pie.
Samantha Okazaki / TODAY