Our common nature is a musical journey with Yo-Yo Ma and me, Ana Gonzalez, through this complicated country.

We go into caves, onto boats, and up mountain trails to meet people, hear their stories, their poetry, and of course, play some music, all to reconnect to nature and get closer to the things we're missing.

Listen to Our Common Nature from WNYC, wherever you get podcasts.

Hi, it's Lynn Rosetta, Casper, and you're listening to The Splendid Table, the show for

people who love to eat. Our program is produced by American Public Media and supported by

Rumenboard, handcrafted furniture for your home at Rumenboard.com. Today, it's wine critic Robert

Parker. He wields rare power in the world of wine. Many winemakers

actually build their wines to cater to his palate. Well, we ask what's informed that

palette and what has shaped Robert Parker's taste. To me, most kitchen gadgets are a waste of money, but Christopher Kimball,

he of PBS's America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Illustrated magazine, has his top five gadgets

of the year, and Chris thinks I'll love them. Cookie season is here. Food scientist Shirley

Currier has the success secrets that nobody ever tells us.

They're from her new book, Bakewise.

We talk proper taking of teas with our favorite tea expert, Bill Waddington, like,

is milk and sugar a sacrilege?

And as always in the second half of the show, we're going to be opening the lines for your calls.

You can get to us at 800, 537-52-52.

So let's get started with Jane and Michael Stern, brought to you by the Devin Cream Company,

introducing their new Cremfresh in time for the holidays.

The Stearns write the Road Food column in Gourmet magazine.

Music The Stearns write the Road Food Column and Gourmet Magazine.

Jane, Michael, I understand you've been in one of my favorite towns.

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