This show features Chef Ken Fornataro of Cultures.Group preparing a three-dish meal using portobello mushroom koji to make an amped-up version of kasha varnishkas, accompanied by lamb chops sautéd in roasted hazelnut oil and lamb chops seasoned with dried mushroom miso and a peppercorn, cinnamon and coriander spice blend.

If you're new to koji, or you just want to pick up some koji-making tips, this is the video to watch! Chef Ken makes a basic rice koji by inoculating sushi rice with koji spores. This rice koji is the base for Koji Basics Part 3: Making Shio Koji and Amasake. More episodes feature flavorful and nutrition-packed easy recipes using these koji basics.

Wild leeks, or ramps, are not only richly flavored, they're packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Here's a very simple pasta recipe that can be served warm or room temperature, featuring caramelized flash-roasted ramps.

This is a rough cut for preview only. This clip is not color balanced or mixed. It still needs beauty shots and graphics. Please do not share. For partner / sponsor preview only!!! Host Amy Kalafa caught up with Chef Ken Fornataro of Cultures.group in his New York City laboratory. High above the Hudson River, Ken makes his own koji rice, shio koji, miso, soy sauce, natto and saki from some surprising ingredients. Prickly ash, mustard seeds and heritage corn have all been cultured in various ways to explode the flavor of a Baltic golden beet borscht. Contact: Amy@a-ray.tv, kojiandpickles@gmail.com More Info: https://www.a-ray.tv/work-in-progress-cultured-cured

These koji coated portobello mushrooms are one of Ken's secret ingredients in his cultured version of kasha varnishkas. Join our email list on the website to see the full episode. www.a-ray.tv. Want to know more about koji (aspergillus oryzae spores)? Join our email list at www.a-ray.tv. and visit Ken's blog cultures.group.

Ramps, or wild leeks, can only be harvested during a few weeks each year. We followed Chef Alex Gunuey to his secret foraging spot where he shows us how to sustainably harvest the delicate shoots.

The hunt for history is on! Wayne is investigating leads, searching old barns, garages and warehouses, to uncover untold automotive stories. Watch new hour-long episodes of Chasing Classic Cars every Tuesday night at 10/9c on Velocity.

Sizzle Reel for Lidia's Italy PBS Series Season 3