Elaine's Cooking For The Soul

We're left a little gutted after this episode. Hungrier than ever. Elaine Martínez, DDS, finds herself pulled into a deep, late-night conversation with Fran, now an ambitious State security official who carries secrets and struggles that haunt them. Their tense yet heartfelt exchange reveals glimmers of humanity and resistance against the constraints of The State. Join Elaine as she: Comforts Fran, a high-ranking State official, who faces a profound inner conflict between love and duty. Discovers unexpected leverage and insight from Fran’s position in State Tech and Surveillance. Reminds Fran of the importance of love and shared moments, even in a world seemingly stripped of meaning. Hints at a new glimmer of hope, as Fran reveals a loophole that could bring about a temporary prison break. Written & Directed by Allison SliceElaine Martínez voiced by Rosa DelgadoFran voiced by Socks Whitmore Editing and sound design by Allison SliceMusic by Carly ComandoCover Art by Stig Greve Credits:

As we continue through this thrilling final season, Elaine Martínez, DDS, finds herself still in the grip of The State, but hope glimmers on the horizon. This week, in the luxurious yet ominous State HQ kitchen, Elaine prepares a delicacy that’s equal parts classic and unsettling: "steak" tartare. Alongside her, we meet Joe the Plumber, your everyman State-appointed guest who brings oodles of charm, despite his rather...controlled dialogue. Join Elaine as she: Delves into the peculiar history of steak tartare, with references to Turco-Mongol warriors, Freud, and more. Struggles with State-imposed cooking restrictions while hilariously adapting to new ingredients like lab-grown peas and crow-laid eggs. Contemplates her role and the sacrifice she's made while trying to maintain her dignity in a world of forced State propaganda. Ingredients: Beef (preferably synthetic, lab-grown, bacteria-free, as per The State's standards) 2 tsp sherry vinegar ½ tsp dry mustard 2 large egg yolks ½ cup light olive oil 6 tbsp finely diced shallots 2 tbsp small brined capers (unrinsed) 1 tsp kosher salt ¼ cup celery leaves, finely chopped (divided) 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (divided) 1 tsp freshly grated lemon zest Special crow egg for topping Lab-grown peas (pureed with mint and lemon juice) Instructions: Prepare the dressing: In a small blue bowl, whisk together sherry vinegar, dry mustard, and egg yolks. Slowly stream in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Add flavor: Stir in shallots, capers, salt, 2/3 of the celery leaves, parsley, and lemon zest. Meat preparation: Fold the dressing into the ground beef, mixing it by hand to ensure the flavors meld together. Shape the tartare: Use a pastry ring to mold the beef into a perfect circle on the plate. Remove the ring for that artful presentation. Finish with an egg: Crack a crow-laid egg on top of the tartare for a bold final touch. Lab-grown peas: Blend the peas with a splash of lemon juice, mint, and olive oil for a creamy, zesty side. Lab-grown peas: Don't worry about frozen—these are freshly grown in the lab and glowing with vibrant green. Crow eggs: For an extra touch of State-sanctioned oddity, top your dish with a crow egg laid on command. Survival strategy: Elaine advises that while lab-grown ingredients may seem unsettling, adaptability is key to thriving under The State. Credits: Written by Rosa DelgadoDirected by Allison SliceElaine Martínez voiced by Rosa DelgadoCourier voiced by Raechel WongJoe the Plumber voiced by Rama Vallury State Official voiced by Francis Krainock Editing and sound design by Allison Slice Music by Carly Comando Cover Art by Stig Greve A very special thanks to our patrons. Support us on Patreon at ⁠Patreon.com/elainescooking to keep this post-apocalyptic kitchen running! Steak Tartare and Lab-Grown Peas RecipeTips and Variations:

Elaine and Sam reunite for a (slightly out of season) holiday episode, though still under the watchful control of The State. Together, they prepare champurrado, a traditional Mexican holiday drink, in a maximally secured room, all while sharing lighthearted banter and bittersweet memories. With The State’s approval looming over every moment, the pair create a warm, nostalgic treat in a bleak world. Despite the oppressive circumstances, the holiday spirit flickers through Elaine and Sam’s friendship, as they reminisce about simpler times and embrace a rare moment of joy. Key Moments: Elaine and Sam reunite under The State’s strict control, kicking off the episode with their usual humor and resilient spirit. Sam wins “Prisoner of the Month” by mistake, giving an unintentionally hilarious insight into The State’s operations. Together, they joke about rejected holiday recipes (such as Abba Zabba casserole) before settling on a delicious traditional dish: champurrado. The recipe-making process involves banter about piloncillo, Mexican chocolate, and their past at LA Dental Care. As they sip their champurrado, Elaine and Sam share a heartfelt moment, expressing gratitude for each other in the midst of their grim reality. Champurrado Recipe: Ingredients: 4 cups milk (or milk alternative) 2 oz piloncillo (or brown sugar) 1 Mexican chocolate tablet (or substitute with dark chocolate) 1 cinnamon stick 1/2 cup masa harina (corn flour) 1 cup warm water 1 tsp vanilla extract Pinch of salt Instructions: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, piloncillo, Mexican chocolate, and the cinnamon stick. Stir occasionally as the mixture heats up. While waiting for the chocolate mixture, in a separate bowl, whisk together the masa harina and warm water until smooth. The consistency should resemble thin cake batter. Once the chocolate mixture begins to simmer, slowly whisk in the masa harina mixture. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and reaches your desired consistency. Remove from heat and pour into mugs. Serve warm and enjoy! Tips and Variations: Holiday Vibes: The cinnamon and chocolate combination is perfect for the holiday season. For an extra festive touch, garnish with a cinnamon stick or sprinkle a bit of chili powder for heat. Masa Magic: The masa harina gives champurrado its signature thick texture, transforming this drink into a rich, comforting holiday treat. Credits: Written by: Rosa Delgado & Allison SliceElaine Martínez voiced by: Rosa DelgadoSam Gately voiced by: Thomas Anthony Jones

Elaine finds herself once again in the clutches of The State, only this time, she’s given a platform—albeit a heavily controlled one. In this bizarre new twist, Elaine is forced to host a state-sponsored cooking show featuring the Secretary of Human Rights himself. Together, they prepare a grand feast, including lab-grown tenderloin and luxurious purple mashed potatoes, while grappling with the ever-watchful eyes of The State. As always, Elaine manages to make even the bleakest situations slightly absurd, using food as a way to subtly rebel and stay connected to her humanity. Meanwhile, her old friend Sam makes a brief, but hopeful, appearance, reminding her that there is still light in the dark. Key Moments: Elaine begins the episode in a state-of-the-art kitchen with the unnerving presence of the Secretary of Human Rights. Despite her imprisonment, she uses humor to cope with the new “public” format. Sam struggles to bring in a sack of potatoes, creating a lighthearted moment in the midst of the tension, only to be abruptly dragged away by The State’s robotic enforcers. Elaine and the Secretary discuss everything from potatoes to power dynamics, with Elaine attempting to maintain her defiance while the Secretary remains unfazed by her charm. The pair prepare purple mashed potatoes, but not without the Secretary banning several key ingredients and replacing friendly conversation with rigid state propaganda. In the outro, Elaine reflects deeply on her confinement and what it means to grow complacent in captivity, stirring thoughts of resistance among her listeners. Purple Mashed Potatoes Recipe: Ingredients: 3 pounds purple potatoes 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup milk or unsweetened milk alternative Salt and pepper to taste Roasted garlic (from 1 head) Optional garnish: chopped parsley Instructions: Peel and halve the potatoes, ensuring all pieces are of similar size. Boil in salted water for about 8-15 minutes until tender. Roast garlic by cutting off the top of a head of garlic, drizzling with oil, wrapping in foil, and roasting in the oven at 400°F until soft (about 30 minutes). Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the potatoes, then add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes to your desired consistency, adjusting seasoning as needed. Garnish with parsley if available. Tips and Variations: State-Sanctioned Simplicity: Keep your ingredients minimal, as Elaine's journey demonstrates that sometimes less is all you can get—but it’s what you do with it that matters. Purple Power: Purple potatoes offer a twist to the usual mashed potatoes, both visually and nutritionally, as they are rich in antioxidants. Credits: Written and Directed by: Alli Slice Elaine Martínez voiced by: Rosa Delgado Sam voiced by: Thomas Anthony Jones The Secretary of Human Rights voiced by: Dan Egan Courier voiced by: Raechel Wong