Pure Alchemy — A whole food cooking podcast

About Pure Alchemy — A whole food cooking podcast

Pure Alchemy is a whole-food cooking podcast devoted to transforming simple, honest ingredients into deeply nourishing, irresistibly delicious food that will enrich your table and your life. No chemicals. No lab-grown substitutes. No mysterious ingredients you can’t pronounce. Just pure alchemy using clean ingredients that support your health, not ones that cause harm. I’m Natalie, your host. I have a background in nutritional therapy and an insatiable passion for all thing food. I know when you start with clean ingredients and a little know-how, magic unfolds. Join me and create some alchemy of your own with truly delicious recipes that will nourish you inside and out. Real food. Real nourishment. Pure alchemy.

Publisher

Natalie Larsen, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and lover of all things food

Category

arts · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

14 Mar 2026

Latest episode

24 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Aug 2026

   A bit of news

   I'm sorry to say there will not be a Season 2 of Pure Alchemy. Please note the show website, purealchemypodcast.com (http://purealchemypodcast.com), will be available until September 23rd, so be sure to download any recipes before then. If you have questions, comments or want help cleaning up a recipe, reach out to me on the contact page.

2. 

   21 Jun 2026

   Bonus Bites: Digestion starts in the brain

   People are busier than ever, eating in their cars, at their desks or while running to an appointment. We tend to wolf down food and barely remember eating, never once taking a pause. When we do this, we negate the very first phase of digestion which starts in the brain and is called the cephalic phase. Learn more about this important phase of digestion and how to maximize it for better overall health. RESEARCH LINKS: Nourishing Generations Education Project (https://www.nourishinggenerations.org/post/digestivehealth-cephalic-phase) Medicine LibreTexts: Cephalic Phase (https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Anatomy_and_Physiology/Anatomy_and_Physiology_(Boundless)/22:_Digestive_System/22.14:_Phases_of_Digestion/22.14A:_Cephalic_Phase) Northwestern medicine: is eating too fast unhealthy? (https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/nutrition/quick-dose-is-eating-too-fast-unhealthy)

3. 

   17 Jun 2026

   Heavenly basil ranch

   Attention people: THIS is the ranch you need in your life. It's creamy, 100% clean and so delicious with the classic ranch flavor you love but with fresh, summery basil to take it right over the top. Make this now and thank me later. As we close out Season 1, a very special thank you to those who have listened along the way. Your support means everything to this itty, bitty podcast. I hope Season 2 continues to inspire you to step into the kitchen and create some alchemy of your own. Real food. Real nourishment. Pure alchemy. SHOW RESOURCES All recipes at purealchemypodcast.com (http://purealchemypodcast.com) Listen to Episode 1: EP 1: Amazing homemade mayo (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pure-alchemy-a-whole-food-cooking-podcast/id1885349374?i=1000756592293) CLEAN MAYO Amazing homemade mayo recipe (https://purealchemypodcast.com/2026/03/22/homemade-mayo/) Primal Kitchen Avocado Mayo (https://www.primalkitchen.com/products/avocado-oil-mayo) Chosen Foods Avocado Mayo (https://chosenfoods.com/products/classic-avocado-oil-mayo-32oz-bpa-free-pet) CLEAN KETCHUP Primal Kitchen Ketchup (https://www.primalkitchen.com/products/organic-unsweetened-ketchup) Yo Momma Classic Ketchup (https://thrivemarket.com/p/yo-mamas-foods-classic-ketchup?utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla&region_id=13_or&nbt=nb:adwords:x:23403653422::&nb_adtype=pla&nb_kwd=&nb_ti=&nb_mi=102997493&nb_pc=online&nb_pi=850008833083&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla_smart&utm_campaign=Google_Prospecting_PerformanceMax_NB_FeedOnly_AllProducts_Broad&utm_content=850008833083&utm_term=pmax&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23394355569&gbraid=0AAAAADlJFtj_5qmCCoeQkmx2zoMDxSz5z&gclid=Cj0KCQjwi8nRBhDhARIsAHZf_pbNOAmIdYxO_9jMUGSVUUUCTfRl-AHVO7Wz-bpqtF9aQh3UxuXz1ekaAvg0EALw_wcB)

4. 

   2 Jun 2026

   Nuoc cham

   Today we are making the amazing, wonderful, sour, salty, spicy, slightly sweet nuoc cham! A fragrant, fresh and perfectly balanced condiment for hot or cold noodle dishes, meat, fish, shellfish, salad rolls and salads that hits all the notes. Do not miss this one! Full recipe @ purealchemypodcast.com (http://purealchemypodcast.com). ______________________________ SHOW RESOURCES: Red Boat fish sauce (https://redboatfishsauce.com/collections/shop/products/fish-sauce-40n?variant=40644609573029) (available at Safeway, Fred Meyer, Market of Choice and Asian grocery stores)

5. 

   22 May 2026

   Salsa two ways!

   If you love salsa as much as I do, you don't want to miss this episode. We'll make two incredible versions - a salsa cruda and a roasted salsa. Both are so versatile and so damn good and you'll wonder how you ever lived without them.

6. 

   4 May 2026

   Rich espresso bbq sauce

   If a barbecue sauce can get 5 stars, this is definitely it. This recipe gets wonderful depth from espresso, its signature tang from apple cider vinegar and the tiniest nod of heat, resulting in a wonderfully balanced sauce perfect for anything you want to grill. With summer around the corner, this is one recipe you won't want to miss! Full recipe @ purealchemypodcast.com (http://purealchemypodcast.com). __________________________ INGREDIENT SOURCES Primal Kitchen No Sugar Ketchup (https://www.primalkitchen.com/products/organic-unsweetened-squeeze-ketchup) Coconut Aminos (Target) (https://www.target.com/p/organic-coconut-aminos-10-fl-oz-good-38-gather-8482/-/A-85803807?TCID=OGS&AFID=google&CPNG=Dry+Grocery&adgroup=212-30&srsltid=AfmBOopn7t9Iq0Y9vh8IIfVMEP63LR0m1cAV-JwNq5HWOvEdXOWqSfWTWwo&region_id=973973) Trader Joe’s (https://locations.traderjoes.com) (economical source for apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, honey, olive oil and many pantry staples)

7. 

   22 Apr 2026

   Bonus Bites: All about salt

   Today’s Bonus Bite is all about salt. Salt is the unsung hero of any dish and probably the most important ingredient in your pantry. And sadly, many salts on the market come with unwanted microplastics and heavy metals. Join me to learn why sourcing clean salt brands is so important and how cooking whole food at home can significantly lower your sodium intake. We'll also compare the sodium in two store brands and a restaurant chain to home cooked versions and you'll be shocked at the difference! Please share this important information with anyone you know, whether they’re on a low-sodium diet, or they grab take-out most days, or they’re simply interested in nutrition. THE SOURCE LIST: Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt (https://www.diamondcrystalsalt.com/kosher-salt) Jacobsen’s Kosher Sea Salt (https://jacobsensalt.com/collections/pure-sea-salt/products/pure-kosher-sea-salt?variant=31656634351639) Saltverk (https://saltverk.com/products/saltverk-pure-flaky-sea-salt) Vera Salt (https://verasalt.co) Only Salt (https://www.onlysalt.co/) ____________________ RESEARCH LINKS: Lead Safe Mama: Toxic profile salt chart (https://tamararubin.com/2025/04/salt-chart/) National Library of Medicine: Heavy Metals in Foods and Beverages: Global Situation, Health Risks and Reduction Methods (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10528236/#sec4-foods-12-03340)

8. 

   20 Apr 2026

   Divine cashew cream + cashew milk

   If you’re a fan of the cashew, today is your day. We’re going to make an incredibly smooth and creamy cashew cream and as a bonus, make some cashew milk too. I'm including some delicious riffs on this basic cashew cream recipe, so experiment and be amazed at what this little nut can do! Full cashew cream recipe (https://purealchemypodcast.com/2026/04/20/divine-cashew-cream/) Full cashew milk recipe (https://purealchemypodcast.com/2026/04/20/organic-cashew-milk/) CASHEW CREAM RIFFS Simply add one of these to the blender to upgrade your cashew cream into something completely new. Taste as you go and adjust amounts to get the flavor you’re looking for. These amounts are merely suggestions. Savory addition ideas: 1 large garlic clove, peeled 2-3 roasted garlic cloves 1 roasted jalapeno (or jalapeno + garlic!) 1-2 chipotle peppers 1/2 avocado Curry powder Your favorite hot sauce Dessert addition ideas: 2 pitted Medjool dates (you can soak these too so they blend easier) 1-2 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup Monk fruit sweetener Cocoa nibs ________________________ INGREDIENT SOURCES Raw cashews Whole Foods/Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/365-Everyday-Value-Cashews-16/dp/B074V3V1PC/ref=sr_1_11?crid=3BQMSS5R4RBBK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9ipVXKey4tzUYuE8v5V-Ib3ZGxAvPiTJXb8vgGY2ng_I2b2D0OWMQhAkSRBcoj907wuimo6_kIy-aSJeOFZMibvPyUymgh6X9dLjmA7_VZHzeylw8rYsUe737KzL9s4ne362vszS1Ye9CxxC3cmAZPqdPM2Zfvk-TNwFJuH1YHn77ENTTXEjqUGxDixM-GvOrkPQQ4ybzLjW0ziDE9Pms0HJ90G_IqRW6NpZCmZoB_gMyeHXyFxsT0k1wgoqRCRZdrTZ4gZ7fweR2QhO50bzGFjuRg0rHQpqU5P-oszNbqE.IwgVzivdZ4vgMVesnTclE1auU3VhJwqEPELJijWbCM4&dib_tag=se&keywords=raw+organic+cashews+1+lb.&qid=1776347224&rdc=1&sprefix=raw+organic+cashews+1+lb.,aps,186&sr=8-11&th=1) Walmart (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Great-Value-Organic-Raw-Whole-Cashews-14-oz/748653717?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wmlspartner=wlpa&cn=FY25-ENTP-PMAX_cnv_dps_dsn_dis_ad_entp_e_n&gclsrc=aw.ds&adid=22222222297748653717_0000000000_21407473164&wl0=&wl1=x&wl2=c&wl3=&wl4=&wl5=9032982&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=748653717&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21690411341&gbraid=0AAAAADmfBIoNpLWM9QL1K6yk2_baqyIbD&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkYLPBhC3ARIsAIyHi3SdJbP2GR9LvOcPwRScotUygAwJh3pwMSABm7oafmt6puMcflU1-y0aAtYLEALw_wcB) Trader Joe’s (https://locations.traderjoes.com) Bulk nut section in your grocery store Avocado oil Chosen Foods Avocado Oil (https://chosenfoods.com/products/chosen-foods-100-avocado-cooking-oil-1l-bottle-33-8fl-1) Trader Joe’s (https://locations.traderjoes.com) (economical source for organic olive oil and avocado oil)

9. 

   15 Apr 2026

   Whole grain mustard goodness

   This week we're making a super easy whole grain mustard! It may seem complicated, but it’s not. In fact, there’s zero cooking involved, just a little patience is required. Best of all, it has zero sugar and no preservatives, which a lot of store brand mustards have. Please see the full recipe in the show transcript. Real food. Real nourishment. Pure alchemy. __________________ INGREDIENT LINKS Brown mustard seed (https://www.amazon.com/Fermentaholics-Organic-Brown-Mustard-Seeds/dp/B0G6GLF8XY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3VYJO11US32Q9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TYUQEZg3VoHMYbSP13jrzNQbOa8-qk0-zzCrmxgtxqD-biNkj7U0Zw4ULJlZPqIKWlUGP4XWUSUfNvTrfKP1kcjiD6Al6JjP6rGVraBsePG5vD6xktGpeX3OhmVRqug48qnvcHovixeS3c0rIQ11HUzMYsCOVHfrT6pyeW9hyhVPuusVJIsAgS6U21RfCz9Kjhpw0q2Nw5Q0iajUNuOccG1w-5O6tmOWHXljpQ5rv-1cWzIqX6BFn3Fmyms1vtMhlcUzadK8cmRCTQZnKIxQykpIplfHdD194gcxYcfRux0.hxwdpX3BriZNt1QW7wKQNvp9jroAYUBU32xxfEAVzaA&dib_tag=se&keywords=organic+brown+mustard+seeds&qid=1776186620&sprefix=organic+brown+mustar,aps,246&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1) Yellow mustard seed (https://www.amazon.com/Spice-Profile-Certified-Resealable-House-Made/dp/B0CP8ZYK1N/ref=sxin_17_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.cdeaf89b-0b83-4151-b82a-07a08dc40e89:amzn1.sym.cdeaf89b-0b83-4151-b82a-07a08dc40e89&crid=G8MSF7LRPRUU&cv_ct_cx=organic+yellow+mustard+seeds&keywords=organic+yellow+mustard+seeds&pd_rd_i=B0CP8ZYK1N&pd_rd_r=ed30e359-3c12-4e2f-98b3-a9f39d89711c&pd_rd_w=BmdBT&pd_rd_wg=0OsdB&pf_rd_p=cdeaf89b-0b83-4151-b82a-07a08dc40e89&pf_rd_r=ZH48JJ7S07Y7ZKCP1JDA&qid=1776186685&sbo=RZvfv//HxDF+O5021pAnSA==&sprefix=organic+yellow+mustard+seeds,aps,226&sr=1-1-6e60e730-e094-43e9-99e8-1a4854cd27ff-spons&aref=chvKKJ8qzj&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&psc=1)

10. 

    30 Mar 2026

    Pure bliss chili crisp

    Are you ready to make a punch-you-in-the-face flavor bomb full of garlic, shallots, chilies and ginger? If you said yes, you're in the right place! Today's all about chili crisp and we're making a 100% clean, 100% delicious version you can have in your kitchen arsenal anytime. Real food. Real nourishment. Pure alchemy. ______________________ INGREDIENT SOURCES Avocado & sesame oil Chosen Foods Avocado Oil (https://chosenfoods.com/products/chosen-foods-100-avocado-cooking-oil-1l-bottle-33-8fl-1) Primal Kitchen (https://www.primalkitchen.com/collections/shop-all) Trader Joe’s (https://locations.traderjoes.com) Organic options available at most grocery stores Coconut aminos Trader Joe’s (https://locations.traderjoes.com) Whole Foods (https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/grocery/product/coconut-secret-coconut-secret-coconut-aminos-8-fl-oz-low-sodium-soy-sauce-alternative-low-glycemic-organic-vegan-non-gmo-gluten-free-kosher-keto-paleo-whole-30-48-servings-b003xb5lmu) Amazon - Bragg’s (https://www.amazon.com/Bragg-Coconut-Aminos-Purpose-Seasoning/dp/B0DGJJ58J8?th=1) Also available at most grocery stores ______________________ SHOW SOURCES Anthony Bourdain (Parts Unknown (https://www.cnn.com/shows/anthony-bourdain-parts-unknown), No Reservations (https://www.travelchannel.com/show/anthony-bourdain-no-reservations-travel-channel), A Cooks Tour (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpz7cLJ1_TwSLBsCZiO1b_O4YnlHAJiB2) - please see your local bookstore for all his amazing books. I highly recommend Kitchen Confidential.)

11. 

    22 Mar 2026

    Bonus Bites: All About Fats

    Today’s first Bonus Bite is all about fat and temperature. I’m gonna give you break down on the safest cooking fats and the best ways to use them. We'll cover the safe cooking fats and the unsafe ones, and what to look for on nutritional labels. You won't want to miss this one. Be sure to save it for future reference and definitely share with anyone you know who likes to cook, is interested in whole food nutrition or simply loves food! THE SOURCE LIST: Chosen Foods Avocado Oil (https://chosenfoods.com/products) (https://chosenfoods.com/products) Trader Joe’s (https://locations.traderjoes.com) (https://locations.traderjoes.com) Thrive Market (https://thrivemarket.com/c/ghee-oils-vinegars) (https://thrivemarket.com/c/ghee-oils-vinegars (https://thrivemarket.com/c/ghee-oils-vinegars)) O Organics (Safeway - West Coast) Whole Foods Local co-ops and natural food stores (check listings in your area) Also, try your local farmer’s market - many ranches sell tallow or fat. Just ask! And don’t miss the very first episode of Pure Alchemy! Listen here (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pure-alchemy/id1885349374?i=1000756592293) and be sure to follow the show so you don't miss a thing.

12. 

    22 Mar 2026

    Amazing clean homemade mayo

    Welcome to Pure Alchemy, where simple, whole ingredients become something truly extraordinary. In this first episode, we'll kick off the season with an incredibly easy recipe for making clean mayonnaise. And it takes only 5 minutes! We'll discuss why whole food matters, how to avoid toxic ingredients and how to start making some alchemy in your own kitchen. My sincere hope is this show provides ideas to someone out there who is starting to dabble in cooking or inspires the person who wants to explore whole food cooking. Real food. Real nourishment. Pure alchemy. ______________________________ SHOW LINKS The Splendid Table (show archive) (https://www.splendidtable.org/episodes/year/2001) Note: Lynne hosted from 1997 - 2017 Michael Pollan (https://michaelpollan.com) Bonus bites: All about fats (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pure-alchemy/id1885349374?i=1000756592470) ______________________________ INGREDIENT SOURCES Mayonnaise Chosen Foods Classic Mayo (https://chosenfoods.com/products/avocado-oil-mayo-12?srsltid=AfmBOoqSTg-BxmJVNZDqutimcrlpXnm9IJ57UAgM2b_L0EEGYhEixJ7r) Primal Kitchen Mayo (https://www.primalkitchen.com/products/avocado-oil-mayo?variant=4631981948957&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=17750154394&tw_kwdid=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ads&utm_campaign=&utm_id=go_cmp-17750154394_adg-_ad-__dev-c_ext-_prd-310505013277_108636990001050000_sig-CjwKCAjwpcTNBhA5EiwAdO1S9uIrs2AuvO8JuyEHukE5Eu4Dbu9e0CRQxOw7BUlh7e1tynf4NqMEsBoC5HgQAvD_BwE&utm_term=go_cmp-17750154394_adg-_ad-__dev-c_ext-_prd-310505013277_108636990001050000_mca-133710789_sig-CjwKCAjwpcTNBhA5EiwAdO1S9uIrs2AuvO8JuyEHukE5Eu4Dbu9e0CRQxOw7BUlh7e1tynf4NqMEsBoC5HgQAvD_BwE&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17749257258&gbraid=0AAAAADe7nX7W6AZPr5YS2vhNB5nwZs7cl&gclid=CjwKCAjwpcTNBhA5EiwAdO1S9uIrs2AuvO8JuyEHukE5Eu4Dbu9e0CRQxOw7BUlh7e1tynf4NqMEsBoC5HgQAvD_BwE) Avocado oil Chosen Foods Avocado Oil (https://chosenfoods.com/products/chosen-foods-100-avocado-cooking-oil-1l-bottle-33-8fl-1) Trader Joe’s (https://locations.traderjoes.com) Mustard Primal Kitchen Organic Dijon Mustard (https://www.primalkitchen.com/products/dijon-mustard) Thrive Market (https://thrivemarket.com/c/ghee-oils-vinegars)

13. 

    14 Mar 2026

    Welcome to Pure Alchemy!

    Pure Alchemy is a whole-food cooking podcast devoted to transforming simple, honest ingredients into deeply nourishing, irresistibly delicious food that will enrich your table and your life. No chemicals. No lab-grown substitutes. No mysterious ingredients you can’t pronounce. Just pure alchemy using clean ingredients that support your health, not ones that cause harm. In this first season, we’ll start small, yet mighty, with condiments that add tremendous flavor to anything they touch. I’ll teach you how to make an incredibly creamy mayo, a hearty mustard, an absolutely amazing chili crisp, and more. Watch for episode one coming Sunday, March 22! Real food. Real nourishment. Pure alchemy.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

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Guest appearances

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.