How Capri S. Cafaro Went From Politics To Pies

MY NAME

Capri S. Cafaro

MY NICKNAME

My sister calls me “Mole,” which comes from a comic strip we invented as kids!

MY HOME BASE

I split my time between my native Ohio, Washington, D.C., and London.

MY BIZ

I am a cookbook author, TV personality, and podcast host of Eat Your Heartland Out, which recently expanded to SiriusXM's Rural Radio. I also have a small business called Humble Pie Home + Kitchen where I sell made-in-America kitchenware and my vintage-inspired apron designs. I am focused on telling the untold stories behind food that highlight the cultural tapestry of the U.S. and beyond. Recently, I started as a new maker with Tastemade Experiences doing a series called Around The World in 80 Pies and I’m working on a cookbook of the same name.

WHAT I’M KNOWN FOR

Pie is my thing… specifically cream pies with a cookie crust. 

WHAT MAKES ME STAND OUT

I spent 20 years in government/politics/nonprofit sectors and 10 of those were as a state senator in my native Ohio. I also served as Minority Leader for almost four years. [Her term ended due to mandated limits.] My experience representing farmers, serving on the Ohio Senate Agriculture Committee, and meeting a variety of people from diverse backgrounds has given me a unique perspective as a storyteller in the culinary and cultural space. I took my career from politics to pies in 2020, when I launched my first cookbook, United We Eat: 50 Great American Dishes To Bring Us All Together.

HOW I’M DOING THESE DAYS

Pretty good. It’s daunting to make such a big career change, but it has also been a rewarding adventure so far.

HOW THE BOMBESQUAD CAN SUPPORT ME

You can check out my cookbook, United We Eat, which is available on Amazon and at select retailers. Also, visit my shop’s site, sign up for my curated kitchen subscription box, subscribe to my podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and sign up for my programs via Tastemade Experiences. TIA! (Thanks in advance!)

MY SECRET SKILL

I can beat Shazam as long as the song is between 1964–2008.

MY MOTTO

Never give up. 

MY MOST LOVED COOKBOOKS

My grandmother’s old McCall’s and Betty Crocker cookbooks from the early 1960s. They are a piece of her that I cherish every day and books I use regularly.

ESSENTIAL KITCHEN TOOLS

I LOVE everything Great Jones does. Their use of color and ergonomic designs is perfect. I have everything from their Dutchess Dutch oven in Taffy to their Holy Sheet sheet pan in Blueberry. I swear by Pampered Chef products. They last forever and are also well designed. Many of their products are made in the U.S. That’s also why I like using Nordic Ware; they’re made in America and have quite a few eco-friendly lines as well.

PANTRY STAPLE

Jarred green Hatch chiles “imported” from New Mexico. I fell in love with New Mexico chiles when I did a photography workshop in Santa Fe years ago. And I swear I throw them in everything I make now… I bring the heat!

SQUAD SHOUTOUT

I interviewed Justice of The Pies founder Maya-Camille Broussard for my podcast. I found her unique path into baking and her commitment to lifting up youth in Chicago compelling. Then I learned she was cast in the Netflix show Bake Squad and was also hearing impaired. Maya-Camille is an inspiration!