Binding Agents: A Cook/Book Shop
908 Christian StreetEver wondered how a recipe gets made??
Melissa Knific is an editor and recipe developer with a deep understanding of the home cook. She’s contributed to The New York Times, TODAY Show, Allrecipes, Delish, Simply Recipes, and National Geographic, among others.
Nina Elder is a writer and editor with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as Deputy Editor, Food & Drink for Parade, where she edits and writes pieces about recipes, food trends, home cooking tips and tricks, food news and more.
Join us at Binding Agents on February 19 to learn the ins and outs of recipe development from these two seasoned pros (pun intended), and celebrate the release of their new book, the National Geographic National Parks Cookbook! They will be joined in conversation by local recipe developer and cookbook writer extraordinaire Peggy Paul Casella (Pizza Rules, The Dip Deck).
Guests may choose a ticket with or without a copy of the book. Prices are inclusive of fees. Entrance to the shop requires one step up. Please contact us at hello@bindingagentsphilly.com with any questions or accessibility needs; we'd be happy to help.
Binding Agents will donate 10% of February event ticket proceeds to Juntos.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The National Geographic National Parks Cookbook includes 100 mouthwatering recipes inspired by the lodges, restaurants, and ingredients of America’s 63 national parks.
From Acadia National Park’s historic popovers—first served in the 1890s—to Grand Teton’s comforting chili, this collection tells the story of the National Parks one mouthwatering bite after another.
Bring your food memories home from your next vacation with 100 dishes inspired by the concession stands, beloved lodges, and mom-and-pop favorites throughout the National Park System.
From classic dishes such as Shenandoah’s Mile-High Blackberry Ice Cream Pie to celebrated ingredients grown in and around the parks (think all things huckleberry in Glacier), each recipe pays homage to the parks’ unique nature and beauty.
Fascinating historical details offer a glimpse at the heritage of each dish and the parks themselves. You’ll be craving your next trip to the parks once this cookbook is in your kitchen.
ABOUT MELISSA KNIFIC
With 20 years of experience in journalism and recipe development, Melissa Knific has shaped the identity and editorial content of some of America’s most beloved food brands. Whether as a freelancer or a creative team leader, her strategic, collaborative, and organized approach has made her a trusted resource in publishing and consumer products.
After earning an English degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Melissa spent nearly a decade writing for daily newspapers and fashion trade publications. Combining this experience with a passion for cooking, she then pursued a culinary degree from the French Culinary Institute in New York City, formally launching her food media career at Family Circle in 2011. Melissa has built recipe and editorial content for such household names as HelloFresh and Rachael Ray. In 2021, her work as the Food Director of Rachael Ray In Season was even celebrated by the Eddie Awards—one of the publishing industry’s most prestigious honors.
ABOUT NINA ELDER
Nina Elder is an editor and writer with more than 20 years of experience. Although she’s written about travel, health, kids’ crafts, and more, the bulk of her career has focused on food. She’s currently the deputy editor of food and drink at Parade; prior to that, she was the executive food director at The Kitchn, held multiple roles at Rachael Ray’s magazines and Bon Appétit, and was a features editor at Better Homes & Gardens. She’s passionate about snacks, well-written recipes, and having as much fun in the kitchen as possible. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and two rambunctious dogs, one of whom has a food-related name (Tater). Find her on Instagram @ninaelder.
ABOUT PEGGY PAUL CASSELLA
Peggy Paul Casella is a recipe developer, writer, cookbook consultant, and homemade pizza enthusiast based in Philadelphia. Her website, Thursday Night Pizza, hosts the largest selection of original pizza and pizza-related recipes on the internet, and her other cookbooks include the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Cookbook (Insight Editions, 2017) and The Dip Deck (Clarkson Potter, 2025).
Thu, Feb 19, 2026 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Binding Agents: A Cook/Book Shop
908 Christian Street
Binding Agents is Philly's bookshop for cooks and eaters. Located in South Philly’s culinary epicenter, the 9th Street Italian Market, we’re your go-to source for new cookbooks and food-focused reads, plus gifts and goods for making, serving and enjoying. We’re independent, women-owned, fun & funky. Learn more at bindingagentsphilly.com.
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