The Sporkful How To Be The Best Dinner Party Guest (Live)
Aug 15, 2025
Casey Elsass, the cookbook doula behind nearly 20 cookbooks and author of What Can I Bring?, shares his secrets to being the ultimate dinner party guest. He emphasizes bringing the right dish based on your arrival time and reveals the importance of thoughtful gift-giving. Casey demonstrates a delicious olive and rosemary focaccia while discussing etiquette and the art of communication about dietary preferences. Tune in for tips on navigating leftovers gracefully and ensuring a memorable dining experience for everyone!
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Make Hydrated Focaccia
- For great focaccia, use a high-hydration dough and employ stretch-and-folds instead of heavy kneading.
- The wet dough spreads and develops structure over time rather than via intense kneading.
Cookbook Ghostwriting Is Deeply Intimate
- Ghostwriting cookbooks requires absorbing an author's palate and perspective through long, intimate collaboration.
- Casey says the role mixes recipe work, writing, and managing vulnerability from authors.
Know Your Guest Type
- Be honest about what kind of guest you are before you commit to bringing something.
- Match your contribution to your punctuality: on-time bring appetizers, late bring drinks, arriving later bring dessert.
