Monica Heisey, author of the bestselling 'Really Good Actually', joins Stevie and Tessa to share her passion for hosting delightful dinner parties. The trio navigates the charm of manageable guest lists and the art of cocktail crafting, with hilarious anecdotes about cooking mishaps. Monica highlights standout recipes like Hasselback potatoes and emphasizes the joy of simple yet inviting atmospheres for meaningful connections. Tune in for tips that balance sophistication with a touch of fun, making every gathering memorable!
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Martini Bar
Batch martinis for a no-fuss welcome cocktail.
Pre-chill it in the freezer (it won't freeze solid) and serve in a cold jug.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Old Fashioned
Consider an Old Fashioned as an alternative welcome cocktail.
It's simple: bourbon and sugar.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Cocktail Reactions
Monica finds British guests overly impressed by cocktails.
They express surprise and seek recipes for basic drinks like martinis.
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Really Good, Actually is a debut novel by Monica Heisey that follows Maggie, a 29-year-old PhD student, as she navigates her new life after a marriage that lasted only 608 days. The book is a tender and bittersweet comedy that explores modern love, friendship, and the search for happiness. Maggie's journey is filled with humor and sharp observations as she tries to find her footing in a chaotic world.
Nothing Fancy
Alison Roman
In 'Nothing Fancy', Alison Roman emphasizes the importance of authenticity and connection when cooking for and hosting friends or guests. The book categorizes recipes into snacks, salads, sides, mains, and 'after dinner' and includes essays on food-related subjects. It stresses the value of using store-cupboard ingredients and provides tips for successfully hosting casual gatherings and more formal events. Roman aims to present an 'attainable' life rather than an 'aspirational' one through her recipes and advice.
Dining in
Alison Roman
Dining In by Alison Roman is a cookbook that emphasizes practical and approachable recipes for home cooks. It features 125 recipes that are vegetable-forward but also include dishes with steak and fresh fish. Roman's recipes are known for their quick-trick techniques, such as roasting citrus to enhance flavor and using anchovy butter for roast chicken. The book is praised for its fun and approachable tone, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced cooks. It has been recognized as one of the best cookbooks of the year by several publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, NPR, and Epicurious.
Still Panicking: This week we look back at some of Stevie and Tessa's top tips for getting through the winter months.
Author of the Sunday Times bestseller, and frankly brilliant book, 'Really Good Actually', Monica Heisey joins Stevie and Tessa to talk them through her passion for hosting a really good dinner party. Longtime listeners will know we've tackled this one before, but the tips were mostly about lemons. Monica brings some absolutely banging advice. Also she's so nice. And the book is fantastic, buy it at once.
Nobody Panic 
