Stephen Colbert, the witty late-night host, and his wife Evie McGee Colbert, a creative partner on his show, share their culinary adventures grounded in South Carolina roots. They dive into their new cookbook, Does This Taste Funny?, filled with nostalgic family recipes and amusing anecdotes. Stephen recounts his dramatic burst appendix ordeal and their memorable meeting with the Pope. The couple also reflects on the challenges and joys of navigating fame together, highlighting the importance of food as a binding force in family life.
Stephen Colbert views cooking as a creative process that mirrors his work in show production, providing fulfillment and tranquility through experimentation.
Evie McGee Colbert reflects on the sacrifices made for family and the balancing act of motherhood alongside Stephen's rising fame in show business.
Deep dives
Cooking as a Creative Process
Stephen Colbert discusses his passion for cooking, viewing it as a creative process rather than just a way to prepare meals. He enjoys experimenting with ingredients and techniques, relishing the transformation that occurs as raw elements turn into a finished dish. Colbert likens this process to his work on his late-night show, noting how both cooking and show production involve taking varied inputs and refining them into something cohesive and enjoyable. This creative approach provides him with a sense of fulfillment and tranquillity, even if he sometimes ends up not eating the food he lovingly prepares.
Food Memories and Family Stories
The couple emphasizes the importance of memories tied to food in their newly co-authored cookbook, 'Does This Taste Funny?'. Each recipe is accompanied by personal anecdotes, providing insights into their family history and highlighting their roots in coastal South Carolina. They reminisce about their childhood meals, both delightful and less favorable, which shaped their culinary preferences over the years. This blend of storytelling with recipes allows readers to experience not just how to cook, but also the emotions and history behind the dishes.
The Impact of Health Challenges
Stephen shares his experience of having appendicitis and the subsequent impact it had on his life, including his diet and cooking habits. Initially dismissing the severity of his condition, he continued to perform, but he eventually faced serious consequences, including blood poisoning. This health scare forced him to rethink his relationship with food and the importance of taking care of oneself, especially amidst a hectic professional schedule. The discussion highlights how health challenges can lead to new perspectives on food and nourishment.
Balancing Family Life with Fame
Evie discusses the sacrifices made in her career and personal life due to Stephen's rising fame and the demands of his career in show business. Although she initially trained to be an actress, she chose to be a stay-at-home mother, prioritizing their children's well-being over her professional aspirations. Despite the challenges, she finds satisfaction in nurturing their family and has benefited from being present during their children's formative years. The couple reflects on the challenges and blessings of navigating a family life while balancing public expectations and personal identities.
Late Night host Stephen Colbert and his wife Evie McGee Colbert join Terry Gross to talk about family recipes. They have a new cookbook of South Carolina-inspired dishes called Does This Taste Funny? They also talk about Stephen's harrowing experience with a burst appendix in 2023, meeting the pope, and Evie's role on the show during COVID.