Food People by Bon Appétit

This year, our big Thanksgiving feature in the November issue is based on our video series called Making Perfect. In both the magazine and videos,  we challenged the food editors to make their best version of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, sides, and pie. Today, we chat with the editors about the dishes they were assigned—what went right, what went wrong, and how it all came together for the perfect meal.Get the recipes from this episode:Bon Appétit’s Absolutely, Positively Perfect Thanksgiving Menu Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The newest member of our Test Kitchen team, Sohla El-Waylly, talks about her recent recipe for chicken thigh biryani based on her mom’s lamb version. It took a lot of testing to get it just right—and now it really is. After that, associate editor Hilary Cadigan chats with Donny Sirisavath, chef and owner of Khao Noodle shop in Dallas and this year's no. 2 Best New Restaurant. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Erika Nakamura and Jocelyn Guest left their NYC butcher shop and restaurant about two years ago. They were tired of the long hours and wanted to start a family. So they did just that and founded their own sausage company, J&E Small Goods, which they talk about with Carla Lalli Music. After that, Basically editor Sarah Jampel tells you everything you need to know about cooking with nuts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

We were lucky to have Yasmin Khan stop by the offices a few weeks ago, so we’re airing that conversation for you today as a bonus episode. Healthyish editor Amanda Shapiro chats with Yasmin about her latest book, Zaitoun. It chronicles her travels throughout Palestine, sharing the stories and recipes of the people she met along the way. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Alison Roman is back to talk about her new cookbook, Nothing Fancy, which just came out yesterday. It’s as beautiful as her first and filled with recipes developed around the idea of having people over. That’s right: not entertaining, just having people over. Here she explains how the book came together—and how hosting friends doesn’t have to be a big fussy thing. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Questlove just released his fifth book, Mixtape Potluck, which also happens to be his first cookbook. It's a collection of recipes from his friends—chefs, musicians, entertainers, and artists—and meant to inspire the kind of potluck-style dinner parties he hosts. He swung by to talk about what went into making the book, how food and creativity overlap for him, and, of course, his favorite Philly cheesesteak spots. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Molly Baz shares shopping and cooking fish tips for beginners, avoiding fishy smells at home. Alex Delany suggests fall drink recipes. Explore cooking methods for various seafood like squid, clams, and whole fish. Learn about buying frozen fish, making sustainable seafood choices, and transitioning from summer to fall cocktails.

After living in Japan for nearly two decades, Ivan Orkin is the chef and owner of two ramen shops in NYC and widely (and unusually) considered an American authority on ramen. He enlisted Chris Ying, cofounder and former editor of the late Lucky Peach, to tag team and write The Gaijin Cookbook, their new Japanese cookbook you're truly meant to put to good use. Then, Carla gives us her top 10 cooking rules. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

We were at Feast Portland a couple of weekends ago, where Carla Lalli Music and Andy Baraghani talked about the life of a recipe at BA, from development to, ultimately, video. This week, we're airing that conversation. After that, Andy gives us his top 10 cooking rules. Get the recipes from this episode:Gochujang Pork Shoulder SteaksChopstick-Ready RiceCrunchy Baked Saffron Rice with Barberries (Tachin) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Alex Lau is BA's all-star staff photographer. He's been with the brand for going on six years, and this week he's talking about how he got his start and what it's like to travel the world with a camera in hand. After that, it's Molly Baz's turn to tell us her top 10 cooking rules. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices