Alison Roman wants to change the way you think about granola (it doesn’t have to be sweet), dinner parties (they don’t have to be fancy), and boiled potatoes (there should be a stockpile in the refrigerator at all times). We talked to Alison about her new cookbook, Dining In, and what it’s like to cook and entertain in small spaces.

Also, Smitten Kitchen founder Deb Perelman answers a reader question: Which touristy food places are worth going to in New York City?

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