Carla Capalbo traveled extensively throughout the nation of Georgia gathering stories and recipes for her gorgeous new book, Tasting Georgia. She explains to Francis Lam the many dishes you're likely to find on a Georgian feast table, and some of the rituals you can expect to take part in. The French dish of pot au feu is an easy, homey one-pot dish that can be made while hosting a party or doing other chores around the house. Justin Spring is the author of The Gourmands' Way; he talks with contributor Melissa Clark about the homey dish, and how it can be stretched into a full week of meals. Rev. Bill Golderer expounds upon the life-affirming power of an invitation. Lisa McManus is the head of ingredient and equipment testing for America's Test Kitchen; she tells us about some of her favorite kitchen tools for home cooks taking a cue from restaurant kitchens. Plus, in this week's new video, Lynne Rossetto Kasper discusses the five foods that define her as a cook and curious eater.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

• December 8, 2017 (originally aired)
• December 21, 2018 (rebroadcast)
• December 11, 2020 (rebroadcast)