Deb Perelman is the creator of the award-winning food blog Smitten Kitchen and a New York Times bestselling author whose cookbook holds Rachel's personal record for most recipes used.

On this episode of YLM, we find out how Deb turned her 2003 blog into a full-time empire, how she met her husband in the comments section, and of course, her last meal, which happens to be an ancient aphrodisiac enjoyed at Roman orgies (!!).

Rachel also talks to Italian travel writer, the absolutely delightful Susan Van Allen about an overly dramatic Rabbi who caused an artichoke controversy that rocked the Jewish/Italian food world only a few months ago. Bonus: hear Susan's beautiful pronunciation of "carciofi alla giudia!"

Support your favorite neighborhood bookstore and pick one up Deb's books, "Smitten Kitchen Cookbook" including her latest, "Smitten Kitchen, Every Day - Triumphant and Unfussy New Favorites." You can also check out the recipes on her blog smittenkitchen.com.

You can find Susan Van Allen's books and articles on Italy at susanvanallen.com which is also where you can sign up for one of the women-only trips she leads through her beloved Italy.

Don't forget to follow Rachel on Instagram at yourlastmealpodcast!

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