This episode is a little different. Queerness in food isn’t explicitly unpacked; yet it’s present.

Host Justin Burke sits down with cookbook writer and recipe developer Casey Elsass for a conversation that’s part behind-the-scenes, part catch-up, and entirely shaped by a shared experience.

Both Justin and Casey wrote and published their first cookbooks at the same time. For Casey, after helping bring nearly 20 cookbooks to life as a ghostwriter and co-author, What Can I Bring? marks his first solo book.

Together, they dive into what it actually takes to write a cookbook: the long timelines, the testing, the figuring-it-out-as-you-go. They also unpack Casey’s path as a “cookbook doula” and explore the difference between ghostwriting and co-authoring.

More than anything, this episode captures what happens when two people move through the same process at the same time, and how that shared journey can turn into something more. It’s very queer food.

If you’ve ever thought about writing a cookbook, or just want a closer look at how they come together, this conversation offers both insight and connection.

The foundation of That Ate is community; supporting the people doing the work, sharing resources, and keeping the queer food community connected.

Below are the people, businesses, and organizations mentioned in this episode, including this week’s guest(s):

• Casey Elsass - connect on Instagram or visit him at www.caseyelsass.com
• What Can I Bring? - If you haven’t yet, get your copy here

Queer Food Stars Casey wants you to know:

• Erik Piepenburg
  • Dining Out
• Liz Alpern
  • Queer Soup Night
• DeVonn Francis

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That Ate:

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• Want to collab or have a suggestion for a future guest? Visit the website.