Yotam Ottolenghi joins us to discuss Ottolenghi Simple: A Cookbook. Ottolenghi presents 130 streamlined recipes packed with his signature Middle Eastern–inspired flavors, all simple in at least one way: made in 30 minutes or less, with 10 or fewer ingredients, in a single pot, using pantry staples, or prepared ahead of time for brilliantly, deliciously simple meals.

Braised eggs with leek and za’atar

This is a quick way to get a very comforting meal on the table in a wonderfully short amount of time. It’s a dish as happily eaten for brunch, with coffee, as it is for a light supper with some crusty white bread and a glass of wine. The leeks and spinach can be made up to 1 day ahead and kept in the fridge, ready for the eggs to be cracked in and braised. 

Serves six 

2 tbsp unsalted butter 

2 tbsp olive oil 

2 extra-large leeks (or 4 smaller), trimmed and cut into ¼-inch/½ cm slices (6 cups/530g) 

Salt and black pepper 

1 tsp cumin seeds, toasted and lightly crushed 

½ small preserved lemon, seeds discarded, skin and flesh finely chopped (2½ tbsp) 

1¼ cups/300ml vegetable stock 

7 oz/200g baby spinach leaves 

6 large eggs 

3¼ oz/90g feta, broken into ¾-inch/2cm pieces 

1 tbsp za’atar 

1. Put the butter and 1 tbsp of the oil into a large sauté pan with a lid and place over medium-high heat. Once the butter starts to foam, add the leeks, ½ tsp of salt, and plenty of pepper. Fry for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the leeks are soft. Add the cumin, lemon, and vegetable stock and boil rapidly for 4–5 minutes, until most of the stock has evaporated. Fold in the spinach and cook for 1 minute, until wilted, then decrease the heat to medium. 

2. Use a large spoon to make 6 indentations in the mixture and break 1 egg into each space. Sprinkle the eggs with a pinch of salt, dot the feta around the eggs, then cover the pan. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, until the egg whites are cooked but the yolks are still runny. 

3. Mix the za’atar with the remaining 1 tbsp of oil and brush over the eggs. Serve at once, straight from the pan. 

Chris Garcia and Brad Wolfe join us to discuss the Reimagine End of Life festival. Death remains one of the most taboo facts of life, but New York City is hoping to change that with a week-long, citywide festival exploring death through more than 250 events - from art exhibits and performances to talks, panels, and workshops. Unfolding not just in theaters and concerts halls, but also in hospitals, libraries, houses of worship, yoga studios, senior centers, and even cemeteries, Reimagine End of Life, which will take place from October 27th through November 3rd, will also tackle issues like racial and economic disparities at end of life and how the increasingly high costs of end of life care is leading to an economic crisis. Headliners include actor Josh Hamilton, cartoonist Roz Chast, National Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith, comedian Laurie Kilmartin, and members of the band Dispatch.

Amy Nathan joins us to discuss Making Time for Making Music: How to Bring Music into Your Busy Life. Many adults who used to play an instrument haven't touched it in years because they can't find time to practice, are afraid their skills are too rusty, or are unsure of what kind of group they could join. Performing, practicing, and composing music may seem like unattainable goals for busy adults with non-musical careers. This book offers examples of real-life success stories from more than 350 adults who manage to fit music-making into their jam-packed schedules.