Consider This: Stephen Colbert is Serious About Food

Published on November 29, 2024

In this engaging episode of NPR's Consider This, hosts delve into the culinary world of renowned comedian Stephen Colbert and his wife, Evie McGee Colbert. Exploring their deep-rooted passion for food, the couple shares insights from their newly released cookbook, "Does This Taste Funny? Recipes Our Family Loves." The conversation offers a delightful glimpse into their marriage, Southern heritage, and the intricate relationship between personal life and culinary artistry.

1. Introduction to Stephen and Evie Colbert

The episode opens with a lighthearted exchange between Stephen and Evie, showcasing their playful banter and strong opinions about food. Ari Shapiro sets the stage by highlighting Stephen's notable moments, such as his memorable interaction on the Butterball turkey talk line:

Stephen Colbert [00:23]: "This is really a question about stuffing. If I call it stopping."

Evie McGee Colbert [00:30]: "Okay, wrong answer. Bye."

This snippet underscores the Colberts' humor and passion for culinary debates, setting the tone for the deeper discussions to follow.

2. Childhood Roots and Separate Upbringings

Ari Shapiro introduces the Colberts' shared hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, while emphasizing their distinct upbringings:

Evie McGee Colbert [03:30]: "Yes, we grew up in the same town together, but one of us is a year older."

Stephen Colbert [03:33]: "Just one year in high school. That's a huge difference because she went to the girls' school and I went to what had been mostly a boys' school."

Their separate educational paths meant they had limited interaction during their formative years, leading to an eventual reunion as adults.

3. Meeting and Marriage at the Spoleto Arts Festival

The couple recounts their serendipitous meeting during the 1990 Spoleto Arts Festival in Charleston. Both attended the opera with their mothers, laying the foundation for a relationship built on mutual respect and shared interests.

Stephen Colbert [04:05]: "I remember seeing Stephen walk into the theater with his mother on his arm. And I thought, that man loves his mother. You could just see that."

Evie McGee Colbert [03:58]: "We moved away, and in 1990, we were both visiting Charleston for the annual Spoleto Arts Festival."

Their observant and appreciative nature towards family is evident, highlighting the values that underpin their partnership.

4. "Does This Taste Funny?" – A Culinary Collaboration

Celebrating 30 years of marriage, Stephen and Evie have co-authored a cookbook that reflects their shared love for Southern cuisine and family traditions. The cookbook features recipes inspired by Evie's late mother, renowned for her entertaining prowess.

Evie McGee Colbert [04:23]: "First thing I had at the McGee house was Patty McGee's cheese biscuits, which was like a top-secret recipe until this cookbook."

Stephen Colbert [04:28]: "Right, exactly. So what's the secret?"

The Colberts discuss the balance Evie's mother maintained in her recipes, such as using a mix of butter and margarine to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

5. Culinary Philosophy and Kitchen Dynamics

The couple delves into their kitchen dynamics, highlighting their complementary personalities. Stephen identifies as the "order Muppet," preferring structure and precision, while Evie embraces a more spontaneous approach.

Stephen Colbert [07:06]: "I'm the order Muppet."

Evie McGee Colbert [07:08]: "And I'm gonna figure it out as we go, man."

This balance allows them to collaborate effectively, eventually reaching a point where they are "willing to sous chef for the other one," enhancing their culinary creations and mutual understanding.

6. Celebrating South Carolina Lowcountry Cuisine

Evie elaborates on the unique aspects of Lowcountry cuisine, emphasizing the region's reliance on fresh seafood and the enduring influence of West African culinary traditions.

Evie McGee Colbert [07:35]: "Seafood is the number one thing because Charleston is so low lying that it's frequently in the sea. It's really fresh seafood with ingredients that have a heavy West African influence."

Dishes like okra, red rice, peanuts, and sesame prominently feature in their recipes, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Southern cooking.

7. Embracing Dietary Preferences and Innovations

Addressing modern dietary trends, Evie shares her inclination towards a predominantly vegan diet, while Stephen opts for a pescatarian lifestyle. They discuss innovative twists on traditional recipes to accommodate these preferences.

Stephen Colbert [08:10]: "I'm a little more. I'm a pescatarian now."

Stephen Colbert [08:24]: "Stephen did a great thing with this red rice. Usually, it's made with bacon and bacon fat, and he said, let's try it with smoked salt and a little anchovy. It's so good."

Their willingness to adapt and experiment ensures that their dishes cater to diverse palates without compromising on flavor or authenticity.

8. Navigating the Challenges of Collaborative Creativity

Transitioning their dynamic from individual endeavors to a joint project, the Colberts candidly discuss the initial nervousness of co-authoring a cookbook. However, their mutual respect and enjoyment of the process transformed potential anxieties into a rewarding experience.

Evie McGee Colbert [09:00]: "We were nervous about just working together at all. But Covid threw us together because Evie was my crew and my audience and my only guest."

Stephen Colbert [09:00]: "If we had such a good time, we decided it would be fun to extend this relationship and create something together."

Their collaboration is a testament to the strength of their partnership, blending professional endeavors with personal affection seamlessly.

9. Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Preferences

To add a personal touch, the Colberts engage in a lightning round, answering rapid-fire questions about their favorite dishes, kitchen skills, and quirks. Highlights include:

• Best Way to Eat a Potato: Stephen prefers scalloped French fries.

• Dish You're Most Famous For: Evie cites lentil soup, while Stephen highlights red rice.

• Most Useful Kitchen Skill: Stephen emphasizes the importance of a spatula, whereas Evie values dicing.

These responses offer a charming glimpse into their personalities and culinary expertise.

10. Concluding Thoughts and Acknowledgments

As the episode wraps up, the Colberts express gratitude for the opportunity to share their culinary journey. Their cookbook, "Does This Taste Funny? Recipes Our Family Loves," stands as a heartfelt homage to their Southern roots and enduring love for each other.

Stephen Colbert [11:22]: "Our new cookbook is 'Does This Taste? Recipes Our Family Loves.'"

Produced by Noah Caldwell and Connor Donovan, with audio engineering by Tiffany Vera Castro and editing by Courtney Dorning, this episode encapsulates the essence of the Colberts' culinary passions and collaborative spirit.

About "Consider This"

"Consider This" from NPR offers listeners a comprehensive analysis of major news stories, distilled into a 15-minute digest. Hosted by Ari Shapiro and featuring insightful interviews and discussions, the podcast aims to make complex topics accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to capture the essence of the conversation between Stephen and Evie Colbert, highlighting their culinary journey, personal anecdotes, and the collaborative spirit behind their cookbook.