Evie and Stephen Colbert's New York

For most couples, the lockdown period of the pandemic proved to be tricky with some fun moments sprinkled in. However, for the Colberts, it yielded an Emmy, a cookbook, and lots of memories. "We had been hesitant to work together, because what if that was awful," says the duo. "But once we were forced to produce the show from home, we discovered that we are pretty good co-workers." In addition to the aforementioned Emmy, the Colberts also cobbled together recipes and words for their first co-authored cookbook, Does This Taste Funny?: Recipes Our Family Loves.

"Stephen blurted out the title in the first meeting with our publisher, Jamie Raab," shares Evie. "When we were talking about titles the next year, she brought it up, and we all liked it." Appetizers, cocktails, desserts, and mains are the stars with the Colberts plucking each recipe from their own table. "The goal of the whole book is to make the reader feel like they've been invited into our home," adds the couple. "The recipes are ones we make for ourselves, are comforting and, because we aren't professional cooks, simple." They did make one concession—the Beef Wellington—which according to the duo is entering "the outer limit of our culinary ambition!"

Beyond the plate, the recipes contained within are also deeply personal to the Colberts. The book is dedicated to Evie's mother, a great hostess and cook, with many of the finished recipes coming from her. The winner with everyone? "Her cheese biscuits," says Evie definitively. "She made them by the hundreds around the holidays and would give them out as gifts to all of our family and friends. Mom had never shared the recipe before, but when I told her about the cookbook, she was eager that we include it."

And while we didn't dare ask who's better in the kitchen, we were curious about each other's signature dish. "Evie's signature dish is her lentil soup," says Stephen. "It's based on a wonderful recipe from Jane Brody. It's warm and comforting, which is why she often takes it to friends when they are under the weather." Both being from Charleston, South Carolina, Southern hospitality and graciousness is first nature and also acts as a silent whisper throughout their dishes, including Stephen's signature plate. "[His] red rice; it's his take on a very Southern staple," adds Evie. What makes Stephen's so compelling, though? " The anchovies and the smoked salt make it savory, sweet, and rich," shares Evie who suggests pairing it with their chicken thigh recipe, any dish from the seafood chapter, or as a side to simple, fried eggs.

With holiday party season in full swing, we also were curious about the Colberts' favorite cocktails. "We love all the drinks in the book and quality test them as often as possible," says Evie. The one that hits with everyone is a tried-and-true classic on repeat, courtesy of mixologist Stephen: an Old Fashioned. "It's a classic that vastly improves with the right ingredients: Luxardo Cherries (cherry syrup replacing the sugar cube), Fee Brothers aromatic bitters, candied tangerine rind, and the smoothest bourbon you've got," adds Evie. As for who the duo would love to host for a dinner party, there's only one answer. "The pope!" exclaims Evie, adding, "Stephen was hired to read the audio book of Francis' memoir Life this year and in it, the Pope talks about cooking for all the other Jesuits in his house on Sundays."

Below, get to know the Colberts and where they spend their time in Manhattan, and make sure to check out more insights on where to go from our Inspectors, chefs, and celebrities here.