New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik makes his mother's cheesecake and discusses the appeal of this dessert. He asks how it became American and why it continues to be so symbolic. Show more

American writer Joyce Maynard talks lovingly about how she curled up with her family during the gales of winter at their rural home, sharing bowls of popcorn. Show more

Novelist Michael Cunningham considers why he was so more attached to the macaroni and cheese that came in a box than his mother's cooking. Show more

Simon Winchester, who makes different pies during the year on his farm in New England, travels America in search of the best shoofly, huckleberry and pumpkin pies. Show more

Alice Sebold, author of The Lovely Bones, explains her ultimate obsession - peanut butter. Show more