This week, we explore the cooking of Colombia with Mariana Velásquez, from homemade arepas to the influence of Middle Eastern ingredients like sesame and labneh. Plus, we explore the secret world of creating food emojis with artist Yiying Lu, Adam Gopnik ponders the elements of dinner, and we present a recipe for potato salad with Sichuan peppercorns.

Questions in this episode:

"I am having a debate with a friend and we need to settle this score! We need to know if olive oil is a good oil to pan fry with or if you should use something else."

"The other night I made dumplings the way I have been doing it for about a year now. I cooked them in my nonstick skillet, then added water and placed the lid of my enamel coated cast iron Dutch oven to allow them to steam. This time, the lid got so stuck that I haven't been able to get it off for days (and the dumplings are still inside!). I've tried heating it back up slowly, cooling it, heating the pan while cooling the lid, nothing's worked. Any advice?"

"I have an upcoming steak competition. Do you have any recommendations for the cut of meat, seasonings, sauces and techniques I can use to win the competition?"