Harriet

What a blast we had here. New Orleans bursts with pride, and Harriet, like the rest of its citizens, is ablaze with love for her home. We were whisked into the New Orleans School of Cooking by mini Harriet, whose giant character far makes up for her stature. She barely breathed for us to get a word in edgeways, a double act with best bud Anne, who’s also in the book. The pair didn’t stop verbally sparring, Harriet kicking off when Anne dared make a comment about her roux.

It’s no surprise the duo have made it onto US TV screens with their own cooking show. Whether it’s debates on what differentiates a blonde roux from a white roux, to which vessel is best to use when adding spices, Harriet and Anne ping-pong their arguments across the kitchen. Back and forth, back and forth. They’ve made jolly fights about cooking into an Olympic sport.