Office Food

Key Takeaways

Angela Kinsey and Josh Snyder discuss their new cookbook, "You Can Make This!", detailing its creation.
Food played a significant role as a recurring plot device and source of gags on "The Office".
Behind-the-scenes, prop food incidents ranged from maggot-filled chocolates to inedible buffet displays.
Cast members like Rainn Wilson and John Krasinski had distinct on-set food preferences and routines.
An unproduced episode pitch, "Lunch Slash the Nooner," explored various characters' diverse lunch routines.
The show's catering and craft services were highly valued, offering diverse meals and special requests.
B.J. Novak shared specific advice for set catering, emphasizing craft services for coffee.
Caterer Sergio Giacoman recounted adapting menus for cast needs and memorable set moments.
John Krasinski created humorous food-related PSAs about jelly beans and saltine crackers.

Angela Kinsey's husband, Joshua Snyder, discusses "You Can Make This!," their cookbook released after approximately three years of development.
Snyder's passion for baking began with creating budget-conscious themed birthday cakes for his children, evolving into a hobby.
He listened to "Office Ladies" episodes while developing recipes, which feature personal stories and family traditions.
The cookbook's title, "You Can Make This!," stems from Snyder's encouraging mantra to Kinsey and their children.
Snyder brought homemade granola, a recipe he considers a perfected highlight from the book.

Food served as a recurring plot device, exemplified by Dwight's stapler in Jell-O from the pilot episode.
Other items placed in Jell-O included Michael's "World's Best Boss" mug and Andy's calculator.
Memorable food scenes included Michael Scott's bacon and foot injury, Ryan's cheese pita fire, and Kevin's chili.
Phyllis's microwave popcorn, Angela's brownies, and Andy's cherries jubilee were also highlighted as plot points.

Actors encountered stale cheese puffs that stained fingers and an ice cream cake scene that led one host to dislike ice cream for years after consuming it for several hours.
Ed Helms and Mindy Kaling discovered maggots in prop chocolates intended for decoration, causing distress.
BJ Novak and Jenna Fischer were caught trying to eat preserved, non-edible buffet food in a conference room scene.

Rainn Wilson committed to eating heartily in scenes, contrasting with actors who avoided eating, highlighting Dwight's appetite.
Wilson's go-to breakfast order from caterer Sergio Giacoman was turkey bacon and eggs.
John Krasinski frequently mixed broccoli into his egg whites, leading to a distinct smell in their trailer.
The hosts debated whether Rashida Jones or John Krasinski was the first to order turkey bacon on set.

A DVD bonus clip features Kevin Malone's cooking show, "Kevin Cooks Stuff," set in the office, showcasing his interrupted attempts.
Kevin's recipes included quesadillas made with chips and cheese whiz, and creme brulee prepared from canned pudding.
He also made unauthorized beer in an office cabinet and planned a ramen seasoning mashed potato recipe.
Jenna and Angela discussed Brian Baumgartner's real-time eating of Kevin's quesadillas and their own experiences with similar snacks.

An unproduced episode pitch, "Lunch Slash the Nooner," aimed to focus on various "The Office" characters' lunch routines.
Storylines included Pam, Karen, Phyllis, and Kelly in the breakroom, and Oscar and Kevin at a romantic restaurant.
Dwight's military girlfriend would surprise him at lunch, leading to Jim counseling him and creating drama with Angela.
Michael and Jan's silent, awkward "nooner" lunch at a Howard Johnson's was proposed, foreshadowing "Dinner Party."

B.J. Novak, founder of "Eat a Chain," shared crucial advice for set catering: always get coffee from craft services, not catering.
Novak emphasized that craft services specializes in a wide variety of beverages, including coffee, smoothies, and teas.
The writer's room food at "The Office" varied from Trader Joe's items like turkey jerky to periods with no options.

Sergio Giacoman, caterer for "The Office" and "The Paper," discussed his long career, starting as a dishwasher at 18.
Popular set food options included pasta and taco bars; Giacoman made customized meals like buttered noodles for Isabella Kinsey.
He accommodated diverse dietary needs, including dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian options, with the "Rashida special" (black beans and turkey bacon) being popular.
Giacoman recalled feeding Jenna Fischer twice daily and shared emotional memories from Steve Carell's last day on set.

Jenna Fischer described the unique communal eating experience at Stage Three, fostering interaction among cast and crew, likened to a Thanksgiving gathering.
Sergio Giacoman discussed his favorite set food, including the Chico stick snack, tacos, an ice cream sundae bar, and Steve Carell's favorite cookie cake from season five.
Giacoman reflected on rewatching the final episode of "The Office," which moved him to tears due to its realistic portrayals.