In those days, the main requirement to be on the Food Network was being able to get there by subway.

Chipotles to me are a one-of-a-kind pepper because they're smoked jalapenos, so they're fiery and they're smoky. It's good to use chipotles in salsas or soups or condiments - that works really well. To me, they always really pick up anything you put them in.

One of the things that happens in my house on the holidays is after dessert, we sit down to a very ambitious men-versus-women game of Trivial Pursuit. It's brutal. And there's a trophy.

You have to have your face in the food. These days people think a tattoo and a bottle of Sriracha equals success.

Don't try to be the next Rachael Ray or Bobby Flay, we already have those people. We want someone who is going to make their own mark on 'Food Network.'

I love the culture of grilling. It creates an atmosphere that is festive but casual.

Cooking is a subject you can never know enough about. There is always something new to discover.