I love to cook; that's my passion.

I think you've got to keep it simple, keep it fresh. Stay away from all that processed stuff, read the labels.

A lot of parents ask me how to get kids to eat more vegetables. The first thing I say is that it starts from the top.

I guess I feel that I was following my instincts, and at the same time being guided by the best. I became totally intrigued with Louisiana - the people, the food. It is a part of my life. Everything that has happened for me since moving here has just been icing on the cake.

I spent a lot of time on farms when I was young. My uncle and my dad owned a big farm.

I've been very fortunate, because I've cooked for a lot of actors and actresses and musicians. I've cooked for presidents and I've been to the White House.

You have to be cautious of eating continuously the same thing. Beef comes to mind right away, and there's nothing wrong with beef, but you've got to do whatever you're doing in moderation. So try to break it up a little bit. Eat some fish or some shellfish at least a couple of times a week.