I think all kids need snacks. Mine are fruit machines. I give them things like apple slices, berries and melon. Do I let them eat ice cream? Absolutely. But not every day.

One big reason I do what I do is there's no two days alike. It's not work for me. It's my life. My passion.

The most interesting thing I've ever heard about myrself that isn't true is that I'm not a nice guy.

I had a fierce curiosity about this food thing.

I think you have to be careful with spices. Kids' palates can be very delicate, and they might not like things overspiced. In my cookbooks for kids, I do a milder version of my signature spice blend, Emeril's Essence, called Baby Bam, which has no cayenne pepper.

I'm pretty actively involved with the military because I think they're incredible human beings. If I can give back to them for what they're doing for us, it's a good thing. And I think to have happy soldiers, you need to feed them well.

Mom ran the house, so we grew up Portuguese.