I'm really a scientist. I follow recipes exactly - until I decide not to. And then I'll follow something else exactly. I may decide I could turn this peach tart into a plum tart, but if I'm following a recipe, I follow it exactly.

Creme Brulee is the ultimate 'guy' dessert. Make it and he'll follow you anywhere.

My mother would never let me in the kitchen. I always wanted to cook, but I was never allowed to. Her view of the world was, "Cooking is my job, and studying is your job." I think, in retrospect, she didn't like the chaos. She was very orderly. It had to be her way.

I absolutely adore Thanksgiving. It's the only holiday I insist on making myself.

I like almonds as a snack - keeps your energy up but doesn't fill you up.

I love to take something ordinary and make it really special.

I measure everything, because I always think that if I've spent so much time making sure this recipe was exactly the way I want it, why would I want to throw things into a pot?