You learn to cook so that you don't have to be a slave to recipes. You get what's in season and you know what to do with it.

Too much trouble,' 'Too expensive,' or 'Who will know the difference' are death knells for good food. ... Cooking is not a particularly difficult art, and the more you cook and learn about cooking, the more sense it makes.

Some people like to paint pictures, or do gardening, or build a boat in the basement. Other people get a tremendous pleasure out of the kitchen, because cooking is just as creative and imaginative an activity as drawing, or wood carving, or music.

I'd like for people to be able to go to the universities and get a degree in fine arts-gastronomy.

The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook.

Always start out with a larger pot than what you think you need.

I'm afraid that surprise, shock, and regret is the fate of authors when they finally see themselves on the page.