Some children like to make castles out of their rice pudding, or faces with raisins for eyes. It is forbidden -- so sternly that, when they grow up, they take a horrid revenge by dying meringues pale blue or baking birthday cakes in the form of horseshoes or lyres or whatnot.

In spite of food fads, fitness programs, and health concerns, we must never lose sight of a beautifully conceived meal.

We are so bemused by our own petard, that we are unable to look at things objectively.

I’m awfully sorry for people who are taken in by all of today’s dietary mumbo jumbo. They are not getting any enjoyment out of their food.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking... doesn't mean it has to be fancy cooking, although it can be as elaborate as you wish.

Cooking hasn't yet been accepted as the art form it is. It should be on the level with any of the other art forms.

I still feel that French cooking is the most important in the world, one of the few that has rules. If you follow the rules, you can do pretty well.