Until I discovered cooking, I was never really interested in anything.

The sweetness and generosity and politeness and gentleness and humanity of the French had shown me how lovely life can be if one takes time to be friendly.

This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook- try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!

You have to eat to cook. You can't be a good cook and be a noneater. I think eating is the secret to good cooking.

I don't believe in twisting yourself into knots of excuses and explanations over the food you make.... Usually one's cooking is better than one thinks it is. And if the food is truly vile...then the cook must simply grit her teeth and bear it with a smile.

I was a Republican until I got to New York and had to live on $18 a week. It was then that I became a Democrat.

Fat gives things flavor.