I always give my bird a generous butter massage before I put it in the oven. Why? Because I think the chicken likes it -- and, more important, I like to give it.

A cookbook is only as good as its poorest recipe.

When the war broke out I decided I would be very patriotic. Standing my full height. I presented myself to the Wacs and the to the Waves. And I was rejected - I was an inch too tall.

If you are going to flip something, you must have the courage of your convictions.

The shellfish thing is very scary. You have to know the people you buy from and exactly where their wholesalers are getting the fish from.

I hate organized religion. I think you have to love thy neighbor as thyself. I think you have to pick your own God and be true to him. I always say 'him' rather than 'her.' Maybe it's because of my generation, but I don't like the idea of a female God. I see God as a benevolent male.

The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you've got to have a what-the-hell attitude.