The first book really was kind of an entertaining textbook for the homemaker. I couldn't find a good book about entertaining in 1982, and neither could my friend, so I decided to write it.

If you're doing a recipe on national television, there's really no room for being sloppy or a nonperfectionist.

I don't have time to have friends come and stay, except on weekends in Maine. I invite a lot of people to come to Maine.

Larousse has a place of honor on every cookbook shelf in America.

Basement smells bad. Look for cat poops, change litter.

Don't be embarrassed by your achievements. Being an overarchiever is nothing despicable. It is only admirable. Never lower your standards.

I think I may be a better person for having given serious time and thought and effort to gardening.