For years - especially in England where I come from - cooking was a subservient job. When I told my Dad I was going to be a cook, he wouldn't talk to me for two years. Even though it was associated with my military service, he thought cooking was beneath me.

The impression that is out there about me is that I'm really hard-nosed, but the people who really know me, know that I am a soft touch.

The Food Network and the Cooking Channel have so many viewers. And, because there's no violence, some of that audience is children. So, I think we have a responsibility to educate parents how to produce healthy meals for their families.

America was built on immigrants, and what they bring 'to the table.'

Food should be fun, but it should also be functional.

When I'm on the road, I'll break my exercise into a cardio session and a weights session.

I've never been a competition guy.