The issue I have always felt most strongly about is hunger in America, in particular the children.

My audience knows me, and I wear beautiful clothes as a badge of honor. They remember where I came from.

It's really easy to figure out why I love what I love, the holidays and food. I know the difference between having them and not having them.

I had to be frugal, thoughtful, resourceful. I didn't have anyone to tell me, 'You can't.' When you're young, you think you can do anything, and that was really a gift. That's why I can never understand someone telling me 'no' today. 'No' just isn't an option.

Seventy percent store-bought, ready-made plus 30 percent fresh allows you to take 100 percent of the credit.

I like doing food as a focal point on my table. It is not like going out and buying flowers or candles, which are expensive.

The issue I have always felt most strongly about is hunger in America, in particular the children.