My mother would never let me in the kitchen. I always wanted to cook, but I was never allowed to. Her view of the world was, 'Cooking is my job, and studying is your job.' I think, in retrospect, she didn't like the chaos. She was very orderly. It had to be her way.
From Ina Garten
I always like to have flowers on the table. I think they make it look special.
I always have music. I love it to be very upbeat. When you're having drinks, I like something like Cesaria Evora. During dinner, I like the much more traditional - old Frank Sinatra and things like that.
I measure everything, because I always think that if I've spent so much time making sure this recipe was exactly the way I want it, why would I want to throw things into a pot?
I'm really a scientist. I follow recipes exactly - until I decide not to. And then I'll follow something else exactly. I may decide I could turn this peach tart into a plum tart, but if I'm following a recipe, I follow it exactly.
I use other cookbooks for inspiration. I must say I tend to cook from my own cookbooks for parties.
In the summer you want fresh, light and sort of quick things; in winter you want things that are comforting, so your body really tells you you want to go towards potatoes, apples, fennel, things that are warm and comforting. And loin of pork.
I don't like sitting at a table that's too large, where everyone is too far apart. That's a party killer.
The most overrated tool: a pasta maker. Why make it when you can buy it? It's a lot of work!
I love Alton Brown's show 'Good Eats,' about the chemistry of food. It's really thoughtful.
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