Alex Guarnaschelli

“I'm interested in food and sharing my passion with a community of like-minded people. All of the celebrity stuff that comes along with that is just an incidental byproduct of being able to do what I love for a living.”

“I try to sit still for about 15 minutes each morning without making lists or running in overdrive.”

“Fresh herbs really belong anywhere you put them.”

“As a chef, a mom, and a member of Team No Kid Hungry, I believe that every child deserves three meals a day, every day.”

“I learned so much from 'Iron Chef' about ingredients, about the courage to put yourself out there.”

“I've roasted a somewhat frozen turkey, and it's come out just fine.”

“I didn't want to write a cheffy cookbook with dehydrated ham chips.”

“Part of health is variety!”

“I think that cakes should have touches of candy bar in order for it really to hit all those childhood notes on the keyboard.”

“People don't take enough advantage of the refrigerator door.”

“It's amazing the relationships you forge in a kitchen. When you cooperate in an environment that's hot. Where there's a lot of knives. You're trusting your well-being with someone you've never before met or known.”

“I've thrown vanilla beans into mustard. Nothing crazy or grainy, just normal dijon. It's great for duck. Smear some of that right on the duck, coupled with some roast plums, and it all comes together in that savory over sweet over savory over sweet way we all love.”

“The hardest thing for me is restraint. I see fresh beans and ramps, and I start to quiver.”

“Make dinner with the goal of stretching it out for lunch in the back of your mind. Making more of one thing is cheaper than buying more varied ingredients for each meal.”

“Make a stir-fried rice dish with some cut-up chicken and any vegetables folded into the rice for a 'one pot' meal lunch that has it all - protein, starch and vegetables.”

“I grew up in a house where I was a spectator to the sport of cooking. In that way, I just learned so much about what it really takes to make food.”

“Stuffed cherry tomatoes are satisfying without being filling and make a great alternative to bread-based starters. You can assemble these appetizers ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to serve.”

“I don't know anyone who hasn't overcooked at least one turkey, myself included. It's easy to do.”

“I shop at the market, and that informs what I make.”

“To me, 'Chopped' is a great platform for championing great causes.”