Ted Allen

“One of the smartest things you can do on 'Chopped' is to take one of those ingredients and make a pickle out of it, because almost every dish benefits from that. I'm feeling like those intuitions are becoming more natural.”

“It's a 12-hour cooking class for me on the set of 'Chopped.' You'd think I'd get sick of it, but it's a source of endless interest to me. The only thing I don't like about it is it's a long day and my feet hurt. Otherwise, I love it.”

“In actuality, there was casting for the show and it was pretty difficult.”

“For each episode the five of us are all wearing clothes by the same designer. It's a different designer for each episode, but for each one we're all wearing their clothes.”

“I cook everything. I love Mediterranean cooking, I love Asian cooking. I do lots of Japanese noodles.”

“I had a really good time with Martha Stewart, who also is somebody I really admire a lot. I've learned a lot from her and I think all of America has, about attention to detail and using fresh ingredients and making things beautiful and special.”

“My place in Chicago is a 105 year old house, but I really like contemporary spaces too, so it's refreshing and fun to be in a space where you can do contemporary things.”

“It's okay if you finish cooking something easy after your guests arrive - some dishes must be prepared a la minute, as chefs say. Just remember to keep talking.”

“Jay Leno is not a guy who likes change. He eats the same food every day.”

“I really have a great deal of humility in that department, and a great deal of respect for people who spend their lives learning how to make these amazing preparations.”