I'm always buying glasses and teacups. I have way too many to use, but I just love them, particularly anything vintage.

I really want to write another novel, and I am trying to come up with what the story will be. As I learned with 'Groundswell,' I can't force it; I just have to wait for it to come to me.

The grill is the summer equivalent of a fireplace; everyone gravitates to it.

The best thing about summer entertaining is it doesn't have to be fancy - and you can eat outdoors. You can use a tablecloth or just a piece of fabric you love. You can't go wrong with white candles; put them in jars or hurricane vases.

I can't have a party without deviled eggs.

Portion control is not an option for me. I like mass quantities, so I have to create healthy meals that I love but won't feel guilty about eating.

I never grew up with money, and I never wanted a lot of material things.

My biggest cooking influence, my No. 1, is my grandma. Then it's the farmers. When I go to the farm stand and see what's available, that's where I get most of my inspiration.

I love giving little ones fun tasks that make them feel like they're part of the team but keep them safe. My go-tos are topping pizzas, decorating cookies, stirring ingredients, and, of course, taste-testing!

I like a good burger as much as the next girl, but sometimes, I say hold the beef. In fact, every week, I do Meatless Monday to feel a little healthier.

I love cooking except for an annoying step - cleaning up.

Spritzers are festive yet economical. By adding seltzer and juice, you stretch the number of people a bottle of wine serves.

I think any man can be won over by being fed my Chicken with Roasted Garlic, Pancetta, and Rosemary.

I just love to look at cookbooks, it's almost like they're comic books for me. I can't look at them before bed; it gets me too excited.

I love the 'Barefoot Contessa' cookbooks - they're so nicely done, and her recipes are beautiful and simple.

I really like keeping my kitchen counters as clear as possible. I tend to function better when there's less clutter.

The kitchen is definitely the room that gets used the most in my house.

I like a very clean kitchen, and when I'm cooking, I try to clean as I go.

I think kitchen real estate is very valuable, so something has to perform multiple functions for me to give it space in my drawers.

Labor Day means grilling outside!

I love spicy food, so I'm not sure why I have this aversion to wasabi, but I really detest it.

Every great sandwich starts with a great bun, and my absolute favorites are Sara Lee Artesano Bakery Buns and Rolls - they're quick, simple and work perfectly with all my favorite recipes!

You can deep-fry anything, and I would eat it.

Bobby Flay has become a great mentor to me. He's one of my very best friends and kind of like a big brother, and I always feel like I can go to him for any kind of advice.