When I came to the Food Network, I didn't want to do a cooking show. I told Kathleen Finch for nine months I didn't want to do a cooking show, I wanted to do a home-and-garden show.

I'm not sure that some of the food purists are in touch with what really goes on in American households.

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'm the only girl on The Food Network who grills - I have two bestselling grilling books. I try to really focus on what men and women can do outside together out on the grill. I think it's really fun to have men and women out there together, having fun, working and enjoying themselves.

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.