Ina Garten | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Well, hello everyone. I'm very excited. uh for this episode of Good Hang. I'm. Amy Polar and joining me today is aa. Garden. Aa is just a delight and we are. going to talk about so many fun things. We're going to talk about her TV show. podcast, Be My Guest. Um we're going to. talk about um uh the best way to cook. carrots. We're going to talk about. enriched uranium. and she arrives with.

the best gift I've received yet and the. first gift I've received. So, um, can't. wait to show you that. Um, but before we. get started, we always like to talk to. somebody who knows our guest and has a. question for them. And we have a real. humdinger on this one. I mean, just a. comedic genius, everybody's fave. I. mean, what hasn't she done? ammies, TV, movies, just a a a social activist. She's in her garden. She's protecting.

herself from the sun. She's wearing a. giant hat. Her name is Julia Louie. Drifus. JLD. [music]. This episode is presented to you by. Walmart. I'd like to say that I'm a. pretty good giftgiver, and for me, it's. about making the extra effort to find. the perfect gift. Walmart has the top. brands we all love in one place. Nespresso, Nintendo, Apple, you name it. That's why it has to be Walmart for all. my gifts this year. Guest best giftgiver.

award goes to yours truly. Get the. brands everyone loves at prices you'll. love at Walmart. Who knew? Go to. walmart.com or download the app to get. all your gifts this season. What do you [music] say? >> Your hat looks great. >> Well, [laughter]. [laughter]. I don't know what else to do. >> I mean, look, at this point, we should.

hats, whatever. Scarves, whatever. >> Yes, scarves. Hats. Oh my god, you're the best for getting. on and doing this. Hi, friend. >> Hi, my friend. I'm so happy to see you. >> I'm so happy to see you, too. And I was. just thinking about the last time we saw. each other, which was um. >> getting our hair colored. >> Yeah. At the salon. At the salon. >> where all the ladies go to meet. Are you. in California or. >> I'm in California. I'm in Santa Barbara,

California. Hence this hat. >> It is a very California hat. It is. actually. [laughter]. But I I I do in fact, this isn't. I actually do wear this hat. all the time because I'm conscious of. getting too much sun. >> You know what I was just saying? I I was. just telling someone that my. dermatologist told me like ab no more. sun. Like you're done with sun. The end. Period. >> Yeah. And are you listening to your. dermatologist? I'm finally I'm sadly I. knew I've known this for many years, but.

I need to talk to you about and and all. the women listening about full sun. shirts. >> I know everything. Oh, >> I can't wait. I knew you would. I knew. you would. >> I have so [laughter] much information. for you. >> First of all, get this hat. >> Number one, >> I knew you would. And I so appreciate it. because first of all, babe, you look. incredible. Well, >> nobody looks better than. >> all the filters that are on this. computer. [laughter] Thank you as well. >> You at one point you should do that Zoom.

thing where you just get you put. sunglasses on yourself and then you turn. into a cat and then the background turns. into a beach. >> I wish I knew how to do that. [laughter]. >> Um, well, we're talking to aa garden. today. >> Lucky you. >> And you know what? Before I even get. into that, congratulations on your. podcast. And. >> congratulations on your podcast. [snorts] Thank you. [laughter]. Thank you. Thank you. Just two ladies having a.

podcast. >> Welcome to Show Biz. >> Um, where did you first meet AA? >> On the podcast. >> Wow. You became pod. You became friends. after the pod. >> Correct. Like real proper friends. >> Oh, cool. How did that happen? >> I don't know. I just feel like she's. Have you ever met her? No, never met. her. >> Oh, well, you're going to just have the. best conversation because she's as she's. exactly what you think. She's completely.

authentic. She's. very kind. She's obviously very. intelligent. She's hilarious. She's just got a great attitude. She's. incredibly cheerful. FYI, that's a. question you need to ask her, >> okay? >> Why are you so cheerful? >> And say it that aggressively. >> I mean, I actually mean that. I don't. mean it sarcastically, although it. sounded it, but I mean like seriously, why are you so cheerful? And also, what. puts you in a bad mood? I'd like to know.

what really puts a in a bad mood. It's. it's so interesting you say that because. like in doing research on her and and. you know like she has this. uh you know. she talks about it in her book like a. decision she makes to decide to enjoy. life. She just like kind of you know a lot of. it is meeting Jeffrey. >> a lot. >> Yeah. and him saying, you know, I'm. going to give you a safe container in. which to decide, you know, what kind of.

life you want to live and we're going to. find joy in our lives. But she really. seems like she's the kind of person that. made a decision and makes a decision. every day. >> Yeah, I think she does. She's very. intentional that way. >> and uh and she's a hard worker. I mean, she's I don't know if she'd call herself. a workaholic, but she works hard. She. likes to work. Mhm. >> And uh and that's reflected in the work. that she does. And speaking of which,

this is I have another. question for her that I'd like you to. ask her. And then me afterwards. >> about sun sun protection. >> No, no. Yes, sun protection for sure. Definitely call me. You're getting hat. you're wearing all day long. You're. sleeping in it. But I'm in my kitchen. and the reason I'm in my kitchen is. because it's a cooking question. And. also, I just want to point out for. people who are listening but not. watching, a gorgeous bowl of lemons. behind you. Oh, [clears throat]. >> just a gorgeous bowl. >> What an extraordinary segue, Amy Polar,

because the dish that I created was a. lemon dish. >> Yes. And I made a lemon sorbet, which. I'm going to show you. >> Brag. >> And we're we're going into Julia's. refrigerator right now. She made a. sorbet in a lemon. Okay. So listeners, this is a gorgeous sorbet that is in a a. lemon. >> in a lemon. >> rind. Is it peel the lemon case? >> It's in the It's in the shall we say the.

casing. >> the lemon cup? The she took. >> the casing of a lemon. >> Okay. She made the sorbet and then she. scooped out the lemon and she put it. back in. So now the lemon serves as a. dish. >> Correct. And so the sorbet is delicious. >> Looks incredible. I made it with lemon. water and sugar. >> and lemon zest. >> Okay. [clears throat]. >> But here's the issue. It's very icy. [laughter] and it's not creamy. >> Ah, I see.

>> So, the question I don't know if you. cook, Amy, do you. >> I do. I I love to cook and I want to. talk to about it because I was late to. cooking. Very late. Well, by the way, all of her books are good for you. because they're so. uh easy. It's not crazy complicated and. delicious delicious recipes. But anyway, I need to know what to add to this. I'm. guessing it's some sort of a binder of. some sort that I can add to this to give. it more of a um creamier.

sorbet texture versus what I've got, which by the way is totally delicious. But you can see it sort of it sort of. breaks off. >> I find ice cream and sorbet to be very. hard to make. Very hard to make. Well, >> I got news for you. This is delicious. [laughter] Maybe don't ask her anything. >> Yeah, maybe it's perfect. >> But I would like to know. I really. would. >> Okay. So, I'm going to ask her about the. sorbet. I'm going to ask her about um.

her positive attitude. And I will just. say, and this is obvious question, but. now that you are friends and you hang. out, have you and Brad gone to dinner. with AA and Jeffrey? >> Yes. >> Great. And two very successful, long. marriages, both of you. You know how I. feel about you and your husband, Brad. Hall. Truly couple goals, both of you. Just. >> Oh, that's so nice. >> You know, you know, there's not always a. lot of couples that you want to hang. with. >> That's true. [laughter].

It's true. It's usually one or the. other. >> Yeah, it's true. We have dinner plans. tonight with a couple and let's just say. I'm thinking of a way right now to get. out of it. [laughter]. >> Yeah. Yeah. You could just say you you. you were you were wearing a hat and it. >> I was wearing a hat and I got a. headache. >> Got too tight. >> I ate too much sorbet. Uh I'm [laughter]. sick. That'll work. >> Okay. So, I'm going to ask about her. attitude. sorbet and what puts her in a.

bad mood. [laughter]. >> I'd really like to know what puts her in. a bad mood. I hope she'll answer honest. >> I know. I wonder. I mean, truly what I. what is so interesting about her is her. success came late in life. >> Yeah. I FYI, she worked in the White. House. in nuclear energy as I recall. >> Dang. What a life indeed. So, I I ended. you for talking to her and tell her I.

said hi. I will. >> and call me later and I'll give you a a. bunch of uh sunscreen tips, including. clothing. >> I know. >> And products for your face. >> I got to get the whole. >> Do the sunscreen. I've got good. sunscreen that doesn't turn your face. white, too. >> Okay. I I always use sunscreen, but I. think I'm at a point now where I have to. wear the full shirt, which. I know. God. You know, it's just like it. feels like everything fun is taken away. [laughter].

>> That's the attitude, Amy. Except for. Sorbet. Except for. >> Wait, tella that. Tell her that. [laughter]. >> Help me get out of this funk if you can. [laughter]. >> Do you ever feel like everything fun is. taken away? Anyway, um Julia's having. some trouble with her sorbet and the. creaminess of it. So, let's get to that. >> [laughter]. [gasps]. >> Um, all right. Thank you for jumping on. I really appreciate it. And will you. come will you come do this someday when. you're not doing yours. I know you're so. busy, but come.

>> I would love to. Absolutely love to. because you are in fact a good hang. >> Thank you. So are you, friend. And I. think about our times together a lot and. always want more of them. So let's make. it happen. >> Done and done. Woohoo! >> This episode is brought to you by Joe. Malone London, the ultimate gifting. destination for people looking to. elevate their everyday. There really is. something for everyone, like limited. edition gift sets, candles, and. diffusers. Plus, their scent of the. season, sandalwood, and spiced apricot.

A warm spiced fragrance with a smooth. touch of vanilla that's perfect for the. holidays. So whether you're treating. yourself or checking someone off your. gift list, shop holiday favorites at. joealone.com or at a Joe Malone London. store near you. >> So I brought you a little present. I. shopped all over the world for it. I. went to Hermes. I went to all the. fabulous stores and I I I chose. something I thought you might like. [laughter]. >> Listeners, is giving me a beautiful. green bag. This is some ASMR. Some.

crinkle ASMR. Oh my goodness. [laughter]. >> Did I guess right? >> I'm getting chills. >> Okay. [laughter]. No, it's not a diamond necklace. >> This is so incredible. Jenna, do you. know what this is? [laughter]. >> I brought a [laughter] fake roast. chicken.

just to add to your collection. [laughter]. >> Um, actually, my heart is pounding. >> My heart is pounding. First of all, there's so many things I love about. this. [laughter] Thank you very I love. this. >> I really I'm just going to cry. Um, I like that it is the same size as a. roast chicken. >> It's not a fake fake. It's a real fake. It. >> I like the glistening. There's some kind. of [laughter] fake glass. >> I like that his little legs are tied. together.

This is actually how you would cuz I. make your roast chicken with fennel. Yes. It's my favorite recipe. And this. And you talk about tucking the wings and. tying here and putting the lemons. inside. >> And um the weight of it for for you. can't uh listeners, you can't feel it, but it's got a good weight, but not. [laughter] too like if you dropped it on. your toe, you would break it. I know that is the night. As you've. heard, I love [laughter] fake food. I'. I've gotten that idea here. And I know I. should probably put it in the back, but. I also want to keep it close. Oh, I love.

it. Okay, I'll put it in the back. Thank. you so much for [laughter] your lovely. gift. And now everyone who sees it will. know that it came from you. [laughter] I. mean, your roast chicken, we have a lot. to talk about today. >> Okay. >> But I'm sure you've heard this from many. people, but what you you are like a. translator. So. you take what you've learned and what. you know and you make people understand. it. And it's a rare skill. >> Oh, thank you. And that's wonderful. >> I I just this this roast chicken,

[laughter] even though it's fake, is. making me think about the fact that you. taught me how to make a roast chicken, which what and what is bigger than that. and deeper than that is you. >> it's not about the chicken. It's about. when you cook, everybody shows up and. then you create a community around. yourself. And I didn't know that until I. started writing cookbooks. But it's just. a really important thing that we all. need to feel like we're part of. something and that we take care of. people. They take care of us. >> And a roast chicken is the most basic.

thing. They're almost I don't think. there's a culture in the world that. doesn't have some kind of roast chicken. >> So people start podcasts sometimes to. check mics and they say, "What did you. eat for breakfast?" Like, "What what did. you eat for breakfast?" is the is the. question that a lot of people ask um. when they're starting a podcast. I know. What did you have for breakfast this. morning? I have the same thing I always. have. I either have and I go for years. with one breakfast and then I switch and. I go for years with another breakfast. So I always have whole grain toast um. with really good butter. I love um.

French butter and coffee. >> and that's breakfast. >> Coffee drinker. How do you take your. coffee? >> Um with milk. >> and tea drinker at all? >> Um I I start drinking tea around 10:30. Like not at 10:29, not 10:31, but at. 10:30 my brain goes tea [laughter]. >> and no more coffee the rest of the day. >> I probably not. Yeah, >> that's a lot of my friends. I have a lot. of young friends who talk about how they. can't sleep and when you check out their. coffee intake. >> Crazy. It's crazy. But I have I brought.

something else with me, too. While we're. on that subject of breakfast, [laughter]. >> you brought something else. >> and I think Jenna might have it right. here. I know. >> if if we play our cards right. Mine is. giving me more things. [laughter]. I'm overwhelmed. >> Well, I thought we have to have a party. here. >> You know how to throw a [laughter]. party. >> We love a good party. >> Oh my gosh. Okay, so. >> they had fabulous strawberries at at. Italy downstairs. They're from um Harry's Berries in in I. think it's in the Northwest.

>> Yeah, Har's Berries is really big in. California, too. >> Oh, it's just just the best. And I. thought we have to have something to. drink with. Show it. So, we got a nice. chilled Trocco. [laughter]. This could be breakfast. >> I want you to know I I I barely drink. anymore. So, I'm a real lightweight. >> Oh, I'm worse. I'm totally worse. I. always say I spend so much more time. talking about drinking than I do. actually drinking. If I [laughter] have. a half a glass of that, I'm going to. really start spiring some secrets. There's going to be some tears. >> So, so I think I might have to fill your.

glass. [laughter]. >> And also, >> first getting it open is not so easy. I. used to be in the food service industry. Oh, you were so on. >> I'd be happy to open it for you because. >> I think you're going to be the one to do. this. >> Okay. Because I used to open a lot of um. Wait, why are you flinching, Jenna? I. know how to open um So, here's the key. >> Turn the bottle, not the cork, right? >> Exactly. And also, you want to you want. to do the um the thing where you are. talk about something else while you're. doing it so. >> Oh, very good idea. just say like, you.

know, when you're opening your um. champagne, you're just saying, "So, just. a couple of things about the specials. tonight." Um [laughter] we have a. gorgeous um fake roast chicken. that is really delicious. And we have um. we have um. >> Well done like a pro. Whoa. [laughter]. >> Oh my god. May I pour? >> Yes, please. >> Thank you so much. Okay, we're pouring. champagne. Very little one I've ever. [laughter]. >> podcasts are great, guys. All you do is. you get presents and then you [laughter].

have champagne with aa and strawberries. >> Isn't this very pretty woman? Champagne. and strawberries. >> Cheers. >> This is how we imagined our life. Cheers. [laughter]. Cut to me immediately crying. >> Okay. Wow. And these strawberries look. amazing, too. You know, I'm going to say. something a little controversial. There's going to be a lot of controversy. in this podcast. [laughter]. Fruit. Fruit. You don't like fruit? I like it,

but I'll take a vegetable over fruit. I'll take vegetables over fruit. >> But fruit that is picked before you eat. it. >> that's that tastes like fruit. The. problem is a lot of things here have. been picked like 6 months ago and. they're shipped somewhere. They're not. it's it's not like going to a farm stand. and buying. When when you go to France, there are stores that sell fruit that. when you go to pick out a pair, they. say, "No, you want these pairs, and do. you want to eat it today or tomorrow?".

And they're choosing it by how ripe it. is. So, it's going to be perfect today. or perfect tomorrow. The problem is. we're eating fruit out of season. >> Yeah. >> I mean, the strawberries are in season. We're eating fruit that's not ripened on. the vine. It's been ripened by sitting. around, which doesn't ripen it. It just. ages it. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um, so the thing about good. like good strawberries, it tastes like. strawberry jam. You don't need to do. anything with it. >> And I know this is kind of a Sophie's. choice, but if you had to go between. sweet and salty, what would be your. choice? Are you a savory or are you a. sweet person?

>> Um, probably savory. Probably savory. >> That's what I'm saying. So fruit. sometimes is a little like I'd rather. have a a cheese than a fruit. >> Oh, I'm with you there. Okay. Cheese and. bread. I mean like. >> forget it. [laughter]. >> Cheese and bread. Desert Island. You and. I are good. What you grew up in Brooklyn? What did. you eat growing up? Your mother was a. dietician. Yeah. Did you have did that. what were you eating at home and what. did you eat? >> It was she was very extreme in her in. what she served and she believed that.

you should only eat protein and. vegetables and nothing else. >> I mean there were no there were no. there's there wasn't bread, there wasn't. um French fries, there wasn't um there. was I mean literally no carbs. >> Wow. So, I was like starving when I was. [laughter] a kid. >> There was no cookies and milk when you. got home from school. If I asked her for. something for um at one if I got home. and I was hungry, she'd go, "Oh, just. eat an apple." I mean, nobody wants an. apple after school. [laughter]. >> No. Especially since they've just given. one to a teacher and associated with.

teachers. But it's it's interesting. because you know um in uh when you grew. up and and after there was a a I mean. there still is of course this crazy diet. culture but there was this like weird. fear about food like and the fear shifts. all the time. Sometimes we're afraid of. carbs, then we're afraid of fats, then. we're afraid of like and you've. witnessed this the trends that where. people come and go and they decide what. we're supposed to be afraid of. >> And I remember growing up grip in the. 70s, there was just a lot of um.

misinformation about food. It was just. we just didn't know what we didn't know, I guess. Yes. I mean, at the end of the. day, I think the more you cook, um, and. choose simple things to cook and the. less you eat processed foods, that's. really all you need to know. And if if. you eat a balanced diet, you feel. better. >> I know. >> It doesn't mean you're, you know, you're. living on carbs or you're they're no. carbs. It's balanced. And if you want to. be healthier, then eat a little more. vegetables and a little less protein and. carbs. But I mean, that's not that.

complicated. >> But real food. >> was not something discussed in the 70s. the 70s was about gadgets and shortcuts, right? Because women were going back to. work and it was very much like, hey, you. don't have to make the meal, make, you. know, make stuff in your microwave. instead. And there was I I remember I. I'll speak on behalf of my mom, like a. freedom in things being faster and. easier and kids being able to do it and. all that kind of stuff. But we did. >> Did you cook when you were a kid? >> No. >> Cuz you didn't start cooking until you.

were like 40, right? Right. >> So what what changed? So, I I really. believed up and and kind of what I what. I was saying to you earlier, I really. believed that I just was the kind of. person that I was like, I just I just. don't think I'm the kind of person that. cooks and I would say myself. >> You don't you're not the kind of person. who can cook or wants to cook. >> I think a little bit of both. I think it. was like I don't really know enough. dishes and um maybe it's not something. I'm not interested in. But what. motivates me sometimes, AA, is watching.

really dumb people do things [laughter]. because I'm like, wait a minute. There's. a lot of Wait, look at interviewing me. By the way, I'm doing so [laughter] much. talking. Wait a minute. Hold on. I got. to pause. You are good. [laughter]. You're interviewing me. Um, okay. I'm. going to pass over you. [laughter]. >> All right. I had one sip of my go. ONE. SIP. >> ONE SIP. [laughter] And I'm like, you. know what the thing is? Ha. um the 70s. No, [laughter].

but and you were a big part of me. feeling like, wait a minute, I've seen. >> Was I that dumb person cooking? [laughter]. >> We have to back up here. >> No, I guess I mean that like I was. motivated by I watched people learn how. to cook and I thought, "Hold on. I I I I. know how to learn new things. I can. learn new things." One of the my. favorite things that Jennifer Garner. ever said was was she said, "As you get. older, you you're not willing to try new. things because you're afraid of. failing.". >> Of course, >> when you're a kid, you try everything.

and you fail. You get up, you do it. again, but as we get older, we're not. willing to do that. And I think it's it. really got me to think about the things. that I wasn't doing because I thought I. wouldn't be able to do them well. That's. a pattern in your life over and over. again for you is you decide to kind of. >> evaluate where you are and choose a. joyful next path. Like it's [snorts]. >> you've done that over and over again. So. you grew up in Brooklyn. >> We we got to bring Jeffrey in right. away. [laughter] I mean I don't know. We. just got to bring him in. I'd love to. bring him in here right now. I mean,

Jeffrey and you meet first when you're. 16 and then. >> I was I was like 17 when he saw me and I. He was I was 16 when he saw me and I met. him when I was 17. >> And you were married at 20. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Wow. >> Smartest thing I ever did. >> I know. [laughter] I I have to say. >> against everybody's advice, if your. mother tells you not to marry somebody, listen to yourself, not your mother. >> And what what did Jeffrey's parents. think? Did he Did they. >> They were just wonderful to me. They. were they were wonderful. Yeah. Jeffrey's grandmother when he they they. met me I met them when at some family.

bar mitzvah or something and Jeffy's um. uh his button fell off his coat and I. said, "Oh, just give it to me. I'll sew. it back on again." And his grandmothers. were taking their wedding rings and. going, "Marry her now before somebody. else does. She knows how to sew it back. >> She knows how to sew a button on.". [laughter]. Um it it there's I think what people um. I know I know what people respond to. about your relationship with Jeffrey and. it is that. >> you kind of can't fake mutual respect.

You just see it or you don't. Um and you. two have a lot of respect for each. other. >> Yeah. And we do we keep it very simple. We have a very different kind of life. than than we expected to. I mean we. don't have kids. We don't have cats and. dogs. So we don't have gerbles. [laughter] We're we're just it's just. the two of us. And if we trying to. figure out what to do, we figure out. what he wants to do and what I want to. do. And this is what Jeffrey taught me. is is let's figure out how we can both. do what we want to do. It's not about.

whether we get to do what you want to do. or I want to do and and big things like. careers and small things like what movie. we go see. >> Um I I just I love that about him. He's. so respectful and it's pretty hard not. to, >> you know, to return that. >> Yeah. It's just in a long marriage, in a. long relationship, it's like one of the. things you have to be vigilant about is. just trying to stay respectful to with. someone that you that you um. know so well because we just get very. familiar with people and we forget that.

part where we have to be kind of tender. with them and you you both are very. tender with each other. >> I just I don't take it for granted ever. >> What do people say to you about your. relationship with Jeffree? Because I bet. people project a lot on it. I know the. internet does. >> A lot a lot of people say, "Oh, I have a. Jeffrey, too." And I think to myself, "Nah." [laughter]. You're like, "Bring it to me.". >> In your [laughter] dreams. and you're like, "Stay away from mine, Jeffrey." Does women ever hit on you,

Jeffrey? >> No. >> I [laughter] hope not. >> My god, I would kill those women. But. yeah, people say, "Oh, I have a" And. what do you think they're saying when. they say that? that I have somebody that. I have a really good time with that I. just adore and he adores me back which. is all you really want right. >> yeah but you know that's what you want. and I I relate to that too but I think. sometimes people forget the fun part in. relationship like. >> it's so important. >> why is it important. >> I mean what's the first thing you look. for in a friend or a spouse they have a.

sense of humor. >> because otherw I mean every there's such. crazy stuff going on if you don't have a. sense of humor about it you're just too. serious you're too serious to live with. [laughter]. >> I know I It's very simple, but it's. sometimes hard to learn. And I do think. that the other thing that people see in. your relationship is a man uh who is. very in love with his partner and. you are choosing someone who loves you, I guess, is the simplest way to say it. And that's it seems so easy and simple,

but it's not always what people do. >> Um I I knew somebody who who would fix. people up with, you know, together. Um, and Jeffree said to her, "What what do. you look for in somebody that you're. fixing up with a friend of yours?" And. she said, "Three things. Are they a good person? Do they want to. take care of you?" And that doesn't mean. financially. That means everything. Like, do you want do they want to take. care of you? And the third one really. shocked me because it was so simple.

>> Does he want to be with you? >> So many people want a wife, but they. want to go play golf. [laughter]. But that's the thing about Jeffrey. There's nothing. I mean, he just follows. me around the house. [laughter]. >> And every once in a while, I turn around. and go, "Does he want to be with you?". [gasps]. >> Yes. Do you want to be in each other's. company? >> Do you want to be Do you want to be. together or you're just looking for that. to fill in that blank? >> Yeah. That is so deep. >> It It really is. It's so simple and yet. it's so important. >> Yeah. And and I know that you you know.

you. I Anyone who's been married, how many. years have you been married? 57. >> So you have this, you know, everchanging. story, right? This song that keeps. changing um and growing. How have you. grown? How have you both changed from. when you were married at 20? Like how. are you different? >> Well, I think when we were married at. 20, we each had like roles. You know, he. was the husband, I was the wife. I'd go, you know, we both had jobs and, you. know, we he would go to the State.

Department. I worked in the White House. and and it was assumed that I would come. home and make dinner until it I found it. just incredibly annoying. I just didn't. want to have the girl roll and him have. the boy roll. And so we just threw the. whole thing away and started all over. again. >> And he took the checkbook and he said, "Here, you do it." There [laughter] was. one time he said to me, he said to me, "I what's he like doing that bills?" And. he goes, "I what's this bill from. Bloomingdales?" And I thought, "I'm not. about to justify to you what my bill. from Bloomingdales is." and he picks up.

the checkbook and he hands it to me. He. goes, "Okay, you do it." And I said, "Fine." And that was that. It's. >> so funny. I have such memories of my. parents sitting at the kitchen table. with their checkbook together. >> Doing it together. >> That's interesting. >> And and and it being a big deal about. who was doing it. And you're right, especially a lot of women during that. time just didn't weren't even aware of. their financial situation, let alone. knew how to do it. >> Exactly. And and recently, actually, Jeffree said to me, "So, how much do we. spend on the garden?" [laughter]. >> And you're like, you like, "Jeffrey, don't ask questions like that. Doesn't. matter. We have strawberries. We're.

fine. >> I just went I don't think so. [laughter]. He goes, "Okay, I get it.". >> Okay. [laughter] We cannot blow past the. White House what you just said so. casually. I was at the White House. He. was at the State Department like a. [laughter] like an episode of the. Americans or something. But um. >> that was us. You didn't know that. [laughter]. >> That's the untold story. >> People could say could argue that you. and Jeffrey worked for the CIA. >> [laughter]. >> But we both well I think a few people. you know you don't know this about. Jeffrey but he was a paratrooper and a.

green beret and then his first job was. in the White House and then he worked. for the Secretary of State. So everybody. I know thinks he's in the CIA and every. once in a while I go are you are you. actually in the CIA [laughter]. and he always says you know the wives. are the last to know [laughter]. that would be an amazing show. I would. [laughter] watch that where he reveals. at age 90. >> and I'm a Russian agent. >> But you worked in the White House and. you were working during the Ford.

administration and the Carter. administration like during the those. four. >> I started when Ford came in and then. stayed on through Carter. >> And what were you doing there? [laughter]. >> I worked on nuclear energy policy. >> Nuclear energy. >> energy policy. So um it's the part of. the the federal budget that I worked at. office of management budget which writes. the president's budget and I I oversaw. the budget for nuclear power plants and. interesting that it's come up now. enriched uranium. >> Yes. It's it's it's very uranium is in.

the news. It's in the news [laughter]. back in the news. >> Exactly. >> And um how did you get that job? How did. you get a job? I just I think Jeffrey. knew somebody in the White House who was. looking for somebody and I applied for. the job and got it. >> And you talked about how it was pretty. it was tough for you. There was things. moved slowly. >> Slowly. Oh my god. Every year we would. take something out of the budget, something big. I mean in the at the time. it was um there was one pro nuclear. project that was $20 billion which was a.

lot at that time in the 70s. and it. would go up to the hill and the Congress. person, I think it was STM Thurman, was. from the district that this plant was. in. And then we were trying to get get. rid of it or give it to private. industry. He would have no control over. it. So he would put it back in. >> and then the next year I'd write the. same paper to the president to take it. out and the next year Thurman would put. it back in again. And after four years. of that, I was like, "Okay, I'm done. I'm so done. I'm not writing this paper. one more time." So you you you you're. writing budgets and you decide I I need.

something where there's I really need to. do something that like where I can make. something do something and I can see the. results of it fast. Mhm. >> And so can you just tell me how do you. go from I mean I've read about it and. I've and I've um watched you talk about. it but still the leap from working in. that very corporate job to running a. store is such an interesting leap. What. made you what gave you this uh the.

courage to make the leap? How do you. make that career change? >> I knew I was done with working in the. government. Yeah. >> And I was I when [clears throat] I lived. in Washington, I taught myself how to. cook. Um I used to just for fun buy old. houses, renovate them, and sell them. And um and actually I was going to. business school at the same time. I. don't know how I did any of that. Wow. And um I knew I was either going to go. into real estate or the food business, and I just didn't know which one. And. then this ad showed up in the New York.

Times, and I came home that night, and. Jeffrey I said to Jeffrey, I really need. to find something else to do. And he. said, "Just pick something fun. Pick. something that you think you'd love. doing, and if you love it, you'll be. really good at it." And I was like, "Funny, you should mention it." I saw an. ad for for the a business for sale in a. place I'd never been. It was a specialy. food store, and he said, "Let's go look. at it.". >> Wow. >> So, I mean, what an incredible guy. He. was it was in a place that he didn't. live. He was working for the Secretary. of State. Um, it would basically blow up.

our lives. and and he said just just go. go go look at it. >> You have now a business employees and. you have to learn very quickly how to be. a boss. >> Yeah. >> Right. And so what you know how would. you describe yourself as a boss? >> I I always wanted to be the boss that I. wanted to have myself. >> And so I'm very collaborative. >> Um I think in the beginning I was. probably too collaborative like what do. you think we should do here? What should. we do there? And and as I got better at. it, um somebody actually gave me a.

friend gave me the advice, "Your. employees need two things from you. They. need you to be clear and they need you. to be happy.". >> And um and from then on, I would say, "I. need these candies bagged and I need. them wrapped up like this." And if I was. having a bad day, I would just disturb. the energy in the room. >> I And sometimes I had 50 or 100. employees and they'd all be like, "What. did I do wrong?" But it had nothing to. do with them. So, I would just walk out. of the store, I'd walk around the block, calm myself down, and come back happy.

And it was I think that was the best. lesson I ever had for business. >> Do you How do you give feedback or. criticism? >> I'm very clear about two things. If I'm. criticizing you, I'll take you out of. the room and discuss what you can do. better. If I'm. >> complimenting you, I'll do it with. everybody around. >> But I never totally agree. Don't you? I. I think compliments with everyone around. is a huge thing that people forget to. do. I think they actually do the. opposite quite a bit. They criticize. with everyone around and they compliment.

privately. >> and if I have to fire somebody, I'm. always worried what are their what are. their colleagues going to say and um you. know I usually give them a lot of. warning, explain what they have to do. better and at the end of the day it. doesn't work. I fire them usually in a. way that makes them say thank you and. kiss me when they leave [laughter] like. this isn't the right job for you but. that could be the right job for you and. then I call everybody together and that. works for me and I say I need to explain. to you what happened why this didn't. work out with that person cuz I'm so. worried that their colleagues are going.

to be mad mad that their friend is gone. and 100% of the time they're like oh. such a pain in the neck we hated working. with them I'm so glad you fired them. right. >> so it turns it always but you need need. that communication. >> It it's it it was and it's a kind of a. on the-job learned skill because to your. point I think uh. >> we're I'm going to make a huge. generalization here, but sometimes a lot. of women are good collaborators. So we. figure out like I think the best way to.

be uh in charge here is to make sure. everybody's voices are heard and I'm. constantly collaborating until you. realize that people are looking. >> for direction. >> for direction. >> Yeah. And I I start with the assumption. everybody wants to do a good job. I just. have to give them the tools to do it. >> I have to I have to tell you one story. though. first probably a month in when I. bought Barefoot Contessa and there was. um I think there was a cook and three. people working in the store and one of. them was just dreadful and they were all. like 16 years old but she was just I.

mean she had no vision like if I tell. her to you know clean the counter if. there were 20 customers waiting she'd be. cleaning the counter [laughter]. >> right. >> like she was just very sweet but not. very good so I took her out in the back. and I explained that you know I'm sure. there are other jobs that you're good at. this isn't the one. And it was so gentle. cuz I was so worried about hurting her. feelings. >> that the next day she showed up for work. again. She didn't know she fired. [laughter]. >> And the worst part is I couldn't do it. again. So she stayed for the whole.

summer. [laughter]. >> I've gotten better than that. [laughter]. I could see that happening too. Me too. Yeah. Where everyone's like, "Thank you. for the feedback. I'll see you. tomorrow." And it's like, "Oh [laughter]. no, what have I done?" Um, Barefoot. Contessa, when you opened the store, what was the stuff that you were trying. to sell there that spoke to people who. were wanting real food? >> Well, you know, I had to learn it. >> Yeah. >> Um, I I thought the this is it's an. expensive store. It's very expensive to.

make specialty foods. I'm in the. Hamptons. I I'd never been there before. So, I had an image of it being fancy. Mhm. >> And so if I made I mean while we're. talking about roast chicken, if I made. roast chicken in the store, I'd take a. huge white platter and I'd fill it with. fresh herbs and then I put the roast. chickens on it and then put them out and. nobody bought them. And I was like, "Okay, what am I doing wrong?" I took. the chicken back in the kitchen and I um. put all the chickens in little red and.

white paper cups like you would put um. French fries in and put them on the. counter and they all sold. And I. thought, "Oh, that's so interesting. People want really accessible food. They. don't want fancy food because they're. eating it at home. It's different. When. you go to a restaurant, you want. something that's [snorts] interesting. that you've never had before or takes a. long time. At home, you want simple. food. You want roast chicken, roast. carrots, and brownies. >> and and what do you say? >> Really good ones, but really good ones. >> And they they taste good when you make.

them. Then they're the really good ones. But that is a thing that I think is just. it's like the thing that you capture. with the your cookbooks, your show, your. um your podcast. This idea that you know. you have everything you need like you've. got it within you. It's very like. >> you know um Wizard of Oz or something. which is like you've you've it's been in. you all along. >> You just don't know it's there. We just. have to unleash it. Isn't that that's. one of the things that I really wasn't.

prepared for when I started writing. cookbooks is people sending me gifts. >> They were kept sending me things. I'm. like, why are they do what what I mean? People were like um making huge pots and. and that they threw themselves and. sending why are people being so nice to. me? And I realized that it was I wasn't. giving them something like a cookbook. I. was giving them the tools to make. something for themselves and they would. put it out and people would say you made. that chocolate cake yourself and they. felt good about themselves and that's I.

think they wanted to thank me which was. so lovely. It was such a realization. that it was um that it was it just felt. very generous. It was really nice that. we're giving giving people the tools to. do something for themselves. >> People really attach to you know. [laughter] that's so sweet. >> It's really sweet. I mean I think you. remind them of someone in their family. I think they feel exactly what you've. taught them something. It's like teacher. and mommy and you know Jedi master and.

like [laughter] relationship goals and. all that stuff. Um how does it feel to. get all that like love and attention. from people? I mean who wouldn't like. it? >> I mean it sounds great. [laughter]. >> When they start throwing things we'll. talk about it. >> Yeah. It sounds great. [laughter]. Dumbest question I've ever asked. Okay, I have a question for you. >> Okay, here we go. Here we go. >> What's your favorite New Yorker cartoon? >> Oh my god. I heard you love New Yorker. cartoons. >> I love New Yorker cartoons. >> I don't remember any of them. >> Oh, really? >> Yes. [laughter] But they're so good. Oh,

no. I do remember one. >> I knew you would. >> Okay. Thank you for asking. And for. anyone under the age of 55, The New. Yorker is a magazine [laughter]. and it you can read it in person and it. you flip through it like it's um like a. book but skinnier and flatter. [laughter]. And for and and for those who forget, a. book is a. [laughter]. um. uh it is a piece of rigetony. [laughter].

on the phone. calling somebody and saying, "You silly, you crazy bastard. How [laughter] are. you?". >> I love [laughter] that you were a food. one cuz all of mine are food. Yeah, mine was my favorite one is is a. little pig sitting on the um examining. table in a doctor's office and the. doctor comes in with his his um. clipboard and he goes, "I have very bad. news. It's your ribs. They're delicious. [laughter].

>> Oh my god. [laughter] Do you ever do you. ever enter those contests? Those. >> No, I I wouldn't have a clue how I It. amazes me how people can write those. things.". >> Me, too. No. And I, you know, I write, no, I write jokes for a living. One. could argue. And um often times I'll be. I'll just be staring at the picture like. stumped like why do I stay here? And. it's so funny. It's just like I guess. Hey guys, what's going on? Like it's I.

actually just saw a cartoon. It wasn't. the New Yorker, but I just saw a. cartoon. It was two dogs coming up to. the front door and there were two dogs. answering the door and um they. [laughter] and one of the dogs the ones. arriving said, "You know, Cheryl said, "Life is short. We really have to smell. the roses.". [laughter] And he saw that there was a. mailbox and it said rose. So the dogs. inside were the roses. [laughter]. Life is short, we really have to smell.

the roses. >> [laughter]. >> And I just started laughing. I couldn't. stop. >> What do you like? What do you like about. New York? >> The play on words. The play on words. >> The intelligence behind it. >> I just thought, what kind of a mind. thought of that cartoon? Life is short. We have really have to go smell the. roses. And they said, and here we are. [laughter]. >> Well, you know, I usually ask this. question at the end, but I want to ask. it now, which is, what do you what makes. you laugh? What like what what are you. reading, watching? What you I can tell. that you like to laugh. Um, what makes.

you. >> I do my friends. >> I just I don't tend to watch humorous. movies or shows or things like that. I. just my I love my friends have great. sense of humor and they just make me. laugh all the time. >> Well, how important, you know, in being. in your 70s, what are what do female. friendships mean to you? What do your. friendships mean to you? >> I mean, it's everything. It's. everything. Yeah, I mean I I I mean. Jeffreey's clearly my best friend, but. but women bring something totally. different and it's really connection and.

actually that's what I always thought. that um I was so pleased that I was in. the food business because I could really. work out the issues from my childhood. and I and it was just wonderful. But. when I started doing Be My Guest, I. realized what I was missing really is. connection. >> and um and it's that's been just. extraordinary. I've made well your dear. friend Tina have made made um great. friends. You guys went out to eat. It. was so much fun. >> And you're friends with Julia Lou. Drifus. Julia. Congratulations to.

Queens. Is she the best? >> Well, she not only is she the best, but. she spoke to us before this podcast. She. did. >> We got a question. Special guest. [laughter]. >> We talked to Julia because um great. >> Yep. And um. >> so smart and she said the same thing. about you. She said you're really smart. Yep. >> Thank you. Smarties all around. And. Tina, all smart [laughter] people, smart, wonderful, talented women. >> Smart people who have a sense of humor. have the best senses of humor. >> Well, Tina has said this, which is you. can tell a lot about somebody by what.

they laugh at. >> Yeah. >> Um although that doesn't say much about. me because I laugh at everything. [laughter]. Um but um. >> you just like to laugh. That's all. That's good. >> But yeah, you're right. A sense of humor. is a sign of intelligence and also it's. the way we just tell each other what we. care about. Um so Julia, we spoke to. Julia. She says hello. >> She was wearing a giant sun hat and. going through her refrigerator when we. talked to her. [laughter] And um she had. a question for you. Um.

she said, "What how are you so. cheerful?". Um and then she said, "And what makes. you um uh what puts you in a bad mood?". passive aggressive people who tell you. what you want to hear and do exactly as. they please makes me crazy and I can. chew on them for years. >> Say more about that. What do you mean? So like someone who. >> We all know Yeah. Well, we all know. people that if if you're doing something.

with someone, you want to. be collaborative. Let's just all figure. out what the issues are, what we need to. do, and then together we'll make a. decision. unless I'm, you know, unless. it's my business, but you know, just. moving forward. >> Um, and I don't like people that. withhold information so that they. control the situation. >> because then I'm making a decision with. without the real information. And I I. just find passive aggressive makes me. crazy. [laughter].

>> Oh, I love that. >> I mean, crazy. And you you you also. asked what what how I keep my happiness, my joy. I think that it needs to be. nurtured. I think we're e, we're either. um born with a positive or a negative. energy. >> And I, you know, I think about when I do. yoga and the um my instructor says um. [clears throat] what does she say? Um um. find your inner smile. >> I think you either walk around with an. inner smile or you don't. >> And if you don't, I think you need to.

just nurture it. >> And I feel like I I was just born this. way. My parents used to said, "I came. out like playing with my toes and. giggling." And it's um I think it's an. important thing to do. I think it makes. life easier. >> Yeah. >> I It's really um I think it's really. important. And yes, we've had. extraordinary lives, but we also had. difficult times. >> You have you talk a lot about it in your. memoir. >> We've all had had difficult had. difficult times. And um and how you deal. with it is is it's up to you. you know, if if if I may, you spoke about your.

late in life um would you. [clears throat] say reconciliation with. your dad, like how did that Yes. Do you. want to talk a little [clears throat]. bit about that? >> Um you know, my my dad was a not a great. dad. He was really tough and critical, but later on he just he we were together. at a they were giving him a party for me. for my second book, so it was 2000. And. um he was sitting with me and he said. said to me one sentence that made all.

the difference in the world. He looked. at me and he said I don't know what I. was thinking. and I mean it makes me cry just now. And. that changed our whole relationship. because he felt badly about it and he. basically said I'm sorry in that. sentence. And then we went on but my dad. I have to say um he was a tough dad but. he also gave me something when I was a. child that was really important. He. loved to talk through real, he was a. doctor, but he loved to buy real estate. So, he would always talk through real. estate deals and he'd say, "Come come in. my in my study and talk through this.

deal with me." And so, he taught me how. to, you know, borrow money, go to the. bank, borrow money. Um, I credit him. with a lot of lot of things that I've. done. >> that don't scare me because I'm used to. talking about it that way. >> Yeah. I mean, you it's and also such an. example of like you have to be open to. the idea of uh forgiveness. So, or the. idea of. >> Yeah. letting things go basically like. it shows up in all different ways. It. shows up in the way you are in. relationship with your husband which is. like we just kind of don't sweat the. small stuff and you just have to kind of. like you know like love each other.

through hard times. It's it shows up in. the way that you cook which is when. there's like a mistake or an accident or. like an oopsie. It's like funny. It's. fun. >> It's not the end of the world. >> Let it go. It's [laughter] not the end. of the world. >> Yeah. Yeah. And but but then it becomes. of course much deeper when it has to do. with your family of origin and and. deciding like how much you're going to. hold on to. >> And it doesn't mean you always forget. I. mean every once in a while I have lunch. with him and I go can't believe I'm. having lunch with this monster. But he.

wasn't then. He really had come around. and you know but it's it's you have to. push that away. That's that was then. This is now. And you know there's all we. we fetishize um uh we well we fetishize. marriage especially you know um you know. cis straight marriage um but we also. fetishize children and people who have. them and you don't have children. What. is the best thing about not having. children? >> Not be responsible for them. [laughter]. >> Not having teenagers.

>> [laughter]. >> You don't want somebody who says, "I. hate you." And. >> no, not so much. >> Crashes the car. [laughter] And. >> are you trying to lease yours out? >> Well, I mean, I don't think people, you. know, there's all these studies. Married people without children are the. happiest people. Like, like there's. [laughter] all these studies and. everyone keeps going, "Well, they just. haven't met my children yet." You know, but um. >> I mean, it's amazing to me that I made. that decision so young and that thank. God was okay with it. Um but um I just.

can't imagine my life any other way. I've done it done what I wanted to do. Um I've had one, you know, just a. wonderful time. >> You made very countercultural decisions. for a woman of your generation. >> You really did. But but I I maybe maybe. I'm just projecting, but I feel like, you know, uh when you were working and. doing all these cho making all these. choices and making these big leaps and. big swings, um it you didn't have as. many women uh doing the same thing at.

the same time. >> I didn't have any. I really didn't have. any. I can't think of anybody that I. knew at the time who made the same. choices. I really can't. And and right. now as a as a woman running an empire. >> Oh, it's that's not an empire. >> I know [laughter] it's an empire. >> Let's start call I want to call more. women geniuses and I want to call more. um female business owners. I want to. call more female run businesses empires. Empires are not just for men. >> Well, I I just I think of an empire as.

having a thousand employees. I have two. >> You only have two employees [laughter]. >> actually and a part-time part-time. office manager. >> Yeah. I want to talk to you about this. This is incredible [laughter]. because you've scaled down. >> I just I want to walk across the lawn to. the barn where I have people that I love. and I want to cook all day. Did Did Tina. ever tell you how she interviewed me at. the Brooklyn Academy of Music? No. Tell. me about that. >> So, she she started and she said, "You. know, my friends think you have this. perfect life. You get up in the morning,

you walk across the lawn, you cook all. day, your friends come to come by to. visit you, you go out for dinner, your. husband leaves on Monday, he comes back. on Friday. [laughter]. And and then she said, and I told told. my husband I was I told my husband I was. going to um say this and he said, "You. know I'm going to be in the audience. when you say that, right?" [laughter]. And she was kind of right. That's really. what my life is like. It's just been. great. So are you looking to like you. were hustling so much in the you know I.

worked you really hard. >> writing the memoir made me realize I. worked really hard. What did you learn. from your memoir that you didn't know. about yourself? >> Well I my relationship to work like I. like I I think about it all the time. I'm always like troubling it because I. get such esteem from work. >> Like I get a ton of self-esteem from. work and I don't want to give that up. I. also get a lot of self-esteem from. parenting and being a and being a parent. to my kids. And like you, I feel like I. desperately need connection with people.

and my friends. So all of those things. and a lot of connection comes from work. >> But I don't know about you, but as I. look ahead, it's just an interesting. like what is our relationship to work to. what is enough to um you know what what. do we want to how do we want to shape. the the third act of our life? >> And you are a life shaper. you you so. what do you see the last. >> I don't think that far ahead. >> you don't. >> I just think what do I want to do if if. I know what I want to do today. >> and by the end of the day I'm going to.

decide what I'm going to do tomorrow. it's all I need to know it's kind of. like the my first book I thought my god. how am I going to write a book a whole. book and I thought okay I don't need to. know how to write a whole book all I. need to know is what recipe I'm going to. test today and then tomorrow I'll test. another recipe and somewhere along the. line at the end of the line I'm going to. have a book but it. I don't give myself. overwhelming projects. I give myself. manageable bites. >> Yes, I relate to that. It's just taking. I I like to call it like, you know, like. this season, you know, like think about.

it in c terms of seasons because the. idea of like the next year is going to. be fill in the blank. That's. overwhelming. But. >> it's overwhelming. >> Winter season, we're going to work on. this and spring. Yeah. Yeah. >> And you know what? Um there's this great. expression and I I I'm embarrassed to. say I can't remember the name of who. said it. >> I have a laptop. I can look it up. >> JP Morgan, I think. I think it was JP. Morgan is go as far as you can see. and when you get there you'll be able to. see farther. >> But if you if you map it from here to. there, you're going to limit yourself.

>> You need you map it as far as you can. see. And then when you get there, there. may be other options you wouldn't have. even thought of when you get there. >> So just leave I just like to leave. myself open to what things come along. that was like, nope, not interested. Nope, lose my number. [laughter] Wait a. minute. Wait a minute. That's kind of. interesting actually. Come back here. Yeah. I mean, I think that's success. Success is being able to decide to work. >> A surprise. I mean, you don't want to do. the same thing over and over again. >> Yeah. And when you were writing your. memoir, how did you how do you like to. write?

>> Never. [laughter]. >> No kidding. Isn't writing the worst? It's the worst. >> People are always like, "What are you. doing?" [laughter] I'm like, "Anything. but writing. I'm organizing my closets. I'm I'm I'm making amends to all my. friends. [laughter] Whatever it takes to. not write." Okay. So, fast fast round. Aa, are you ready? Okay. >> Okay. Okay, here we go. Best way to cook. carrots. >> roasted with olive oil, salt, and. pepper. >> And do you enjoy a feta on there? >> I enjoy feta on anything. >> I sometimes I put feta and honey on my.

carrots. >> Fabulous. Or balsamic vinegar. Syrupy. balsamic vinegar. So good. Because the. sweet carrots and the vinegar are good. I like things that have an edge. >> Yeah. >> And vinegar do. >> I love a vinegar. Me, too. Um Oh, Julia. would wanted me to ask you this. How do. you make She's been making some sorbet. and she It was very fancy. She, Speaking. of fancy, she had she had made sorbet. and then she scooped out a lemon and put. it back in the lemon. So cute. >> Um but uh she found her sorbet wasn't as. creamy. She it was icy more than creamy.

Any tips? >> Um. >> she said she made it with sugar, water. >> Did she make it in an ice cream maker? >> Great question. >> Yeah, I don't know. Some some some. recipes have you just freeze it and and. like a um almost like a granita. Yeah. And that's um that would be grainy. Yes. But if you make it in an ice cream I I. am not an expert on. >> I know. I I don't I don't really love. desserts. Um make making them it's like. a whole other world. Okay. Favorite New. Yorker cartoon. We got that three.

>> Was that on your list? >> Yes. Was on my list cuz I heard you love. New Yorker cartoons but you bring it up. >> Oh my god. >> Can I tell you my other favorite ones? Yes, please. >> Dog sitting at the bar and the bartender. walks over and he said, "What can I get. you?" He said, "I'll take a scotch and. toilet water." [laughter]. >> Do you cook on Thanksgiving? >> Yes, I love Thanksgiving. >> Me, too. >> It's just it's the like the best holiday. because it's traditional things. You can. make them better. Um and yeah, I love. Thanksgiving.

>> What's your new like what's something. you make on Thanksgiving that people. would be surprised is at your table? Like is there like you know uh like huh. that on Thanksgiving? >> Well, you know a couple of years ago the. New York Times asked me to do a. storebought Thanksgiving and I thought. who could ever do that? So I I said I. don't think so. And then I started. thinking about it and I realized that if. you could take a storebought ingredient. from the store and make it easier, wouldn't wouldn't that be fabulous? M. [gasps].

>> So, I went and got Pepperage Farm. stuffing mix. >> and I made a bread pudding out of it, >> which was so good. It was crazy. >> So, I have a lot of Thanksgiving things. now, like to get um like you can get you. can actually get good mashed potatoes, >> but then I add sour cream and parmesan. cheese and garlic and it's just. delicious and you have no idea that. there's a store-bought ingredient in. there. >> Okay. Young chefs or food writers that. you're into? I mean, I have a few people. like Aaron French from Lost Kitchen. I.

love her. Um, so you know, like the. other day she sent out a recipe. I'm. like, "Oh, I'm making that." Yeah. But I. don't I don't really What did you What. did she send out? >> It was something that was great. Now I. can't remember. >> Do you ever watch Tik Tok or Instagram. reels or any of the young people that. are cooking on there? >> Tik Tok? No. Instagram I love. Yeah. And. um I just think, you know, if you're. interested in gardens, you know, you see. a lot of stuff on gardens. Um, you have. to be careful about not watching cute. puppy things because that's all you ever. get. [laughter].

>> Do you ever see all those like this like. version of the macho guy who's like in. the woods and cuts the meat and puts. [laughter] it on the grill? >> What are you watching? >> Come on over to my FYP. Aa. um profiles different from mine. [laughter]. >> We don't all have a Jeffrey. I know. We. don't all have a Jeffrey. um secret. ingredient that makes things better. >> Oh, it's always something with an edge. like balsamic vinegar or parmesan cheese.

or um dijon mustard. Um things that um a. splash of red wine in a big pot of. lentils. Um it just changes everything. >> Yes. Anything. >> Lemon zest. >> Lemon zest. >> Yeah. >> Um when you That's the other thing is. it's really I I learned when I started. cooking later. Um two things. One is, you know, sometimes my anxiety needed to. go somewhere. [laughter] You know, sometimes it just needs to land like in. your day, right? You have to you're. making a list of what you have to do for.

your kids or do for your work or. whatever. And I found like thinking. about what I was going to make was a. really nice way to put my anxiety. >> to to sleep for a while because you know. what it is? The thing about Jeffrey. always say this about me, >> cooking is hard and if it weren't hard, I wouldn't be interested in it. >> It's the challenge. Yes. >> And if you're doing something that's. really hard, you just put everything. else out of your mind. And I think. that's one of the things I love about. cooking. I mean, when I start when I. invite people over, I'm like, "Oh, this. is going to be so much fun." And they're.

like, and then I'm I'm like, "Why. [laughter] did I invite you?". >> Oh my god. Everybody relates to that. Everybody relates to that like very. relaxed, oh. >> feeling. [laughter]. Um, and and I just want to say you. brought up a lemon zest and I'm I will. say that for people who are learning how. to cook, I would say reward yourself. with a tool, >> a zestester. >> because when I got a zestester, I was. like, "Look at me.". >> Yeah. >> Look at me with a zestester. I was like,

and and I would just take it out and. you're just like, "Look at this.". Because, you know, sometimes we need a. little treat at the end of our learning. [laughter] And get yourself a zestester. Um, >> and don't keep it forever. >> Oh, really? Yeah. They don't You can't. sharpen it like a knife. >> Oh, right. >> After a couple of years, get a new one. >> Throw it throw it right in the ocean. [laughter] Um, okay. Okay. Anything you. refuse to cook, >> like anything you're like, "No.". >> So funny. We were just talking about. this the other day. I was with a friend.

and and we were talking about what our. mothers used to make. It was like Monday. was one thing, Tuesday was something. else. Tongue. [laughter]. >> That's a tough one. tongue was on her. list and liver and onions was on her. list. >> Never need to cook either one of them. But also things that are really. complicated like you know I don't know. there's [snorts]. >> I mean I you like buzz a really good. buzz takes forever and so. >> I don't know what a booya base actually.

is. >> It's it's a fish stew. >> Okay. So. >> which I heard Jeffrey doesn't like. >> No, no, no. I made I made a fish stew. It was the only thing I ever made that. he didn't like. It was terrible. But. >> that but that's not considered a booya. base. >> It wasn't a buzz. A good bu we literally. cooks for days, you know, the bones and. the heads and the stock and all that. stuff. >> I mean the idea of like making your own. stock to me is I mean that's just like a. level of there's just certain levels. where you think like maybe someday I'll.

I'll do that. >> You're you're going to come come visit. me. Oh yeah. >> And we're going to make chicken stock. and you won't believe how easy it is. And what an incredible difference it. makes. You take a big pot and you put. like 10 things in it and you cook it for. four hours. >> I love something that you can cook. forever and forget it. Just set a timer. I leave the house. I come back. It's. fine. >> That was the thing about why everyone. got into sourdough during the co is cuz. everyone was like it takes three days. [laughter] and everyone was like I need. something. >> That's exactly what I don't want. >> Do bay leaves do anything or is this.

some kind of conspiracy? >> It was so funny. Um David Remnick at the. New Yorker and I had a long conversation. about this beats me. [laughter]. >> You're not ready to. >> My guess is that um fresh bay leaves can. make a difference. There's like an. undertone that you can taste bay leaves. that have been in your spice drawer for. 40 years. I don't think so. >> And also fresh bay leaves like that's. one needs to plan ahead for weeks. [laughter] to like like when you see a. thing that says fresh bay leaves it's. like I'm out. I mean, actually, it's.

true. Like, sometimes in recipes, you'll. be chugging along and then you see. something you're like, you know what? I'm out. >> Yeah. >> I just can't do it. I just can't get. fresh. >> baileies. That's why when I'm writing a. recipe, I always say to myself, um, is. somebody when I'm doing a book, is. somebody going to look at the photograph. and go, "That looks delicious." Look at. the recipe and go, I actually can find. all those ingredients in the grocery. store and it's simple enough for me to. make. And that was like from my first. book to the one I'm working on now. It. has to be all those things. >> It has to be. If you see, you know, like.

you see um an ingredient you've never. heard of before, is that like an alcohol. or is that like a spice? I have no idea. >> Absolutely. And then you also have that. ingredient in your in your cupboard for. years to come and it mocks you. [laughter]. >> You're like, "Why did I buy Zitar? I'm. never going to use this again.". >> That's exactly the spice I was thinking. of. [laughter]. >> Come see our Zitar comedy. Yeah. I was. like, I'm never going to use this again. And it I see it every time I open the. thing. Okay. And then the last question. is um and apologies for my language, but.

um have you heard did you watch the. white lotus? >> I'm not all well there's this term. that's happening right now like where. she has a bob [laughter]. >> and you sorry. I'm I apologize but um you've had a bob. for a very long time. You have great. hair. >> Thank you. And um you have a very sharp. you it's it's gone different lengths of. course in in life a little bit. But what. do you enjoy about having a bob? And do.

you are you aware that you're very on. trend? [laughter]. >> Very on trend. I am. Oh no. I have no. idea. >> Everyone's getting a bob. >> Do you know when I first got that. haircut I was 25 years old. I lived in. Washington. I had hair all the way down. my back and um I had heard a friend of. mine went to a salon in the Watergate. Um, [clears throat]. and it it was run by a man, Silva Malu, who had just come to the United States, and she had she had a bob. And I went. right to him and I had him cut my hair. like that. And, you know, I've never.

changed it. >> It's been the same haircut [laughter]. since I was 25. I've tried a few, every. once in a while, I try something else. and go, "No, I'm going right back to. where I started.". >> It's a perfect bo. But now, I mean, everyone is going for it. Like, >> it's so funny. [laughter] Every every. every Jenzer is cutting their hair and. also, you know, it's like feeling very. brave while they do it. [laughter]. >> Well, you have a bob, right? Looks. great. >> I mean, I kind of I'm at the point where. my hair just kind of cuts itself. Like. it just [laughter] doesn't really it.

doesn't really grow that long. >> Oh, that's really interesting. You know, the French always say that if your hair. is short, it shows your ensemble better. >> That if your hair is long, it it it's. not the the right profile. How much time. do you spend in France? >> As much as possible. >> Yes. And do you speak French? >> Badly. >> Enough to enough to. deal with the green grosser. >> Oh, you do? Okay. And they'll And. they'll speak it back to you. >> Yeah. [laughter] Yeah. >> Did you take lessons? Uh,

>> no. >> Just from being there. >> I mean, from high school from high. school French. >> Yeah. Yeah. Do you uh. >> I dream that someday I'm going to live. there and full-time and go to Berettes, but it hasn't happened yet. Well, you never know. You never know cuz. I know the one thing I've learned is. like. >> there's just the sky's is the limit. I. mean, and I feel like that is really. like the the theme of um a lot of what. we talked about today is just that there. is um there there's no reason why.

there's no there's no timeline as to. when things are supposed to happen in. your life. You get married really early, you start your business later, you're. writing a memoir at this age. There's. like there's all these different ways in. which you're just deciding what you want. to do next. And like you're the. architect of your own life, basically. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And do it now. >> Don't wait. >> Yeah. >> I think a lot of people say, well, you. know, first I'm going to do this and. then I'm going to do what I really want. to do. Do what you really want to do. now. >> I know. Thank you so much for the. presents, for the strawberries, for the.

procco, for the fake chicken. I'm I. [laughter] feel like lousy with gifts. >> Someday I'll make you a real chicken. >> I can't wait. >> Thank you so much for coming. It really. meant so much. It was really fun. >> Thank you. >> Thank you so much, AA. That was so. great. What a great conversation and I. loved um talking to you and you know uh. I hope that this episode gets you. hungry. Um I know it did me and it and. it made me think about all the stuff I. want to go home and cook. And so for.

this Polar Plunge, I just wanted to. share something that I like to cook. Um. my recipe, kind of a go-to recipe that I. do a lot, which is just a very kind of. simple chicken curry. I get chicken. breasts with bone in chicken breasts. And I um I put it in a a pot with some. rice, chicken stock, bunch of curry, coconut milk. Sometimes I'll throw in. some chickpeas, throw in some parsley,

make it look green, put it in the oven, uh, slow cook it, and that that shit's. amazing. Okay, you look like a million dollars. You can, you know, you want to brown the. chicken first, right? You want to brown. it in a pan first. Then you put it in. with the uncooked rice. You put whatever. it is, two two cups of rice to whatever. it is, three cups of chicken stock. Put. some coconut milk in. Put it in. Tons of. curry. Put it in the oven. 375 for like. an hour. Keep checking it. Stirring the.

rice if you need to. You take it out. You put it on the table. People think. you're a genius. You can serve it from the pot. You can. serve the rice. Take the chicken. And. Bob's your uncle. So that's my chicken. curry. You can tell how I don't have a. cooking show because I'm not great at. explaining it. But you get it. You get. it. You can do it. I believe in you. [laughter]. All right. Thanks everyone for. listening. Bye. >> You've [music] been listening to Good. Hang. The executive producers for this.

show are Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss. Berman, and me, Amy Polar. The show is. produced by The Ringer [music] and. Paperkite. For The Ringer, production by. Jack Wilson, Cat Spelain, Kaia McMullen, and Aia Xanerys. For [music] Paperkite, production by Sam Green, Joel Levelvel, and Jenna Weiss Berman. Original music. by Amy Miles. All the hate.