Debi Mazar
I wanted to come up with a hybrid show of sorts that wasn't your traditional 'dump and stir' type of cooking show.
My husband is from Florence. And he has a 15th-century barn that is completely rustic and very 'Green Acres'-like.
Even the pre-schoolers are like, 'I watch you on The Jonas Brothers.' And my own kids. I have been in the greatest movies, even some for kids, and they were never impressed until I did 'Jonas L.A.'
Basically, I start my morning off with a Bustelo coffee made in a mocha pot - the Bialetti. I warm some milk on the side, on my stove, and I add one teaspoon or half a teaspoon of real sugar. I have two of these every morning. Even when I was pregnant.
I have a very high metabolism, and I have to constantly eat to keep on going.
To me, it's a religious experience to sit down at anyone's table. I feel so invited, like it's a sacred place.
I like to watch Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern, because I like them when they travel. I like Ina Garten, 'The Barefoot Contessa.' Giada is really nice, but I get a little bit bored with just staying in the kitchen.
My husband has the philosophy that if you can work a Nintendo control, you can chop an onion. So, we have our children in the kitchen. We sit down every night for dinner. We're trying to give our kids a sense of what's going into their bodies, and it's also good for family time.
I can't live without carbs.
I have a full Tuscan lunch and dinner every day in my home; my husband's a fantastic chef.
Sometimes in life you have to make a decision and make sacrifices.Collection: Sacrifice
When entertaining, it's great to wow your guests with an outstanding recipe, but it's also very important to design a menu that's not too demanding of yourself, otherwise everybody will have fun but you. A great appetizer or simpler dish is a good way to work a menu that's delicious but does not impose too much effort or time spent in the kitchen.Collection: Fun
I was doing an hour drama on television and a Jackie Chan movie in Toronto, so I was on a plane every three days.Collection: Drama
Desmo is my guard dog, but he has a sweet side, too. Nothing entertains him (or me) more than when I blow bubbles and he can chase them.Collection: Dog