As someone who’s spent years critiquing contestants on Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America, celebrity chef Anne Burrell has seen some truly unforgettable dishes. “You wouldn’t believe the stuff that’s come out of those kitchens,” says the 55-year-old chef. “One time, someone made okra with egg noodles, sardines, and hot dogs. I’m still trying to unsee that!” Despite her experience with culinary disasters, Anne encourages home cooks to embrace the holiday season with confidence. Her advice? Don’t bite off more than you can chew. “Take the time to read through your recipes before you start cooking,” she advises. “Nothing ruins a dinner party faster than realizing halfway through that your short ribs need three hours in the oven.”
In this exclusive chat with Closer’s Fortune Benatar, the season 4 Chopped All-Stars champion — who tied the knot with marketing exec Stuart Claxton in October 2021 — opens up about her kitchen secrets, dream dinner guests, and why her chocolate chip cookies are a Taylor Swift favorite.
Start Simple: The Foundation of Great Cooking
Q: What’s your top tip for amateur cooks?
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AB: Here’s the deal: start simple. I can’t tell you how many people get all gung-ho and try to recreate a three-Michelin-star dish for their first attempt. Cooking isn’t about proving how smart you are; it’s about having fun and making something delicious. Find a good recipe — and yes, you should actually follow it. It cracks me up when people act like recipes are optional. If I were driving to a place I’ve never been before, I’d use directions. A recipe is your road map to success in the kitchen. Trust me on this one.
Prep Like a Pro
Q: Once you’ve got your recipe, what’s the next step?
AB: Here’s where the magic happens: prep like a pro. Before you even turn on the stove, gather all your ingredients. You don’t want to be halfway through a recipe only to realize you’re out of flour or butter. Give yourself enough time to cook without feeling rushed. And for the love of all things holy, clean as you go. Nothing ruins the joy of cooking faster than being surrounded by a mountain of dirty dishes. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Cooking Like a Real Chef: It’s All About Practice
Q: What’s the secret to cooking like a real chef?
AB: Let me break it down for you: taste your food as you go. Cooking isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. You need to taste, adjust, and taste again. Salt is your best friend here — don’t be afraid to use it. And remember, there’s no shortcut for experience. The more you cook, the better you’ll get. Also, don’t underestimate the power of research. Go out to restaurants, try new wines, and explore different cuisines. Cooking is all about experiencing the world through food. Oh, and one more thing: cook seasonally. Visit your local farmers market to see what’s fresh and in season. Your taste buds will thank you.
How Anne Found Her Love for Cooking
Q: What sparked your love for cooking?
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AB: Growing up, my mom turned our backyard garden into a culinary playground. She’d send me out to pick lettuce for dinner or dig up potatoes. It was like an arts-and-crafts project with a meal at the end. There’s something magical about turning fresh ingredients into something delicious. That’s what cooking is all about for me.
Dream Dinner Guests: Julia Child and Cher
Q: Who would be your dream dinner guests?
AB: If I could invite anyone, living or dead, it would be Julia Child. I mean, the woman basically invented modern American cooking. I bet she’d be a riot to hang out with. And then there’s Cher. She’s an icon in every sense of the word. Can you imagine sitting across from her at the dinner table? She’s got that take-it-or-leave-it attitude that I just adore. It’d be a night to remember, that’s for sure.
Taylor Swift-Approved Cookies: A Recipe for Success
Q: We hear your chocolate chip cookies are a Taylor Swift favorite!
AB: Oh my gosh, finding out Taylor loves my cookies was such a thrill. I mean, who doesn’t love a warm chocolate chip cookie? Mine have a little twist: cinnamon. It adds this cozy, comforting warmth that feels like a hug from the inside. They may not be the prettiest cookies in the world, but they’re packed with flavor. If Taylor says they’re good, you know they’ve got to be pretty darn amazing.
Taylor Swift
Q: Any final words of wisdom for aspiring cooks?
AB: Cooking is a lifelong journey. The more you learn, the more you realize there’s always something new to discover. Once you understand the basics, you can start experimenting with flavors and techniques. It’s all about finding your own voice in the kitchen. Before you know it, cooking won’t just be a skill — it’ll be a part of who you are.
Anne’s Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
