Given the choice, I must say that I prefer drinks over food. I've always been this way. As a child I could not stop drinking grape soda.

Every time I turn around it seems that I am expressing an opinion about baked goods, and I know why. It's because they are delicious.

OK, you're smarter than me. I don't have an immediate frame of reference for acidulants nor phosphates, but I do know that they are instrumental in many of your formulations. They are not to be overlooked!

It's safe to say that we all attempt health, a healthy life. We make strides toward eating foods that are nutritious and loaded with all the goods things that make our bodies pulse with vitality. And then we eat pound cake and a cigarette for breakfast

My approach may seem obvious today. Batters, breading and coatings make good food great because many times when these techniques are employed it signals that frying is not far off. Frying! My goodness what a revelation! How sad the world would be without bubbling pots of fat!

I've said this before and I will say it again: I'm so happy cheese is in the world. And as for sauces and bases with cheese in them? All the better.

When I imagine food colorings I can't help but think of rows of bright candies and open cylinders of ice cream. Lime green sherbet, please.

Dietary fiber. We've been told time and again that it is essential to good health. I pledge to you now that I am not here to contradict that argument today.

I'll say it so that none of you have to: most food tastes like cardboard without emulsifiers, fats and oils. There, I said it. It's out there. Done. Finit-o.

Flavors, seasonings and spices make it all worthwhile, don't they?