Plus the one food he would never cook with.
Whats your all-time favorite dessert?
I just love ice cream.
Photo:Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
Theres an endless variety of ice cream.
Theres so much you might do with it, theres so many different kinds.
Cold, smooth, creamy and sweetit just doesnt get better than ice cream.
you’re free to also tell a lot about a pastry chef by the ice cream they make.
Favorite flavor of ice cream?
Its tough to say.
Its like picking your favorite Zeppelin album.
What mood are you in?
I think, generally, Ill probably go for chocolate-based ice creams over other kinds.
I love rocky road.
I like stuff in my ice cream, so rocky road or Ben and Jerrys.
Since the holiday season is here, do you have any advice or tips for first-time hosts?
Do everything that it’s possible for you to do ahead of time.
Youre not trying to make a turkey but also trying to bake cookies.
Nobody wants giblets in their pie.
Personally, whats your favorite dish to make ahead of time?
Pie, definitely pie.
To make pie dough, you have to be in a very calm, peaceful mindset.
Is there anything on the holiday table that’s nonnegotiable?
Favorite mains or sides?
My mom makes a special oyster stuffing just for me because nobody else eats it.
Do you put ice cream on your pie?
Its a good question.
Do you have any food hot takes?
A least-favorite food that you personally never cook with?
Bell peppers ruin everything.
They make everything taste like bell peppers, and theyre just gross.
It doesnt matter what you make.
Any underrated favorite ingredients you think more people should have in their pantry?
For baking, almond extract.
Almond extract in desserts is kind of like shallots in savory dishes.
For almond extract, you want to use a teeny, tiny, little bit.
It tastes more professional.
Especially cherry pie; cherry pie filling 100% needs almond extract.
It doesnt taste right if its not in there.
