Products are independently selected by our editors.
We may earn an affiliate commission from links.
Vogue:How did the idea for this book come about?
It was one of those jokes thats like, Ha-ha, unless…?
It sort of grew from there.
But the big question I always had was, easy for who?
Photo: Courtesy of Margaret Eby
Like, does this factor in access to fresh ingredients?
Does this factor in how much time you have to use to clean up?
I developed these weird mental blocks around certain tasks.
In the kitchen, Ill just be like, I cannot take out this pan and wash it.
I do not have it in my heart to do it.
If you have capacity to find a little joy or creativity in it, that rules and is amazing.
And if you dont, heres a cool way to make a frozen dinner taste better.
I love that so much.
And sorry if youre hearing nursery music; Im hanging out with my friends 10-month-old.
Actually, spoiler, Im pregnant right now…
Oh my God, congratulations!
I think theres just an enormous amount of pressure coming from every direction when it comes to food.
There are labor concerns.
Should I just not do this?
Thats something Ive certainly internalized.
Like, theresoneway of doing it, and its the way that French chefs have been doing it.
It doesnt make any sense at all.
And then youre like, I give up.
I love how your book reminds us that theres actually no wrong way to feed ourselves.
You wouldnt be like, Oh no, I ate pigs in a blanket and crudites.
But for some reason, when were at home, you are capital-B Bad for doing this.
But not every meal has to be this beautifully assembled thing.
Some days Im making pretzel croquembouche, and some days its chicken fingers.
Is there any recipe or shortcut or hack in the book that youre particularly pleased with?
Im always really proud of myself when I realize that an ingredient is a shortcut.
No one can stop them.
Like: I only have these ingredients on hand…what if it was a sandwich?
Are there any reactions to the book that have surprised you thus far?
This conversation has been edited and condensed.
You Gotta Eat: Real-Life Strategies for Feeding Yourself When Cooking Feels Impossible
BOOKSHOP
