I love to cook. It is a fun hobby with a great side benefit, we get to eat! I enjoy watching the cooking shows on television, and recently made the following observations while watching Emeril Live.

 

1. Let's kick it up a notch. Whether we're talking about cooking or life, add the extra spice that really kicks it up a notch. Bam!

2. Prepare. Emeril always has the ingredients gathered, measured and waiting to be put together. Such organization makes things go more smoothly.

3. Even lemons add zest to life. Sometimes you don't need the whole lemon, just the zest!

4. Enjoy the company of others. Life and cooking is more fun when shared with others.

5. Music makes anything more fun. Emeril always has a band playing. Good food, good music and laughter. Does it get any better than that?

6. Taste as you go. Stop and savor what you've accomplished so far. Then decide whether or not to add anything else.

7. Enjoy what you do. You can just tell that cooking and being with people is what Emeril loves. He is living with passion.

8. Use only the finest ingredients. The quality you put into anything helps to determine the quality of the finished product.

9. Laugh at your mistakes. No need crying over spilled milk, burned fish, or a piece of equipment that doesn't work. And can you imagine having millions of people watching while this happens? By putting it into perspective and laughing it off, Emeril shows what is really important.

10. Be yourself! While watching this show you just get the feeling that when the camera stops rolling, nothing really changes. People are attracted to those who show confidence in who they are.