About this episodePatti LaBelle discusses the 25th-anniversary edition of her cookbook 'Labelle Cuisine,' highlighting new recip…AI summary
Patti LaBelle discusses the 25th-anniversary edition of her cookbook 'Labelle Cuisine,' highlighting new recipes created during the pandemic and personal family traditions. She emphasizes cooking with authenticity and 'soul drops' rather than strict measurements, while sharing insights on managing her diabetic diet and preparing for her return to live performances.
Key takeaways 5
Cooking Philosophy: LaBelle advocates for cooking by feel ('soul drops') rather than rigid measurements, stating she doesn't believe in measuring cups for most ingredients except salt, which requires caution due to her diabetic condition.
Pandemic Creativity: During 15 months of lockdown cooking daily, LaBelle developed new recipes including a 'quarantine chicken dish,' 'banging fish' with crab/lobster/shrimp, and updated her book with photos of her grandchildren.
Dietary Adaptation: As a diabetic, LaBelle has modified traditional soul food by substituting ham hocks with smoked turkey and limiting her own consumption of rich dishes like fried chicken, though she continues to cook them for others.
Performance Preparation: LaBelle is preparing for her first live show in 15 months by practicing walking in 5-6 inch pumps and maintaining physical fitness through treadmills and pool exercises.
On-Road Cooking: She maintains dietary control while touring by carrying her own pots, pans, and hot plate to cook fresh meals from local farmer's markets for herself and her crew.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“I believe in soul drops of anything. I don't believe in a measuring cup or a tablespoon or teaspoon... you just do it the way it feels good to you.”
▶ 18:16Explaining her intuitive approach to cooking and seasoning.
“The only time I don't believe in that is when people are playing with salt. Don't play with my salt. Don't put too much salt in my food.”
▶ 18:42Highlighting the one area where precision is critical due to her health.
“When I'm singing it's almost like out of body and when I'm like cooking I'm present. I'm totally present. It's all emotion and I feel everything.”
▶ 25:05Describing the difference between her performance mindset and her cooking mindset.
“If you don't say it was good I don't care... if you don't want seconds or take some you can't come back.”
▶ 23:54Expressing her high standards for hospitality and food quality.
Chapters & Sections (27)▼
0:01Celebrity Guests Discuss Cookbook and Careerchapter3
0:01Celebrity Conversations and Career Highlights
1:44Celebrity Chef and Singer's 20-Year Anniversary
3:33Inspiration Behind a Popular Cookbook
5:36Creating New Recipes During Lockdownchapter2
5:36Creating New Recipes During Lockdown
8:10Parenting and Grandparenting Relationships
10:25Personal Family Recipes and Cooking Traditionschapter3
10:25Personal Family Recipes and Cooking Traditions
12:50Childhood Food Choices and Eating Habits
14:35Cooking and Sharing Delicious Seafood Recipes
16:49Cooking with Authenticity and Consistency in Recipeschapter2
16:49Cooking with Authenticity and Consistency
19:08Celebrity's Personal Life and Self-Liberation Journey
21:14Cookbooks and Self-Expression through Cookingchapter2
21:14Cookbooks and Self-Expression through Cooking
23:12Importance of Compliments in Food Appreciation
25:30Preparing for a Safe Concert Returnchapter2
25:30Preparing for a Safe Concert Return
27:26Music Inspiration and Performance Revival
29:36Holiday Cooking and Essential Cookbook Recommendationschapter2
29:36Importance of a Classic Cookbook in the Kitchen
31:55Ideal Dinner Guests and Life Reflections
34:37Importance of Self-Belief and Confidencechapter3
34:37Importance of Self-Belief and Confidence
37:04Cooking with Family and On-the-Road Meals
39:05Celebrating an Artist's Consistency and Talent
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