With the temperature the way it is this time of year, anything from the refrigerator sounds so much more appealing than something from the oven.

I think a lot of people avoid making dessert because they think it takes a lot of skill or time. Icebox desserts are, for the most part, very simple. Anyone can layer slices of fruit with whipped cream or pudding to create a beautiful parfait. Or they can make gelatin that's folded with softened ice cream or whipped topping.

A lot of people don?t know Cap?n Crunch is made out of corn, so that?s a great secret ingredient.

Everyone knows these brands and has an association with them. They're part of everyday life.

Home cooking is what I do best. And although I enjoy making desserts, refrigerated and do-ahead recipes are my favorite.

They're guys who want to screw around all the time, which interests me not at all. God knows we've done that, been there, and we don't want to do that any more.