developed her craft in the kitchens and classrooms of some of the world's most renowned chefs and as the owner and Executive Chef of Gotham Caterers in New York City. From her work as a recipe tester for the 75th anniversary edition of Joy of Cooking, to culinary producer for Pure & Simple with Michel Nischan, she now applies her culinary skills as a private chef, instructor, and as a food stylist for national television broadcasts including The Early Show on CBS, ABC's The View, and CNN 's dLife. She received a Grand Diploma in Culinary Arts with distinction from The French Culinary Institute and was awarded a Les Dames d'Escoffier Scholarship. Lauren is the author of The Competent Cook: Essential Tools, Techniques, and Recipes for the Modern At-Home Cook (Adams Media, November 2009). Learn more about Lauren at The Competent Cook.