Carole Clements is a very experienced and highly regarded author, editor and home-economy consultant. Her published works include American Tradition (Hamlyn) and The Ultimate Cooking Course and Kitchen Encyclopedia (Hermes House). Laura Washburn grew up in Los Angeles and earned a diploma from the Ecole de Cusisne La Varenne in Paris. Patricia Lousada was born in New York where her Italian-born mother instilled in her an early appreciation for good food. Patricia is author of Cooking with Herbs and The Chocolate Cookbook.