Susan Spungen Is Someone We Really Like
Photo courtesy of Susan Spungen
by The Candidly Team
When it comes to food and all-around cheffyness (gonna pretend that’s a word), Susan Spungen does, well, pretty much everything. She writes cookbooks. She develops recipes. She styles food. She’s been an editor at some of our favorite culinary mags, and a culinary consultant on some of our favorite movies, aka, our dream job.
Susan also makes some of the most beautiful plates of food we’ve ever seen.
We like Susan.
And with her vast culinary knowledge and expertise, of course we had to ask about her favorite kitchen tools, the best meal she makes, and her ever-changing relationship with cilantro. We threw in some non-food-related questions for good measure, too.
The Candidly Questionnaire
1. What’s something you really like about yourself?
My hair, most of the time, and my honesty and generosity.
2. What is your biggest challenge?
My hair, most of the time. But seriously, I think staying in my own lane and not looking at what other people are doing, or at what they have that I don’t.
3. What kitchen or house tool do you use daily that’s changed your life?
Well, I’m not sure it’s changed my life, but it makes life easier and cooking more enjoyable, and that is my collection of Muji strainers.
4. When do you feel most confident?
When I’m at my fighting weight and have had a blowout. Sorry, I know that might sound shallow, but it’s true.
5. Are essential oils anything?
I’ve never used them, and I’ve heard they’re nothing.
6. How do you create boundaries?
By being assertive, clear, and honest.
7. How do you dampen self-critical thoughts when they get too loud?
That’s a tough one because that voice is always there! I just try to get back to the present moment and remind myself how lucky I am in so many ways.
8. Describe the most “you” outfit of all time.
In summer, an easy, loose dress (these days I love anything from Velvet by Graham and Spencer) and comfortable shoes, usually with an apron strapped on top, because I am almost always cooking.
When it gets cold, there is usually cashmere (sweaters, socks) involved because I really like being warm and cozy. I used to be more fashion-conscious, but these days, it’s all about comfort with a little luxury thrown in.
9. What meal can you make the hell out of?
I can make a good soup out of almost anything, and I love having some on hand in the fridge or freezer. If you have soup, you always have a meal ready.
10. What book has made the biggest impact on your life?
I guess I don’t have too long a memory, so I’ll just say The Handmaid’s Tale, which I read in the ‘80’s but listened to more recently on Audible— Claire Danes was reading it. It’s hard not to think about it on a daily basis as our country seems to move frighteningly closer to what was once unimaginable (except by Margaret Atwood).
11. Apart from family, what woman do you deeply admire?
So many! But let’s go with Frida Kahlo. She was such a strong woman, and worked through her pain with art, which is something I can relate to. She also had amazing personal style.
12. Which Insta account is creating the greatest content and why?
I simply cannot choose one favorite. I spend way too much time on Instagram, and for me it is all about the mix. It’s like watching a different movie every day and I wish I could quit it. Sometimes it makes me feel really bad, and other times it makes me feel really good, which is a lot of power for a social media app.
13. What quote or phrase has really stayed with you?
I can't remember the exact quote, but I once had a painting teacher (I used to study art) who said that the most important thing to know to be a good painter was knowing when to stop. I have always remembered this advice, and have also applied it to my cooking.
14. What’s your most effective form of therapy?
Well, good old talk therapy is non-negotiable and I’ve done it for most of my adult life. But walking along the water, which I do almost every day, keeps me sane. It clears my head, opens my mind, and makes my body feel good, all at the same time.
15. What’s your approach to mending conflict with people you work with?
Since I mostly work alone these days, it hasn’t really come up much. When it did come up, I would use a direct approach rather than avoidance, because everyone usually feels better afterwards, even if you hear something you don’t want to hear.
16. How do you feel about cilantro?
I like it! I didn’t always though— like many people, I thought it tasted like soap, but I read once that, scientifically, it’s an acquired taste, so if you try it enough, you’ll start to like it.
17. Describe your actual bedtime routine.
It’s pretty boring. I like to take a bath close to bedtime if I can, because it helps me sleep better, but I always wash my face, and brush my teeth (of course!) and floss (of course!). I’ll reveal whatever Spelling Bee answers I didn’t get (using a different app) before putting my phone in airplane mode. I really like a comfy bed and I’m pretty particular about bedding. I like sleeping in a cold room with warm blankets.
18. What’s the best thing you’ve ever read on the internet?
If I could only remember. I read so much every hour of every day, especially in these cliffhanger times.
19. What’s your relationship with bangs?
None. I tried them once but it wasn’t really a good look. I have very curly hair, so it’s basically a non-starter.
What is your single favorite:
Wellness product that *actually* works: Epsom salts.
Lip balm: Dr. Hauschka.
Jeans brand: AG.
Mascara: Chanel.
Robe: Roller Rabbit (in summer anyway).
Sex Product: Can't tell you that.
Last-minute gift: My cookbook, Open Kitchen, signed.
Bra: When I have to, True.
Shampoo: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day.
Comfortable shoes: Frye sneakers.
Splurge skincare: I don’t splurge on skincare.
Drugstore skincare: Vichy—it’s the splurge at the drugstore.
Everyday bag: Frances Valentine— one for every season.
Guilty pleasure TV show: Chopped.
Drink: Aperol Spritz (in summer) and red wine (in winter).
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We have to eat.
