Gail Simmons has a lot on her plate—in every way. The culinary aficionado not only judges cook-testants on the hit reality show Top Chef, but also hosts its sweeter spinoff, Top Chef: Just Desserts, in addition to her gig at Food & Wine magazine. She chronicles her journey from food-obsessed Toronto girl to television star with wit and wisdom in her new memoir, Talking With My Mouth Full (Hyperion 2012).

We recently caught up with the professional eater to find out the foods she simply couldn't live without.