2646
I’m Martha Stewart. Ask me almost anything! It’s a good thing.
Hello reddit, I’m Martha Stewart. For years, I’ve offered expert guidance and provided everyday inspiration for everything from cooking and crafting to organizing, entertaining, homekeeping, and healthy living.
Lately, I’ve been working on two new TV shows -- “Martha Stewart’s Cooking School,” which airs weekends on PBS, and “Martha Bakes,” which will return to PBS in April. For some specific recipe recommendations: http://www.marthastewart.com/1008120/marthas-favorites
SOCIAL MEDIA PROOF: https://twitter.com/MarthaStewart/status/438759252073533440
VERIFICATION PHOTO: http://connect.marthastewart.com/page/-/image.jpeg
Let’s get started!
Update: Where's Snoop? I have brownies FOR YOU!
UPDATE: Chatting with you all has been a blast. Thanks for your questions and kind words. I've got to go get ready to appear on Seth Meyers tonight. Tune in -- my dog Genghis Khan is coming with! Thanks again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhagk__7_7Q
luckyhusky3184 karma
Martha! My mom took it upon herself to make EVERY SINGLE COOKIE from your 2008 Martha Stewart’s Cookies book. A total of 160 COOKIES! She even made a blog , where she reviews each cookie, like how difficult it was to make, taste, etc. She was inspired by the movie Julie and Julia and wanted to do something similar with your Cookie Book. She absolutely loves you and your recipes, including the ones in your magazine. No questions, but I just wanted to say thank you for inspiring my mom! Now she is trying to do every recipe in your Cupcake Book.
Also, your French Macaron 101 recipe resulted in tears of joy after my mom and I made them, because I never realized that macarons were supposed to taste that delicious.
EDIT: Thank you for my first gold!!!
ThisIsMarthaStewart3483 karma
I hope she hasn't gained as much weight as we gained when we make a book like this. Have fun!
violue3021 karma
Have you ever pissed off a friend by giving them unsolicited decorating advice while visiting their home?
ThisIsMarthaStewart4328 karma
I learned many years ago never to criticize, only compliment. Even if their home is horrifyingly awful.
morandrew2850 karma
Hey Martha,
I used to be your neighbor on Turkey Hill Rd. in ct when I was a toddler (lived in the yellow house on top of the hill, across the street). I've always wondered if the cookies you handed out on halloween were homemade or store bought – I ask only cause my 4-y/o self was, though appreciative, not very impressed.
ThisIsMarthaStewart3295 karma
Was yours the big yellow Victorian that had lost its top story in a fire? I loved that house. And yes, every single cookie was homemade. I don't think I've ever bought cookies in my life.
morandrew2766 karma
That's the house! I loved it too. Thanks again for the cookie, obviously my taste buds were too underdeveloped to know what's what. I hope you're doing well, much love from the Moran fam!
MicSauce2324 karma
How do you feel about the prevalence of truffle oil in modern restaurants?
ThisIsMarthaStewart3798 karma
I think truffle oil is one of the few ingredients that doesn't belong in anyone's kitchen. It is ruinous of most recipes.
iwannabeastar2129 karma
My daughter adores you. Proof: she dressed up as you from your Halloween cover for Halloween! Imgur She wants to know: how does one get an internship at MSL? Thanks!
edit: yes, of course she made the costume herself.
UPDATE: Wow. Thanks for all the support and suggestions, everyone. I will definitely let you all know what happens. Here's the link for those confused by the costume's concept. http://www.marthastewart.com/1034724/create-9-30-2013
ThisIsMarthaStewart3194 karma
- Pay attention to your guests. 2. Interact with them. 3. Feed them fine food and wine.
ProChefSean1892 karma
Is it true you used to be a model..if so why did you give up your modeling career ???
ThisIsMarthaStewart2824 karma
Yes, indeed. I've modeled from the time I was 13, and I don't think I've given it up. I pose for pictures every day!
ThisIsMarthaStewart2994 karma
I was at a really good Mexican restaurant yesterday, and I ate one whole taco. I was still hungry.
LuvsCigars1791 karma
No question. I just wanted to share a picture of our Chow Chow with you.
ThisIsMarthaStewart1880 karma
Oh, your Chow Chow looks just like Harry, my first Chow Chow.
Shootzilla1788 karma
I know it's a bit of a touchy subject, but what was your favorite prison food? No disrespect, I honestly am curious about this.
talameetsbetty1731 karma
Hi Martha!
You have a completely free day. What do you do to have fun for the day?
Thank you!
ThisIsMarthaStewart4258 karma
Watch the entire 13 hours of a new season of House of Cards.
Cissyrene1670 karma
Hey Martha, it's nice to kind of meet you! I need to know: What are the best apples for baking pie? Nobody can or will tell me, and the internet is all over the place. Looking forward to checking out your new shows!
ThisIsMarthaStewart2451 karma
Tart and crisp, preferably with a thin red skin - like a Gravenstein or a Macoun.
karmanaut1548 karma
Update: Where's Snoop? I have brownies FOR YOU!
You have to summon him to share your special brownies.
karmanaut1331 karma
If you say his username, /u/Here_Comes_The_King, it sends a message directly to his inbox!
ThisIsMarthaStewart2822 karma
There have been many. None of which are very accurate or flattering. But Ana Gasteyer on SNL did a good job.
ThisIsMarthaStewart2980 karma
Pharrell Williams. He's so cute. I've actually seen him in person and adore his good humor.
ThisIsMarthaStewart2522 karma
We are all faced with serious challenges during a lifetime. I hope yours is not too serious and that you'll get well soon. Best wishes!
mizary11232 karma
Hi Martha, Did you have a prison nickname? If not what nickname would you have chosen for yourself.
Ablobaconker1213 karma
I'm a 16 year old guy who knows nothing to do with cooking. What easy thing could I do or learn that would impress the shit out of my mom (who cooks religiously)?
ThisIsMarthaStewart1838 karma
Get one of our Everyday Food cookbooks and cook her a meal. She'll ask you to do it night after night.
sommerfugl1172 karma
Hey, Martha!
I am a member of the Sons of Norway in Fargo, and we are looking to create a signature cocktail for our lodge using aquavit. Any suggestions?
ThisIsMarthaStewart2022 karma
Aquavit and fresh grapefruit juice, lots of ice, a sugar-rimmed glass, and a big slice of orange. Beautiful lodge!
bridgette_bardot1130 karma
Is it true that you paint over the soles of your Louboutins because you don't like the red sole? And what are some of your fashion rules?
ThisIsMarthaStewart2209 karma
It is true. One of my rules is not to be a slave to fashion.
InfernalWedgie1109 karma
Is there a culinary tradition you would like to explore and practice more in depth?
HolidayBakerMan1003 karma
How can I make my towels fluffy again? I use a front loader and new towels I purchased 18 months ago - and they were not cheap - are now hard and uncomfortable to use. :)
ThisIsMarthaStewart1844 karma
You should check your water, your soap, the temperature of the water, and your machine. Something's wrong. Towels should last at least 20 years.
BuffyTheMoronSlayer861 karma
What was your moment when you realized that you were creating something bigger than yourself? That "Aha! I truly made it!" moment?
autumnx824 karma
How do you feel knowing that people say "I'm no Martha Stewart!" when they're critiqued on their cooking/crafting etc?
ThisIsMarthaStewart1805 karma
I prefer it when they say "I'm just like Martha Stewart." Or "I'm the Des Moines Martha Stewart."
1badls2goat815 karma
Who would win in a cooking contest - you or Gordon Ramsay? The contest would be judged by presentation/decor and taste.
Is there one thing you think you could cook better than Gordon Ramsay without a doubt?
ThisIsMarthaStewart1674 karma
I could probably bake better than Gordon Ramsay. And I don't know if I can cook better than he cooks.
greengrasser11808 karma
Julia Child was such a major household name for so many years and in ways a pioneer. What would you say you learned most from her?
ThisIsMarthaStewart1337 karma
I've tried every single one of Julia's recipes in her French cookbooks. She was a wonderful teacher, and she inspired all of us to expand our cooking repertoire.
ThisIsMarthaStewart1419 karma
Love Indian food. Especially Raita, Naan, Dal, and Saag Paneer.
Slap_the_Goose726 karma
Hi Martha,
What is your favorite Cajun/Creole dish (if you have one)?
ThisIsMarthaStewart1183 karma
Any number of gumbos. Remember: We have access to everything Emeril on my site.
katelynhasseoul687 karma
Any tips for a moist, but not dense cake? Is it all in the proper flour?
edit: Thanks for the great tips! Will def try out the measuring by weight. As a biologist, I know the importance of following the protocol/recipe precisely so switching from cups etc to metric units won't be difficult transition haha.
Frajer611 karma
Do you have a suggestion on what to do with old glass soda bottles?
Also what do you think about kale?
ThisIsMarthaStewart963 karma
I grow all kinds of kale -- from green to red to black. I use it cooked, finely chopped in salads, and in soups. I do not think it is overrated.
sammmymantha592 karma
Martha, you are a goddess. I had a dream the other night that you were president. MARTHA 2016
ThisIsMarthaStewart1639 karma
Sounds like a good idea, but I think there will be another strong woman candidate.
jilldanielle526 karma
Hi Martha! Huge fan right here. You seem really tech savvy these days. What phone are you using, and do you have a favorite app?
ThisIsMarthaStewart898 karma
I have always tried to stay ahead of the tech curve. I use the new Samsung notebook, I use the iPhone, and low and behold, I still have a new Blackberry. All I need now is one phone number for all of them.
ThisIsMarthaStewart2574 karma
Oh, by the way, a question of everyone: Do you really believe Ellen took that selfie with her Samsung? Seemed like a lot of people in one little picture from such a short distance!
WOW_SUCH_KARMA461 karma
Who makes better cookies, you or Snoop? Any special ingredients I should use when baking?
ThisIsMarthaStewart724 karma
I've never tasted Snoop's cookies, so I don't know. Pure butter, good sugar, good flour.
ngtastic419 karma
What's the best part about being a grandmother? I can't imagine how awesome it'd be to have Martha Stewart as my grandma.
ThisIsMarthaStewart644 karma
The kids are so delightful. Every single minute I spend with them is precious. They are so enthusiastic and friendly.
ThisIsMarthaStewart667 karma
Bysteeya, pigeon pie, tagine of lamb with prunes, and cous cous, of course.
CelebornX276 karma
Hi Martha! Quick question. Do you have a favorite James Bond film? If so, what is it?
Thanks!
ThisIsMarthaStewart609 karma
I like the earlier Sean Connery James Bonds the best. Although the first Daniel Craig was pretty good.
Smashinator267 karma
Who is your favorite celebrity or TV personality to work with on a professional level?
ThisIsMarthaStewart506 karma
I prefer working with the late night comedians. Hard to choose, there's so many.
ThisIsMarthaStewart310 karma
There are so many to choose from that I rarely serve the same thing.
ThisIsMarthaStewart311 karma
Just last week at the new Inn at Pound Ridge. Black truffle and fontina cheese on a delicate thin crust.
rdevadas165 karma
For my 5th grade graduation we had to sing a song about you, it went something along the lines of this "Oh I wish I could be like Martha, it's Martha that we love...". Kind of a strange song to sing for a 5th grade graduation, but that was 2000 so who knows. Anyway I was wondering if you knew about that song?
ariel_atlantica150 karma
Hi Martha! Thank you so much for doing this AMA.
I've thought hard about which question I truly would like to ask, and this is it:
Did you enjoy that Taco Bell burrito and bottle of Olde English you brought Conan on Late Night?
You two seem to have a very special working relationship, would love to see more collaborations! Thank you again.
ThisIsMarthaStewart255 karma
Watch tonight when I do my episode with Seth Meyers and Lil Jon. I bet it will be different.
Paulus85146 karma
Hi Martha! Big fan here! Have you every considered opening your own brand of stores (home, garden, kitchen, decor, etc.--all in one)? Or do you prefer branding through other companies? And, I really miss your old catalog. Beautiful products. You continue to inspire me in so many positive ways!
ThisIsMarthaStewart229 karma
Cooking is not my favorite thing to do on the weekend, since I do it every day of the week. I enjoy my horseback rides, my gardening, my time with Jude and Truman, and socializing with friends.
stein26855 karma
Hello! My dad loves to show folks who visit him your picture in his yearbook. Apparently you went to the same high school...Small world, right? Anyway... I bought the Glue Pad Refill Kit and never could quite get it to work the way I needed it to. Maybe I didn't clean it the right way? Maybe I loaded it up the wrong? Can you provide any advice (both for cleaning and usage)?
Thanks!
hulacake45 karma
Hello Martha!!!! I am HUGE and long time fan!!! I have but one issue with you, and it's a biggie in my book. Your croquembouche recipe is flawed!!! The recipe in your original Christmas book, as well as the current version on your website are the same. They say to first "melt" the butter into the water. Reading "melt" one would think to use a fairly low tempurature. If you do that, your puffs won't puff! It's just not thick enough to pipe! It is essential that you BOIL the butter into the water! Would you be willing to research this, and if you find that I am correct would you be willing to update the instructions?
sarah-jean42 karma
Hello Martha,
The Halloween issue of your magazine has been an inspiration to me for as long as I can remember. Where do you find continued inspiration for your Halloween parties and incredible costumes year after year? Also, what is it like to be part of your creative team? What's the secret to your brainstorming process?
tarynevelyn25 karma
Hi Martha! I'm a huge fan of all things MSLO, and Weddings has been my bible since I got engaged.
My question is this: Whats the best way for crafters and bloggers to get noticed by your magazine or online staff?
I'm a DIY and lifestyle blogger myself and I always see great ideas and projects from bloggers highlighted in Living and wonder how they got there.
BodySnag8 karma
One thing I heard about you fascinated me. Most people who accomplish as much as you have others attend to the small details, but with you, the small details are what you're all about. Your reputation was built on attention to all those details. I can only conclude there must be ten of you. So my question is: How do you find the time to continue attending to all those little details and do you ever just want to hire someone else to do it? And thanks!
ThisIsMarthaStewart9 karma
I'm lucky enough to have assistants in many areas of my business, great likeminded employees, and remember this is a business where good information, trusted recipes, intelligent how-to are essential for success.
kcdotz7 karma
Why do you think Gwenyth Paltrow is a bad homemaker? Is it because she suggests things most people cannot afford?
ThisIsMarthaStewart17 karma
I have never said Gwenyth is a bad homemaker. In fact, I've never been invited to her home, so how would I know?
tehP00Nraider7 karma
What's an average day for you? What do you enjoy to do in your down time?
ThisIsMarthaStewart21 karma
An average day is busy from daybreak until late at night. I may travel, I may go to the office. I may have 25 meetings. I may have 1 meeting. If you saw my schedule you would cringe.
joliekerr6 karma
Martha, hi!
First of all, thank you SO much for doing this and the having such a great sense of humor about my book, "My Boyfriend Barfed In My Handbag … And Other Things You Can't Ask Martha." You are one cool lady, Martha.
I thought it would be fun to ask to try your hand at answering some of the questions people have asked of me! Of course, I know you'll know the answer—but you might decide to leave this line of work to me after seeing the types of questions I get :)
Okay, here goes: 1. How do you clean a steel riveted leather harness used for a strap-on dildo? 2. What's the best way to remove skidmarks (left during sexual relations) from Pratesi sheets? 3. How can you clean semen stains off of a green velour recliner?
These are all no joke for real questions I've gotten (and answered)! I recently did a follow up piece with the women who asked those questions; if you're interested in reading more about them, that post is on The Toast: http://the-toast.net/2014/02/25/ask-a-clean-person-follow-up/
ThisIsMarthaStewart10 karma
Out of the thousands of books I've read, it would be impossible to choose a favorite.
harleyq01035 karma
Hi Martha, thank you for doing an AMA.
I'm a new homeowner with my boyfriend, what are 10 home decor items every couple needs in their new/first home?
ThisIsMarthaStewart7 karma
Don't be in any big rush to furnish your home by quality not quantity. Buy things that will increase in value, not decrease.
RideMonkeyRide4 karma
How do I keep the inside of my car from getting dirty so fast? I feel like a trash bag is too tacky.
Edit: I know removing the trash all the time is the easiest solution. I'm just wondering about other solutions for trash storage where I'd have the ability of throwing it all away at a better time, while not looking like a hobo lives in my car.
aliebert23744 karma
Do you have any good sex tips?
View HistoryShare Link