(FORTUNE Magazine) – While cooked books are landing executives in hot water, the business of cooking is hotter--and more lucrative--than ever. That's because in addition to their kitchen duties, top chefs are spending more time launching product lines and managing massive empires. Here's the lowdown on four top foodies--and how they manage their culinary endeavors.

WOLFGANG PUCK

IMAGE Cook to the stars MOTTO Live, love, eat

Empire: Puck's properties include everything from hot-spot eateries such as Spago to a line of ConAgra-produced supermarket fare (wood-fired, frozen, spicy, grilled- chicken pizza, anyone?) Puck's line of pots, pans, and more brings in $15 million a year for the TV shopping network HSN. Watch for Wolfgang Puck Express, a chain of 19 gourmet casual restaurants, to explode in the next few years.

SECRET SAUCE "I really believe that being just a great cook is not enough--it is important that you are a businessman."

NIGELLA LAWSON

IMAGE Self-taught kitchen "It Girl" MOTTO Suck it and see

Empire: Currently on Nigella's plate: four cookbooks, including How to Eat, How to Be a Domestic Goddess, and Nigella Bites, two TV series, a film-production company, and a new line of kitchenware called Nigella's Living Kitchen collection, which launches in late October in Britain. Bonus: Her sultry countertop manner is credited for renewing interest in British cooking.

SECRET SAUCE "If I can do it, anyone can. No training, no dexterity, no expertise. Just lots of passion."

MING TSAI

IMAGE Engineer-turned-precision-chef MOTTO You're only as good as your last plate

Empire : Ming hosts two hit Food Network shows (East Meets West and Ming's Quest). Plus he runs Blue Ginger, a James Beard award-winning restaurant in Wellesley, Mass., and has penned one cookbook, with another on the way. His take-home line of Tea Rub seasonings are sold online, while his sauces and kitchen tools are stocked at Target stores nationwide. Ming is also a celebrity spokesman for the NRA (that's the National Restaurant Association).

SECRET SAUCE "When you own your own restaurant you do lots of MacGyver-type things. Duct tape and staple guns can get a lot done."

EMERIL LAGASSE

IMAGE Brawny exterior, Big Easy attitude MOTTO Kick it up a notch!

Empire Critics skewered Emeril's failed sitcom, but his cooking shows, Essence of Emeril and Emeril Live, have nabbed Emmy nods. Media moguldom aside, Emeril has published seven books, which have sold more than two million copies. Plus he has rolled out a line of Emerilware kitchen goods, namesake blends of Fetzer wines, and even restaurant-themed neckwear. (Be careful of spilling any of that wine on the ties--they're silk.)

SECRET SAUCE: One word: "Bam!"