I started modeling and traveling the world at a very young age, tasting and being turned onto foods that were exciting and exotic to my Kentucky bred palette. When I was living in Paris, Milan, New York and traveling to places like Tokyo, Morocco and Sydney, I became obsessed with learning about local cuisine.

Later I went to culinary school, then worked in a few restaurants trying to learn more tricks of the trade.

Whenever people ask me what type of cuisine I like to cook the best, I say “what’s fresh”. The most important part of food is the ingredients you start with. I like simple food that speaks for itself.

When I had my son, Kenya, I realized that I wanted him to be exposed to seasonal, organic food that’s as pure as possible. I want him to know that food shouldn’t have to be pumped with sugar, salt and preservatives to be delicious.

Kenya only knows what I feed him. If I gave him McDonalds, he’d love it, but if I give him pesto chicken, that’s what he’ll crave.

Parents’ lives are busy, but we also want our kids to have the best. The recipes on this and my website Weelicious are delicious, nutritious and easy, but most important, they’re fast. I make cooking fun for both of us. I prop Kenya in his high chair and let him be part of the process. Who knows, maybe Kenya will be a great chef someday. Ahh… a Mother’s dream.