How Cooking Changed My Life
Let me take you back to the '70s. I arrived in the United States from Italy as a young girl, and I didn’t know a single word of English. You can imagine how tough that was for a kid. The other kids at school teased me because I was different. But here’s the thing—cooking became my saving grace. It wasn’t just about making food; it was about building my confidence. I started bringing dishes I made at home to school, and suddenly, my classmates were amazed. They’d say, ‘Wow, this is incredible! And that girl with the unusual name cooked it?’ Cooking became my way of connecting with others, and it helped me find my place in a new world.
A Day in the Life of a Non-Stop Mom and Chef
Waking up at 5:30 a.m. might sound brutal to some, but that’s just part of my routine. I’m Giada De Laurentiis, and my life is a whirlwind of activities. I’m a TV host, a restaurateur, a cookbook author, and a chef. Oh, and did I mention I’m also a single mom to my 12-year-old daughter, Jade? Taking a break isn’t really in my vocabulary. If I’m not doing something, I feel like I’m wasting precious time. I like to make the most out of every second, squeezing in as much as I can. It’s not about being busy for the sake of it—it’s about embracing life fully.
Showbiz Runs in the Family
Let’s talk about my roots. I’ve been hosting my own Food Network show, Giada at Home, since 2008, but I’m not the first in my family to dip into the world of entertainment. My maternal grandfather, Dino De Laurentiis, was a legendary movie producer. My mom, Veronica, is an actress and author, and my dad, Alex De Benedetti, is also a producer. Showbiz is in my blood, and it’s been an incredible journey watching how this world has shaped who I am today.
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My Sweet Tooth Confession
If you were to ask me what my last meal would be, the answer would be simple: chocolate cake. But here’s the twist—I’d eat all the frosting first. Then, I’d peel off the cake layers and eat the creamy filling in between. Why? Because it’s more fun, and it takes longer to savor every bite. Life’s too short not to enjoy the little things, right?
My Greatest Achievement: My Daughter
As much as I’ve accomplished in my career, nothing compares to being a mom to my daughter, Jade. She’s taught me to cherish each day and not to take life too seriously. Jade has opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on happiness and joy. Sure, I’ve won a Daytime Emmy, but raising Jade is, without a doubt, the best thing I’ve ever done.
For more of Giada's story, grab the latest issue of Closer Weekly, available now at newsstands!
