One of my greatest joys in life is bringing people together through food. Cooking isn’t just about meals—it’s about connection, creativity, and celebration. Over the years, whether I’m preparing a cozy family dinner, planning a catered event, or filming segments for my upcoming show Valicia’s Vitals, I’ve realized that cooking and food can truly transform the everyday into something special. Today, I want to share my thoughts on culinary lifestyle, family cooking, and how food can become a centerpiece for love, laughter, and lasting memories.
Cooking as a Family Experience
Growing up, food was always at the heart of our family gatherings. That sense of togetherness has inspired me in my own home with my husband Bentley and our children, KyLee and Bentley Jr. Cooking together isn’t just practical—it’s an opportunity to bond, share stories, and teach life lessons. I love having my kids help in the kitchen, whether it’s chopping vegetables, stirring sauces, or simply setting the table. These moments may seem small, but they create memories and instill a sense of pride and creativity in children. Family cooking is a way of nurturing relationships while teaching valuable skills.
Embracing Simple, Fresh Ingredients
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is that great cooking doesn’t always require complicated recipes or fancy ingredients. Fresh, quality ingredients are key. I often choose seasonal vegetables, ripe fruits, and proteins that are both flavorful and nourishing. Cooking with fresh ingredients allows the natural flavors to shine, and it inspires creativity. A simple drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lemon can elevate even the most basic dish. Teaching my family to appreciate good ingredients is part of teaching them to appreciate the joys of life.
Blending Tradition with Innovation
Food is a powerful connection to culture and tradition, but it’s also a space to experiment and innovate. In my kitchen, I love blending traditional family recipes with modern twists. Maybe it’s adding a unique spice to a classic stew or experimenting with new presentation ideas for a favorite dessert. Food is a canvas for creativity, and cooking with intention allows us to honor the past while exploring the new. Encouraging my children to try new flavors and techniques is part of nurturing their curiosity and expanding their palates.
Making Cooking Accessible
I’ve noticed that many people feel intimidated by cooking, especially when trying to make meals for family or friends. One of my goals is to make cooking approachable and enjoyable. It’s not about perfection—it’s about sharing, experimenting, and having fun. Quick, healthy meals, one-pot dinners, or even playful snack ideas can bring people together without stress. When my family sees me cooking, I want them to feel that food is a source of joy, not pressure. By keeping things simple and celebrating small successes, we cultivate a positive relationship with food that lasts a lifetime.
The Importance of Presentation
As someone with a background in interior and event design, I can’t help but bring an eye for aesthetics into the kitchen. Presentation matters, not because it needs to be fancy, but because it enhances the experience. A beautifully arranged plate or a colorful fruit platter creates excitement and shows care for the people you’re serving. Even a casual family meal can feel like a celebration when the table is thoughtfully set, the dishes are plated with intention, and the atmosphere feels warm and inviting. Food is as much about the experience as it is about taste.
Cooking for Celebration and Connection
Food has a unique ability to bring people together. Holidays, birthdays, and even simple weekend dinners become opportunities to connect, share stories, and create lasting memories. I approach every meal, whether a big event or a small family dinner, with the mindset that it’s an opportunity to nurture relationships. Cooking is an act of love, and that love is felt when family and friends gather around the table. Sharing a meal, laughing together, and enjoying the fruits of your labor is what makes culinary life so fulfilling.
Balancing Culinary Passion With Life
Balancing my love for cooking with family life, event planning, and television production can be challenging, but it’s all about integration. Food is a bridge between my personal life and my professional passions. For example, many of the dishes I prepare at home inspire segments for Valicia’s Vitals, and the principles I follow—fresh ingredients, family focus, and creativity—translate into both cooking and event design. The key is making food a joyful, central part of life rather than an added chore. When cooking is part of your lifestyle rather than a task, it becomes effortless and deeply rewarding.
Cooking and culinary lifestyle are about more than just meals—they’re about connection, creativity, and celebration. Through family cooking, fresh ingredients, thoughtful presentation, and blending tradition with innovation, we create experiences that nourish both body and soul. My hope is that anyone reading this feels inspired to spend time in the kitchen, share meals with loved ones, and embrace the joy of cooking as a lifestyle.
For me, food is love in action, and every meal prepared, every recipe shared, and every family dinner enjoyed is a chance to make life sweeter, one bite at a time.