I think it's odd when people say jeans are comfortable, because to me, they feel like sausage casings.

I once had a 'best friend' share private stories that I had told her in confidence to another mutual friend. I think the worst part, aside from the actual betrayal of trust, is that this experience affected my future relationships, as I was hesitant to be as open with my other friends.

Frozen bananas pureed in the food processor make a great fake ice cream.

I grew up cooking. I was always in my grandma's cooking, and I never thought of it as a career.

I've always been a big fan of ribs.

I don't put myself out there - I'm really a homebody.

I grew up eating chicken and dumplings in my grandma's kitchen.

My secret for feeding a bunch of guests without seeming stingy is pork tenderloin. It's an inexpensive cut that looks impressive and is full of flavor. Plus, guys love it.

I'll take any excuse to have a get-together. For me, it's all about the everyday occasions, whether it's popping champagne to toast good weather, inviting the girls for brunch to rehash a night out, or just making snacks and watching a movie.

Holiday shopping is a challenge. Stores are crowded; people are stressed and rude... not exactly the spirit of the season.

You can tap into culture by exploring what's grown or produced in the region, like going into the Blue Mountains in Jamaica to visit a coffee plantation or a rum distillery in Barbados.

The rich, hearty flavor of portobello mushroom caps are a dynamite alternative to the traditional burger.

For breakfast, a grain bowl is healthy but hearty.

I think friendships, true friendships, morph as our lives change into what we need them to be. I am very lucky to have some really great friends, who have been there for me during my ups and downs.

For me, the thought of spaghetti and meatballs conjures up the image of that scene where 'Lady and the Tramp' gaze into each other's eyes as they slurp a strand of pasta into a fateful kiss.

I'm a big coffee drinker, and I like the ritual of using a French press - plus it makes great coffee.

I love comfort food - it's the basis of everything.

Ground turkey is fantastic in a comforting classic - meatloaf.

I love to have my girlfriends over for a movie night of chick flicks. I usually make some simple snacks, and the favorite is always my Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip.

There's something so intimate about a picnic with your guy.

My dining and entertainment philosophy - I can boil it down to 'the three C's - I like my food like my fashion: casual, classic, and with a touch of couture.

Cauliflower is a great swap in so many comfort food dishes.

I think it's fun to serve comfort food because it's an instant ice-breaker. If somebody's expecting fancy food, and you whip out some fried chicken, they feel like, you know, they can put their elbows on the table, and the etiquette police aren't going to come out.

My number one elixir for anxiety? Comfort food.