Meet Stacie Billis

I grew up the daughter of a restauranteur in a large Greek family where food and family went hand-in-hand. After deciding against culinary school (and opting instead for an MA in child development and career in children’s media), I was on a constant quest to find ways to make food a bigger part of my life—from outer borough field trips to find the ultimate cheap eats with dubious (but hungry) friends to classes at the Institute of Culinary Education. Then I had my first son. — Day trips scouting new food experiences and elaborate homemade meals for friends who’d stay long into the night were (mostly) done. But my love for food wasn’t. Becoming a parent would change the way that I cook, but not what I eat.

I quickly learned that my approach–to cook quick and easy, but also delicious whole foods that I want to eat–not only keeps me satisfied, but also helps me raise children who love good food as much as I do. Wanting to share my discovery with other parents, I started writing and blogging at ChowMama. As a cook, I create recipes that grown-ups love and can be served to (or easily adapted for) the youngest eaters. As a writer, I use my background in developmental psychology to help connect food and the nurturing of our children’s physical, emotional and social development. Because I know that parents want to do more than just put food on the table–they want to nourish their families, and I want to help.

–Stacie Billis, blogger at chowmama.com