Celebrity chef and food personality Meredith Hayden is sharing her plans for a sizzling summer of cooking, but her season of sun-kissed recipes and fresh flavors won't be without its challenges. Hayden, who has been open about her struggles with mental health, is also focusing on her ACL recovery, a process that has forced her to rethink her approach to cooking and prioritize self-care. As she navigates this new chapter, Hayden is finding comfort in the kitchen, where she's been able to channel her emotions into delicious meals and connect with others through the universal language of food. With the support of her new partnership with Barilla, Hayden is excited to share her culinary vision with the world and inspire others to find solace in the simple pleasures of cooking.
Meredith Hayden told PEOPLE about her summer cooking goals, ACL recovery and how cooking supports her mental health, plus details on her Barilla partnership.