Jessie James Decker recently opened up about a special moment from her early relationship with Eric Decker, revealing the first meal she ever cooked for him. The country music star and cookbook author shared that she decided to prepare jambalaya instead of opting for a restaurant on their first date. This choice was not just about the food; it was a strategic move to win over the heart of her now-husband.
In an exclusive interview, Jessie reflected on that memorable evening, saying, “I knew my Minnesota boy had never tasted anything so flavorful. I knew I would have him hooked!” Her instincts proved correct, as the couple quickly fell in love, leading to their engagement in 2012 after just one year of dating. They tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in Colorado in 2013 and have since expanded their family.
The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Vivianne, in 2014, followed by sons Eric Jr. and Forrest in 2015 and 2018, respectively. Recently, Jessie announced that they are expecting baby number four, a joyous addition to their growing family. She shared that the kids are absolutely smitten with their new baby brother, Denver, who was born in February 2023. “I knew the kids were going to be great with him, but I didn’t know they would be this amazing,” Jessie expressed.
As a busy mom of four, Jessie has been inspired to create new recipes that cater to her family’s needs. She mentioned that many of her favorite memories revolve around family meals, particularly around the dinner table. One of her standout recipes is a fried chicken dish that features a unique twist with a Waterloo Raspberry Nectarine glaze. “The tartness of raspberry and the sweet, juicy notes of nectarine truly enhance the savory and crispy profile of fried chicken,” she explained.
Jessie’s culinary journey has been a significant part of her life, and she has shared many of her favorite recipes through her cookbooks. Her latest book, “Just Feed Me,” is a testament to her love for cooking and family. In it, she emphasizes the importance of creating meals that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, especially for busy families. “As a busy mom of now four, I wanted to create recipes that are easy and quick to make at home and that my entire family finds delicious,” she said.
Reflecting on her first date with Eric, Jessie recalled, “I didn’t order anything; I made homemade jambalaya!” This dish, rich in flavor and tradition, set the tone for their relationship, showcasing her passion for cooking and her desire to create memorable experiences through food.
Jessie also shared some of her personal food preferences, revealing that she has a soft spot for olive oil cake. “When I make olive oil cake, I can’t stop myself. I’ll just keep cutting slivers and slivers until it’s pretty much almost gone,” she admitted, highlighting her love for indulgent treats.
Interestingly, Jessie also discussed her evolving tastes, particularly regarding sushi. “I hated sushi for the majority of my life until my best friend Jessica said, ‘We’re going to tippy-toe into this because I need a sushi date partner,’” she recalled. Thanks to her friend’s encouragement, Jessie now enjoys sushi, showcasing her willingness to try new things.
In her cookbooks, Jessie shares not only recipes but also the stories behind them, creating a connection with her readers. “In ‘Just Jessie,’ I invited fans into my life, sharing personal moments and honest recollections,” she explained. “In ‘Just Feed Me,’ I go even further, opening my kitchen cabinets and inviting fans to sit for a spell and enjoy a great meal at the Decker dinner table.”
Her cookbooks feature a variety of recipes, many of which are inspired by her Southern roots and family traditions. Jessie’s love for Cajun cuisine shines through in her cooking, as she often incorporates flavors and dishes that remind her of her childhood. “Cajun food will always have a special place in my heart because it was my first love—well, first love of food,” she wrote in her book.
Among the recipes she shares, Jessie highlights her chicken and sausage gumbo, a dish that holds sentimental value. “This recipe is straight from a cookbook my mama made for me when I got married to Eric. This page, covered in grease and oil, is by far the dirtiest page in the book, because gumbo is one of my favorite meals to eat and to make,” she shared.
Jessie’s culinary skills extend beyond traditional Southern dishes. She also enjoys experimenting with flavors from different cuisines, including Mexican food. In her book, she offers a lighter version of enchiladas, showcasing her ability to create delicious meals that are also mindful of health. “I love all the flavors and spices. Any time I am in Mexico, I eat as much as I possibly can,” she said, emphasizing her passion for diverse culinary experiences.
As a mother, Jessie understands the importance of family meals and the memories they create. She encourages families to cook together, fostering a sense of togetherness and love through food. “Join me as I prepare a weekend ‘family brunch’ event encouraging folks to cook along with their kids,” she said, inviting her fans to engage in the joy of cooking.
Through her cookbooks and social media, Jessie James Decker continues to inspire others to embrace the art of cooking and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. Her journey from cooking jambalaya on a first date to creating a family-friendly cookbook is a testament to her passion for food and family.
As Jessie reflects on her culinary journey, she remains committed to creating delicious meals that bring her family together. “So many of my favorite memories are around a dinner table with fried chicken,” she shared, reminding us all of the power of food to create lasting connections.
In a world where busy schedules often take precedence, Jessie’s approach to cooking serves as a reminder that with a little creativity and love, anyone can create memorable meals that nourish both the body and the soul.
As she continues to share her culinary adventures, fans eagerly await the next chapter in Jessie’s journey, both as a mother and a cook. With each recipe, she invites us into her home, encouraging us to create our own delicious memories around the dinner table.
Source: Us Weekly
