Giada De Laurentiis' food tips for moms

Does Giada actually find time to cook?

Seriously, how does a food mogul juggling being a wife, a mom and an ever-expanding business portfolio actually find time to cook. Surely she doesn't put on her apron without makeup and cameras rolling, right?

"I get asked that all the time," Giada answers with that trademark giggle. "When I have downtime, cooking is really the only way I've found to relax. Cooking is a way for me to unwind. When you're cooking you go into your own world and escape reality for a while. Cooking is a great escape."

tips for busy moms

"In general, keep things as simple as possible," Giada says. "Stock your pantry and have a few go-to recipes. That's really the key to cooking."

She suggests with as little as a stash of pasta, some good olive oil and a bowl of fresh lemons, anyone can make an easy, tasty meal. Pair with a bottle of white wine and dinner is on the table. "It's really about keeping it simple," she adds.

Giada's 3 Food trends to watch

1.  Food truck eating

"People really are looking for simpler and simpler foods," she says. That's why food trucks have become such a big thing. Usually food trucks just make one or two things really well that are simply prepared whether it's tacos, hot dogs or something more exotic. Simple, delicious foods never go out of style.

2.  Gluten free

Giada says moms are always asking her about gluten-free options for their families. Right now she says she's experimenting with brown rice pastas, quinoa and an ancient, gluten-free grain called "farro" which was used in Italy to make everything from cereal to breads and pastas.

3.  Agave

Giada says finally that she's been experimenting quite a bit with agave. "I've been adding it to mixed drinks, teas and salad dressings."