Shay Shull
Mckinney, TX
With four children, a husband and two dogs buzzing around her home, it’s a wonder Shay Shull has any time at all to get a meal on the table. The fact that she’s an expert meal planner, popular blogger and author of multiple cookbooks makes this supermom even more of a marvel. Here, she shares how she balances it all.
What does cooking mean to you?
It’s all about sharing the food I make with the ones I love. My favorite part of the day is when I’m sitting down at my table with my family—these really are the memories I will cherish forever.
How did cooking become such a big part of your life?
My grandmothers are both amazing cooks with two very different styles. Growing up, I watched them and my mom cook and entertain for people and fell in love with the process.
What recipes are you most excited to make once fall comes around?
Pumpkin
everything! I love pumpkin in savory recipes, in sweet, in breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert, too! I can’t have enough pumpkin recipes in the fall.
How do you manage to serve up a meal that your whole family loves?
I meal plan! I find that having the recipes and ingredients I need already at home makes even the craziest days feel easier. You’ve got to be realistic about your calendar. If your Tuesday night is rushed with working late and taking kids to and from activities, you need a slow cooker supper—it’s your busy-day best friend.
What inspired you to write your own cookbooks?
I have collected cookbooks since I was a little girl. My favorites are those that tell a story about the author. With my own, I wanted to document the recipes and stories from my family. Most of them are tied to each season, so you can pick them up and cook throughout the year.
“I LOVE FALL MOST OF ALL!”