"Always follow your heart!"

Chef, author and host, Carla Hall, 59, is beloved by millions for her bold recipes, unflappable enthusiasm and joyful spirit. But it was life's challenges-losing her grandmother to Alzheimer's and caring for her mom who has dementia-that taught her to savor each precious moment. Here, her recipe for cooking and living with love

- Deborah Evans Price

Carla Hall, 59, first gained a devoted following while competing on Bravo's Top Chef and Top Chef All Stars, where her philosophy of "cooking with love" resonated strongly with viewers. She went on to spend seven years co-hosting ABC's The Chew and is also an accomplished author whose books include Carla Hall's Soul Food: Everyday and Celebration. So it may come as a surprise that cooking wasn't her first career choice.

The Nashville native first worked as an accountant, then a model before realizing her true calling, a passion sparked by watching her beloved grandmother, Freddie Mae, cook up comfort and love in her own kitchen. And it was the words of wisdom that Freddie Mae generously shared that spurred Carla to take a chance and turn her passion into a career.

"We cannot grow without change," Carla tells Woman's World. "The only way we can find our true path is to change and to challenge ourselves. And, most important, as my grandmother taught me, we must always follow our hearts."

Carla's grandmother had a profound influence on all aspects of her life. After losing her to Alzheimer's, Carla became a staunch advocate of those suffering from the disease and their caregivers.

Here, Carla shares her recipes for cherishing the small moments, finding bliss and living a life filled with love.

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