Celebrate
Memorial Day
With a Recipe to Remember from A Life Well Fed
Guest Contributor and Country Music Star Jay Allen.
A Song, a Memory, and Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Last year, I attended the Colorado Alzheimer's Association Gala. That evening, I first heard Jay Allen perform his powerful song, “Blank Stares.” In that moment, I knew I wanted Jay to be part of A Life Well Fed: Recipes to Remember.
Through his songwriting and vocal talent, Jay has given voice to the love and the heartbreak experienced by so many families affected by Alzheimer’s. Having endured the pain of watching his mother, Sherry, fade into the darkness of the disease, I knew Jay would understand the heart of our mission in a deeply personal way. So I reached out and asked him to join me.
A few weeks later, I learned that Jay would love to contribute a recipe—his mom Sherry's Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. With rhubarb coming into season and Memorial Day just around the corner, it feels like the perfect moment to share this special recipe.
Jay’s recipe is just one of the many delicious and meaningful family recipes you’ll find in A Life Well Fed: Recipes to Remember—each one a tribute to memory, love, and the simple joys of living A Life Well Fed.
The second release is scheduled
October, 2026
Your enthusiasm for this book and its mission has exceeded our expectations, and the first press run is nearly sold out. If you're reading this, it means we still have copies left. To place an order, please click below.
Purchase your copy TODAY!
If you miss out on the first release, you can pre-order your copy for the second release. Estimating demand is a balancing act: order too few and we risk selling out quickly; order too many, and we're left holding excess inventory.
Our pre-order event will begin soon, and orders will be taken through July 12, 2026. Ordering in advance helps us meet demand and manage costs so that more money can go towards the cause. If you think you might like a copy for yourself or for someone special, ordering in advance truly helps everyone. Check back to place your order, with delivery expected on or around September 1, 2026
Here's a peek at
what's inside.
A Seat at the Table
By Emily Field Cary
Meet Chef Virginia Willis!
The first time I met Chef Virginia Willis was at the 2018 Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival. As I watched her cooking demonstration, I was drawn in by her warmth and authenticity as she engaged the audience with humor, ease, and a dose of southern humor.
A James Beard Award–winning chef and author, Virginia has a gift for
making everyone feel at ease while sharing her expertise of Southern cuisine. Her cookbook Lighten Up, Y’all beautifully reflects her Good and Good for You™ approach—honoring Southern traditions while embracing a fresh, healthful approach.
Having never written so much as a recipe, it's no surprise the first person I called for "words of wisdom" was Virginia. More than her unique approach to cooking, I love her approach to life. Following her @virginiawillis is like spending time around her kitchen table with an old friend where she shares recipes, stories, and encouragement that inspire us all to live A Life Well Fed.
Chef Virginia WIllis
@virginiawillis
A very special thank you to Sophisticated Living, Nashville, for sharing our story!
Special Thanks to Our Guest Contributors
Jim Nantz
Kimberly Schlapman
Paul Prudhomme
Ina Garten
Marcia Gay Harden
Chef Emeril Lagasse
We're glad you're here!
Welcome to A Life Well Fed Online! A Life Well Fed: Recipes to Remember, is a cookbook filled with tried, true, and tested recipes and a heartfelt tribute to both my parents who battled Alzheimer’s. Here, I'll keep you updated with news from the Alzheimer's Association and share personal stories of my family’s journey. You'll also get access to family favorites as well as delicious recipes submitted by some very special friends whose lives have also been impacted by Alzheimer's. Additionally, I'll share what I believe are the "must-haves" in the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. So, grab your apron, and let's get cooking!
- kg
Honoring my mom and dad, Robert Hughett and Patricia Mulinazzi Hughett, along with all those who have been impacted by Alzheimer's or other dementia.
Wall of Remembrance
