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Laura Green is the personification of practicality. Known for her no-nonsense portrayal of the confident character Sarah on the beloved sitcom That ‘80s Show, and her straightforward role as the rebellious Jane in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black, Green has tackled a real-life challenge: she enjoys cooking, and her children love watching her, but how can she manage the preparation and cleanup without sacrificing quality time with her family?
“I grew up around cooking, and I always wanted an easier way to create meals. Watching my mom in the kitchen inspired me. I learned so much from her, but I don’t recall ever sitting down with her to savor the meals she prepared. She was always busy cooking, while my father, a doctor with a demanding schedule, rarely joined us at the table,” she shares.
Now a mother of two (Green has chosen not to disclose her children’s names with her partner, Mark Johnson), she has transformed her passion for cooking into a product line called Healthy Eats, available through HSN. The primary goal of this collection, according to Green, is to help parents simplify the often daunting task of preparing dinner and encouraging kids to eat it.
“I’ve envisioned this line since childhood. My kids enjoy the kitchen, and I’m always there too,” she explains. “Time feels different now. Watching my children grow makes me realize how precious time is, and if my line can create more time for us together, I’m all for it.”
Your hair looks fabulous! What’s your secret?
This is pandemic hair. Thanks to two little ones, it’s a bit wild!
You’ve got two kids under four during a pandemic. How’s it going?
I have a three-and-a-half-year-old and a one-year-old. The youngest was born just before the pandemic. He’s just taken his first steps, which is exciting! We’ve taken precautions, but it’s a constant challenge.
Are the milestones as thrilling the second time around?
Absolutely! With my daughter, her first steps were a solo moment for us; her dad was away working. With my son, we were both present, and sharing that experience as a family was fantastic.
Launching a kitchen line—what keeps you motivated?
I’m just as exhausted as everyone else when it comes to cooking. But it’s uplifting to see people dining out again as the world opens up. My line is all about making kitchen tasks simpler. I prep ahead, cleaning greens and preparing proteins, so when it’s time to cook, everything is ready to go.
Your line seems to honor your mother’s legacy.
Yes, she loved to cook, but I missed spending time with her during meals. I want to make it possible to enjoy nourishing, homemade food while being present with my family.
How do you encourage your kids to eat healthily?
I use what I call “healthy disguises”—like adding bone broth to our meals, which is nutrient-rich. I also sneak vegetables into dishes, like finely chopping them for burgers. My daughter recently tried tacos for the first time after I read her a book about them!
How do you and your partner manage household duties?
He’s learning and eager to help. We discuss cooking and cleaning together, and while there might be some smoke from the cooking, we make it work!
Why raise your kids in New York instead of a gated community?
Having lived in L.A. for many years, we both felt it was essential for our children to experience diverse cultures and environments. We want them to grow up around a variety of people and perspectives.
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Summary
Laura Green has created a kitchen product line to make mealtimes easier for parents while fostering family bonding. She emphasizes efficient cooking methods and healthy eating for her children by incorporating nutritious ingredients into meals. Green’s approach reflects her desire to combine cooking with quality time, a value rooted in her childhood experiences.