Costello’s highly anticipated cookbooks helps to simplify cooking for each day of the week.
Barbara Costello
“I went into this thing kicking and screaming,” says Barbara “Babs” Costello, affectionately known as Brunch with Babs. “I was not on social media — I didn’t have a goal or a business plan. My daughter suggested I make my first Tiktok, and, unbeknownst to me, people were waiting to hear what I had to say.”
Costello has carved a unique niche, captivating millions with her timeless wisdom, culinary expertise, and heartwarming presence. At 76, Babs exemplifies how authenticity and passion can transcend age, turning a retired preschool teacher into a much-loved internet sensation.
The Heart of Brunch With Babs
Babs’ content is deeply rooted in family values and traditions. As a mother of four and grandmother of eight, she draws inspiration from her Italian-Lebanese heritage, sharing recipes and customs passed down through generations. Her videos feature cooking tutorials but also highlight household tips, seasonal advice, and heartfelt life lessons. This holistic approach has endeared her to a diverse audience, many of whom view her as the quintessential internet grandmother.
Anticipation is now mounting for her forthcoming book, Every Day with Babs: 101 Family-Friendly Dinners for Every Day of the Week, scheduled for release on April 8. This new collection aims to help readers approach routine cooking with more fun and less stress, offering practical solutions for daily meal planning.
“There’s a certain vibe to every day of the week,” shares Costello. “Mondays are when reality bites, with kids rushing to school, work, exercise, and other obligations, so I focused on easy-to-assemble sheet pan dinners for that part of the week.” As the weekend looms closer, she offers fun recipes for movie and game nights that the whole family will love.
How Mise en Plase Makes Magic in the Kitchen
One of Costello’s most cherished kitchen principles is mise en place, a French culinary term meaning “everything in its place.” While this concept is fundamental to professional chefs, she champions it as an essential philosophy for home cooks and life in general.
Beyond its practical benefits, mise en place can also serve as a powerful tool for cognitive health. Research suggests that structured routines, problem-solving activities, and staying mentally engaged can help keep the brain sharp as we age. Practicing mise en place requires planning, memory recall, and executive function—skills that are crucial for cognitive longevity.
“The more you plan ahead, the more peaceful your experience is going to be in the kitchen and in life,” says Costello. That’s a part of why I was so excited to partner with Eli Lily to bring awareness to memory and thinking problems. I experienced this with my own mom, who was an avid baker. What we thought was natural aging actually turned out to be Alzheimer’s, so it’s important to be mindful of the little details.”
Engaging in routine kitchen organization and meal prep strengthens neural pathways by reinforcing sequencing and decision-making. This can be particularly beneficial in delaying decline and keeping the mind active.
As she embarks on her next chapter with Every Day with Babs, one thing is certain: Costello’s influence isn’t fading anytime soon. Whether she’s teaching you how to perfectly roast a chicken or reminding you to take it one day at a time, Babs continues to prove that the best advice comes from the heart—and the kitchen.