Jennifer Garner Says Mom Pat ‘Loves Being Recognized’ from “Pretend Cooking Show” (Exclusive)

**Jennifer Garner’s Culinary Journey with KitchenAid and a Touch of Family Magic**

Jennifer Garner, the beloved actress and home cook, has opened up about her delightful culinary adventures alongside her mother, Patricia, who has become a regular fixture on her popular web series, “Pretend Cooking Show.” In a recent conversation with PEOPLE, Garner shared insights about her partnership with KitchenAid and her deep-rooted love for baking and cooking, which has profoundly shaped her family life.

Patricia Garner, known for her lively personality, has emerged as a fan-favourite on the show. Jennifer spoke fondly of her mother, highlighting her amusing nature and charming presence in the kitchen. “She loves it,” the 53-year-old actress expressed. “She loves being recognised. When people say hi to her, she lights up. She’s very opinionated about what we should and shouldn’t do.” Garner went on to joke about her mother’s confidence in her own culinary contributions, stating that Patricia claims her episodes are the most popular. “She’s been right about everything for the last 53 years, so why not the next?” Garner mused with a smile.

Garner recounted some standout moments from the show, particularly enjoying the episodes that featured her mother. “I always like when my mum is with me because she’s so cute,” she said. “I loved making bagels together; that was a lot of fun. Then, there was the time I almost set the kitchen on fire making beef bourguignon – that’s another memorable episode.” Each culinary misadventure has made for entertaining content, showcasing the warm bond between mother and daughter.

Recently, Garner has teamed up with KitchenAid to unveil their Artisan Plus Stand Mixer, which has been touted as a significant upgrade to the iconic brand’s Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, with enhancements that promise greater mixing precision. This mixer features an expanded speed range, integrated LED bowl lighting, and silicone edges to help scrape the bowl continuously. “I dreamed of having a KitchenAid stand mixer as a kid,” she admitted. “It was just the coolest thing to see it working while you were doing something else in the kitchen. I’ve lovingly referred to it as my BFF for ages.”

In her role as a dedicated mother to three children – Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 14 – with ex-husband Ben Affleck, Garner is passionate about preparing fresh food for her family. She revealed, “I often cook super early in the morning, wanting something ready for when my kids wake up. I love the idea of getting dough started early.”

Reflecting on her baking journey, Garner mentioned the countless birthday cakes she has made for her children over the years. “I’ve probably baked a hundred million birthday cakes,” she joked. “Considering my motherhood journey spans two decades and includes so many cakes for family and friends, it’s a lot.” She particularly cherishes the memory of bread baking in their home, linking it to cherished childhood moments when her mother would bake bread every Sunday. “The smell of fresh bread is something deeply comforting; there’s nothing more nurturing than homemade bread,” she stated.

Looking forward, Garner has set her sights on perfecting the art of sourdough baking, a challenge she admits she has yet to fully embrace. “I think it’s time for me to commit to it,” she said. “The ladies in my house have done it, and I’ve benefitted from their efforts. Perhaps now is the moment I take it on myself.” Garner is also eagerly anticipating the release of her friend Ina Garten’s new cookbook, *Simply Ina*, promising to bake every recipe as soon as possible.

In addition to her culinary pursuits, Garner is stepping back into her acting career as she prepares to serve as an executive producer for the highly anticipated reboot of her hit 2004 film, *13 Going on 30*. The film, which chronicles a 13-year-old girl who wakes up as a 30-year-old after a wish gone awry, holds a special place in her heart. “I’m super excited and can’t wait to see what unfolds,” she said about the project.

Jennifer Garner continues to captivate audiences not just with her acting talents but with her warmth in the kitchen. As she balances her roles as a mother, a partner with KitchenAid, and an executive producer, her love for family and food remains at the forefront, showcasing the joy that can be found in both cooking and connection.