Model Alessandra Ambrosio says desserts and fries are among her favorite foods: 'I love my curves and I like to eat'

Because food connects us all, Yahoo Life is serving up a heaping plateful of table talk with people who are passionate about what's on their menu in Deglazed, a series about food.

Model and television personality Alessandra Ambrosio is not one to pass up a backyard barbecue or a sweet dessert. The 41-year-old mom of two says there's a special cake she loves to make when entertaining or for snacking on at home with her two kids: "I'll bake a carrot cake with chocolate topping," she says, "[my kids and I] will do that together."

Ambrosio says it's a misconception that models avoid decadent foods. "They say models don't eat to keep our figures," she tells Yahoo Life, "but for me, I always loved food — I think everything with moderation is fine."

"I love my curves. I like to eat. I like to be healthy," she says. "Of course, I love a dessert or some French fries."

Though Ambrosio grew up in Brazil, her grandparents were Polish immigrants. A classic Polish dish, the pierogi, was a staple in her home as a child. "Growing up, on special occasions, we would eat pierogis, which are a dumpling with potato inside and they're really yummy," she shares. "I don't know how to make them, though."

But there is a food tradition from her youth Ambrosio carries with her today: Brazilian-style backyard barbecues.

"Growing up in Brazil, every Sunday we gathered together the whole family and we'd make Brazilian barbecue," she says. "I do that here with my friends and family: There's a lot of vegetables and salads, potato salad and steak. With Brazilian barbecue, they serve a lot of meat, so it's a lot of different cuts of meat, and we make caipirinhas to drink — my backyard gets really fun."

Ambrosio spoke with Yahoo Life as part of her work promoting Nespresso, which released a warm weather-inspired line of coffees this summer. Both a citrus-forward liminha variety, inspired by Brazil, and a coconut flavor were served over ice recently at a brunch hosted by Ambrosio on Nespresso's behalf.

"They're so delicious for summertime," she says, "but [which one I prefer] depends on the time of the day and what I'm in the mood for."

The busy mom, model and actress says she's learned that her time alone with a cup of morning coffee is sacred. "There's a logo on the mug [Nespresso and I] did together that says, 'inhale, exhale and enjoy,'" she says. "For me, when I wake up in the morning the first thing I do is make my coffee and have a little bit of time for myself when I go through what's going to happen in my day. It's about taking time for yourself to feel good."

Wellness, parenting, body image and more: Get to know the who behind the hoo with Yahoo Life's newsletter. Sign up here.