Confident Cooking, You can do it too!

April 19, 2018April 12, 2018 Rachel Sherwood

The past few months have been full of private events, classes and even some surprise highlights. I feel honored to have worked with so many clients and inspiring new creations and confident cooking for your families. I truly love hearing when clients share their individual success stories.

Sadly the large group classes are finished for now as I prepare to welcome baby #2 in July. I may host one or two classes in the fall like the ever popular “No Cooking Required” Entertaining with Cheese Plates or other Holiday Entertaining Success Secrets but it is too early to say. Please let me know if there is a topic of interest for you.

As always you can easily connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to ask questions and see what I am up to. Highlights for the summer are new baby needs and putting in a large edible garden. I am so excited!

I will still be hosting a few private events and clients if you would like to talk more achieving your specific culinary goals, making cooking and entertaining easier, or have questions about hosting a private event please contact me here. I look forward to continuing to work with people like you. I love making the world a better place through quality food and the connections that happen when we share a meal together.

Much love,

Rachel

Here is a quick look some of the client success and recent fun events.

Open House Event showing off simple cheese plates "I never knew entertaining could be so easy and elegant" Sandy — Open House Event showing off simple cheese plates “I never knew entertaining could be so easy and elegant” Sandy

" I was looking for ways to feed my toddler healthier meals quicker. Rachel's techniques make it possible to have it all" Nicole S — ” I was looking for ways to feed my toddler healthier meals quicker. Rachel’s techniques make it possible to have it all” Nicole S

"Rachel, I made chicken wings tonight with the Indian seasoning. They were spectacular – both of us enjoyed them. I did as you suggested and sautéed them in oil/butter until crispy, and then put half on a sheet pan and half in the covered skillet with a couple of ice cubes of stock and baked for 45 minutes. Both were delicious…the ones that were braised were slightly more moist, which is what you said to expect, but both were oh-so-good. Next time I’ll add a bit of salt and they’ll be perfect. I’m much more clear about my tastes and preferences now. I’m thrilled at all I learned, how patient and instructive you are how confident I am now that I can use the “guidelines” you gave me. Thanks again for all you research, enthusiasm and guidance! Again, thank you thank you thank you!" Marcie L — “Rachel, I made chicken wings tonight with the Indian seasoning. They were spectacular – both of us enjoyed them. I did as you suggested and sautéed them in oil/butter until crispy, and then put half on a sheet pan and half in the covered skillet with a couple of ice cubes of stock and baked for 45 minutes. Both were delicious…the ones that were braised were slightly more moist, which is what you said to expect, but both were oh-so-good. Next time I’ll add a bit of salt and they’ll be perfect. I’m much more clear about my tastes and preferences now. I’m thrilled at all I learned, how patient and instructive you are how confident I am now that I can use the “guidelines” you gave me. Thanks again for all you research, enthusiasm and guidance! Again, thank you thank you thank you!” Marcie L

"We all get stuck in a rut sometimes. I loved learning how to make simple subsitutions and have flexibility to make a recipe fit my families needs. I learned so much about safety and efficiently in the kitchen as well, thank you" Katie — “We all get stuck in a rut sometimes. I loved learning how to make simple subsitutions and have flexibility to make a recipe fit my families needs. I learned so much about safety and efficiently in the kitchen as well, thank you” Katie

"Before working with Rachel I was not cooking often and eating a lot of processed foods. Now I know how to cook a variety of things using basic skills. The most valuable thing I learned is how to mix and match ingredients making meals with what I have on hand. This helps me by not having to run to the grocery store so often. I take away lots of ideas for easy cooking." Ashley D — “Before working with Rachel I was not cooking often and eating a lot of processed foods. Now I know how to cook a variety of things using basic skills. The most valuable thing I learned is how to mix and match ingredients making meals with what I have on hand. This helps me by not having to run to the grocery store so often. I take away lots of ideas for easy cooking.” Ashley D

" As a soon to be parent I now have more tools and confidence to work in the kitchen and feed my family well" Jackson C — ” As a soon to be parent I now have more tools and confidence to work in the kitchen and feed my family well” Jackson C

"Cooking with kids can be fun and easy" Keren H — “Cooking with kids can be fun and easy” Keren H

Private Dinner Event "Rachel planned and hosted a dinner class for myself and a few friends. It was absolutely fabulous! Very informative & so much fun, we still rave about it!" Shannon M — Private Dinner Event “Rachel planned and hosted a dinner class for myself and a few friends. It was absolutely fabulous! Very informative & so much fun, we still rave about it!” Shannon M

"I didn't know searing meats and making sauces could be so fun and easy. It was informative and easy to follow. I made delicious food with so much flavor and I know I can do it again." Joy — “I didn’t know searing meats and making sauces could be so fun and easy. It was informative and easy to follow. I made delicious food with so much flavor and I know I can do it again.” Joy

Large Speaking Event on Meals Made Easy." This was so informative, the freezer inventory, space saving ideas and prep ahead methods are genius, Thank you!" Louis V — Large Speaking Event on Meals Made Easy.” This was so informative, the freezer inventory, space saving ideas and prep ahead methods are genius, Thank you!” Louis V

"It's so easy and inexpensive to make healthier snacks, I am so happy I met you!" Pat B — “It’s so easy and inexpensive to make healthier snacks, I am so happy I met you!” Pat B

Easy Asparagus and Prosciutto appetizers at an entertaining class. " This was so fun, very informative and easy to follow. The food was amazing! I am ready to host the holiday's with ease" Stacy B — Easy Asparagus and Prosciutto appetizers at an entertaining class. ” This was so fun, very informative and easy to follow. The food was amazing! I am ready to host the holiday’s with ease” Stacy B

From Secrets Behind The Dinner Party Event

Guilt Free Treats Class. "Rachel is so knowledgeable, her food is delicious, simple and full of easy substitutions that work" Karen K — Guilt Free Treats Class. “Rachel is so knowledgeable, her food is delicious, simple and full of easy substitutions that work” Karen K

Rachael and Nick Celebrate their anniversary! " This class was absolutely fabulous, exceeding our expectations in every way! And Who knew cauliflower could taste so good." — Rachael and Nick Celebrate their anniversary! ” This class was absolutely fabulous, exceeding our expectations in every way! And Who knew cauliflower could taste so good.”

Surprise Feature In THe Plymouth Magazine — Surprise Feature In The Plymouth Magazine

The kids and I made the bread recipe tonight. They love helping me in the kitchen and they did a great job. It's great that the recipe is so simple that they can help without too much trouble managing the two. Thanks! Felicia G — The kids and I made the bread recipe tonight. They love helping me in the kitchen and they did a great job. It’s great that the recipe is so simple that they can help without too much trouble managing the two. Thanks! Felicia G

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cake

June 2, 2017 Rachel Sherwood

I recently went to the Gluten Free Food Allergy Fest in Minneapolis. It was a mini food show with over 90 different vendors all sharing their greatest gluten, dairy, egg, and soy free foods. I have always been a little skeptical of products that make bold health claims but I was interested to see the best of what the market has to offer in these areas. The event was fun and I did see and taste some great products. However, as I was looking at the labels closely even of the items I took samples of home I was surprised to find that in almost every product featured was added sugars. Even though it was free from so many other ingredients the first or second ingredient in so many products was some type of processed sugar. I point this out because I just want you to be smart. If you really want a “healthier” option you need to look closely and be aware that not all healthy foods, ingredient free foods or organic foods are actually good for you. There were a few shining products that I was super excited to stumble upon.

Founder of Gluten-Free Prairie Deb Wheaton

One was Gluten-Free Prairie Foods. I met the founder Deb Wheaton, her daughter and grandson. She shared her story with me of how her family was getting ill from wheat and many of the starches and gums like xanthan gum made their condition worse. They created an oat-based gluten free flour that thickens with Psyllium Husk Powder, which is a real food ingredient, high in fiber and absorbs water easily. It was one of the few products that was not made with extra sugar and xanthan gum so I wanted to give it a try. After making a few batches of muffins, breads and cakes for an easy go to all purpose 1 to 1 cup flour substitution I thought this product was a great find. It is perfect for easy gluten free baking. It easily substituted into my favorite recipes and produced light products without a dense grainy texture that many gluten free flours have. See below for my Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe and give Deb and Gluten Free Prairie All Purpose Baking Flour a try.

You may also like these Gluten Free Prairie Products as well Brownie Mix and Pancake and Waffle Mix

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cake

Makes 1 8×8 cake

¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened

½ cup honey

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 egg

½ cup full fat sour cream or thick Greek style yogurt

1 cup Gluten Free Prairie All Purpose Baking Flour

1 teaspoon corn starch

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

pinch salt

½ cup chocolate chips + more for sprinkling on top if desired*

Preheat oven to 350. Grease the sides of an 8×8 cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium mixing bowl cream together the butter and honey. Add the vanilla, egg and sour cream or yogurt and mix to combine. Add all remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into prepared pan. Top with extra chocolate chips if desired. Bake for 30-35 minutes until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes then remove to a wire rack.

I recommend Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips for this cake as these have the least amount of extra “junk” in them. It is also easier to cut and you get more distribution of chocolate with the smaller pieces.

Food Feeds More Than The Stomach

February 8, 2017February 9, 2017 Rachel Sherwood

We talk a lot about eating well and wanting to cook but so often this does not happen consistently, we are all busy. This week as I start to bring my New Year, New You series to a close I ask you to think why you cook or why you want to cook more and what food really means to you. I know it’s a getting a touch deep but really even if you are buying all the best food and fining the quickest easiest recipes only gets you part of the benefits. You have to share the meal, eating in community.

You see I write this because so many people come to me struggling to eat well wanting to find solutions to get quality meals on their tables but they often suffer from being over-scheduled and stressed trying to “fit it all in”. This creates anxiety in all areas of life, affects mental focus, physical health of our bodies and emotional health of our relationships. We want to feel better, and for our families to be happy and healthy and you can create that all though food. Sadly it seems, we are all generally too “busy”. Americans today see cooking as more of a chore something that we don’t have the luxury of time to do.

I am so deeply passionate about food bringing friends and family together around it because it is not only good to nourish our bodies. We also gain so many benefits from cooking and sharing a meal with others. If we take the time and make a commitment to honor food and cooking the way we honor other tasks we all might just be a little happier, healthier and better off long term. It is not just about eating food – it’s about creating and sharing a meal together. This is where you get the most benefits from cooking.

Here are just a few of the benefits you receive when cooking and eating together:

Developing cooking skills makes mealtime easier for everyone.
Kids are more likely to eat what they help prepare.
Save money: meals purchased away from home cost two to four times more than meals prepared at home.
Consume fewer calories.
Create a sense of belonging. In a Columbia University study 71% of teenagers said they consider talking, catching-up, and spending time with family members as the best part of family dinners.
Eat more vegetables and choose healthier options.
Eventually as kids are older they can help cook full parts of a meal getting it on the table faster.
Less likely to be overweight.
Consume less sweets and stay fuller longer.
Kids do better at school. Teens who eat dinner four or more times with parents have higher academic performance than those who eat dinner two or less times per week.
Boost self-esteem.
Create strong relationship bonds.
Boost communication skills.
Create a sense of self-worth and a necessary skill of being self- sufficient.
Develop social skills.
Expand knowledge of food, and the world around us.
Improved mental health.
Overall happier and less stressed

You see we all say we want change but the question is, are you willing to make the commitment to change? The opportunity is right in front of us. It can be achieved. Perhaps seeing eating together not as another appointment on a busy schedule, but rather as an opportunity to de-stress, a chance to catch up with those whom we love then, could help our children do better at school, be less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, get everyone in better shape, and be happier, less stressed individuals. I think we could all benefit from more home cooked meals.

If you need help with practical cooking solutions for busy days let me know. I am here for you. Stay in touch for next week for tips on how to get the entire family involved in creating family meals.

Did you miss an earlier post?

Here are the earlier New Year, New You Topics:

Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail
Lose Weight by Eating More
Cut Your Grocery Bill Without Cutting Coupons
How Cooking Makes You Smarter
Pantry Makeover

Sources:

Hello Fresh Review

May 28, 2015May 26, 2015 Rachel Sherwood

Had to Try It

(Rachel testing recipes)

I couldn’t help myself, I had to check it out and see what is was really like. Being a professional chef and huge supporter of the family meal I cook everyday and make dinner almost every night. Now usually this is fun and easy for me. However, just like everyone else, I have those days I don’t feel like cooking. But then I can rely on any number of home-cooked meals I have perfectly packed in my freezer for a quick thaw and dinner is served. I don’t know about you but I have been seeing so may new fresh packed meal delivery services pop up I had to see what the fuss was all about and if it really worked.

So is it right for you? Check this out: here is my review and experience with one of them.

Hello Fresh Review

I have been seeing lots of advertisements for these fresh packaged home meal delivery services. Being an avid supporter of home cooked meals, I was very curious if they lived up to their claims, such as, really making cooking delicious balanced meals at home or work. I was quite surprised with the quality of results. So, do you think it is right for you? See my experience below.

How it works:

I chose the company Hello Fresh, as I liked that they supported local farmers and focused on high quality ingredients. I signed up for the classic box for 2 people, which included meat. They also have vegetarian options for a slightly less fee and also options of meals for 4 people. The program sends you everything you need to cook a meal at home in perfectly packaged measured amounts for the specific recipe. Salt, pepper, sugar, cooking oil and butter are considered pantry staples and are not provided.

Each week you have your choice of 5 set recipes to choose 3 meals from, sorry vegetarians at this point you have no choice options. For my first box I let them choose for me and I was sent Spring Asparagus and Shrimp Risotto, Steak Sandwiches with tomato watercress-salad and Rosemary Walnut Crusted Chicken.

Each recipe is created by chefs to be well balanced and in several of different flavors. They do all the work for you, except the cooking that is. The recipe and all the pre-portioned ingredients are delivered directly to your door.

They claim is that this is “Cooking Made Easy”. Their mission is “quick and easy recipes, no fancy equipment or techniques, and no obscure ingredients to help you get nutritious and delicious meals on the table.”

So how much does this serve cost? In my opinion it’s a bit much for every week and I still have to do the work. However, if it gets you cooking real food and sharing a balanced meal together, that is priceless. Here is how it breaks down.

3 Classic Meals Box for Two – $69, $11.50 per person
3 Classic Meals Box for Four – $129, $10.75 per person

3 Vegetarian Meal Box for Two – $59, $9.83 per person
3 Vegetarian Meal Box for Four – $109, $9.08 per person

This was my experience:

Ironically my box showed up midday, just as I was coming home from the grocery store with basic pantry goods like milk, eggs, bread and cereal, items that we go through every week.

I opened the insulated box that had ice packs by the meat and seafood. It was packaged well but I would be concerned about some of the items, especially the seafood, if it was a hot summer day and it sat outside for the afternoon until I got home. The proteins were packed separately and everything else for each recipe was tucked inside it’s own plastic bag, making it easy to keep what is need for each recipe together. The packaging was not excessive but if you are a real environmentalist it may bother you that everything, even the 2 sprigs of parsley, were individually packaged. Each recipe came with a color photo recipe card with instructions and nutritional information.

Time to cook

Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto

I started with the Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto, given it was seafood and likely to spoil first.

(Contents that came in the box for Shrimp and Asparagus risotto)

This recipe stated it was at a level one recipe, which takes 45 minutes. I liked how on the recipe card they had an informative note about what a Meyer Lemon was. A photo of each ingredient was provided just in case you were unfamiliar with a particular item.

I did my best to read through this recipe in advance, gather the equipment as stated on the card, and cook as a normal home cook would to make sure the times were accurate. Speaking of the equipment list, I did not understand why they bothered listing out the “tools needed” when they did not list everything you actually needed to prepare the meal. This happened with every recipe. In this particular recipe it was quite a few things. They also clearly state you need a slotted spoon yet in the instructional photos show a ladle and a wooden spoon. In my opinion, if you are going to take the time to list equipment needed, list it all; knifes, cutting boards and measuring tools needed to create the recipe as stated.

(Tools the recipe card said I needed to make the Risotto)

(All the tools I actually needed to make the Risotto)

The recipe itself was easy to follow and produced two generous portions of tasty risotto. I completed this recipe in 40 minutes so given I did all the chopping in 7 minutes and I only let my rice cook for 20 of the 30 minutes suggested; the average home cook may not chop that quickly. I thought the timing on this recipe was pretty accurate. I would maybe give yourself an extra 5-10 minutes for gathering extra items, chopping, familiarizing yourself with the recipe, and potentially some of the cooking terms used like “al dente” if you are a true beginner.

(Managing three hot pans at one time does not seem like a level one beginner recipe to me)

On that note, I would have to disagree that this is a level one recipe as in my mind having to manage 3 pans all cooking at the same time, and taking 45 minutes is not a quick, easy dinner for a beginner.

(Generous portion of Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto)

Recipe 2: Steak Sandwiches with Tomato-Watercress Salad

(Contents that came in the box for Steak Sandwiches)

This recipe was also stated as a level one recipe that takes 40 minutes to complete. Again it was an easy to follow recipe and it tasted delicious taking me a total of 35 minutes to complete. I did not roast the tomato for the full 20-25 minutes. Which brings me to the point of it is great to have the perfect measured ingredients and easy to follow recipes, but that does not make up for cooking skill. You still should know how to properly sear the piece of meat, as it just says sear, no instruction on what this is or how to do this, or what a roasted tomato should looks like when it is done, and that you should remove the really thick woody stems of the watercress first for the best results. It is implied that the cook already knows these tips and techniques. Is it not that big of a deal, however the consumer may be creating an entirely different result that what is intended without this proper information.

My husband and I enjoyed the sandwich, but as I told him the cost of the program, that it came down to $11.50 per person per meal, we both thought why did I take the time to make this sandwich when we could have gone to any number of local artisan sandwich shops and ordered a delicious steak sandwich similar to this for the same price, if not even less. So yes, good easy to follow but for the time, effort and cost of this particular meal, it did not make sense for me. In my personal opinion I also did not like heating up my oven to roast a single tomato and warm the buns, this seemed like a waste of energy and the prep. The time on the recipe card does not include time to preheat the oven, so also add 15 minutes to your prep time.

(Steak Sandwich with Tomato-Watercress Salad)

The next day as I was thinking about it when it occurred to me, that I would never cook a steak with the end result of it to be a steak sandwich. The steak sandwich would be a leftover result from another steak meal. Previously I would have cooked steaks for dinner one night and made an extra one or used the leftovers to make a steak sandwich the next day. Spending 40min to make 2 sandwiches seemed ridiculous to me, in my mind sandwiches should be quick and easy foods that should take 10 minutes or less not 40 minutes. It is getting you to cook at home, but this one had me seriously questioning the time, money, and effort aspect.

Recipe 3: Rosemary-Walnut Crusted Chicken

(Contents that came in the box for Rosemary-Walnut Crusted Chicken)

I personally thought that this was the most mainstream and simple recipe of the bunch, featuring chicken, roasted potatoes and a simple salad. I thought this one was the most accurate in its recipe and the most satisfying given the amount of time and effort put in. This recipe was stated as a level 2 that takes 30 minutes and leaves you with a complete filling and substantial meal. My guess is they marked it as a level two because of the pounding the crusting of chicken technique. However, I still feel managing three hot pans for the risotto is much more difficult for a beginner in the kitchen than breading chicken.

(Rosemary-Walnut Crusted Chicken with side salad)

Overall, I loved that everything was used up and there was no waste but at the same time, I know how to creatively use leftovers to make other meals faster and I was slightly bummed when I went to the refrigerator to make breakfast Saturday morning, and I didn’t have little extras to use from making the weeks meals. To be honest, I would have been looking forward to extra asparagus, rosemary and potatoes to make a simple frittata and potato hash for breakfast, extra greens and steak for a steak salad lunch, and leftover risotto for risotto cakes for dinner, making another complete day’s worth of delicious and healthy meals. Leftovers and extra food is wonderful if you know how to use it.

Pros:

Loved that everything was pre-measured, made it really easy to get started, cut down prep time and waste.

Easy to follow color recipe cards

Pictures to help with some of the steps of the recipe and identify ingredients used

Great to try new recipes or ingredients easily

No thought required to produce balanced meal

Serves 2 people, a decent portion on good tasting food

Encourages home cooking

Program allows for hold periods, if you want to skip a week’s meal box you can

Cons:

Even with items pre measured it took 35-45 minutes to cook a meal

Extra packaging is slightly wasteful

Not sure what I would do with all the ice packs after a few weeks of deliveries

Participant must have basic cooking skills; proper preparation and culinary knowledge is required for best results

Just enough for one meal at a time, no thoughts on advance prep to make things more efficient or other meals

Convenience comes with a cost, $11.50 per person per meal

Provides 3 meals per week, what are you eating the other 4 days?

You have to put the box on hold in advance and pick your meals in advance. If something comes up and you don’t want to eat that particular meal or have time to prepare it food would still be wasted.

Meals are set for 2-4 people making it difficult for a single person of family of 5

Not much option for picky eaters, special needs or diet restrictions you must pick from the few recipes choices per week.

Is it for you?

I loved this little experiment and yes it did provide 3 substantial balanced meals. Would this work long term for me, not really. For me the time, effort and cost just do not make sense for me. I could maybe see ordering a box to have delivered after we get home from vacation so we instantly have food on hand. For me, I like the flexibly of cooking what I am in the mood for, and if I am busy or tired I always have options for quick meals on the pantry and freezer. It is also more than I want to spend on groceries per week. I know how to properly stock a working pantry, which allows me to produce delicious balanced meals quickly for a few dollars per person. I can also adapt if it is just myself eating alone or accommodate more if I have impromptu guests.

Will it work for you? Maybe!

I loved that it easily inspires balanced cooking and sharing of meals at home. This alone will serve you well in long run for better health and relationships than eating out, or relying on convenience or grab and go food options. If you are looking to start cooking, or have trouble stocking a pantry, and don’t really want to think about it, I think this is a great option. I caution that you should have a basic understanding of cooking skills and proper technique for the best and most efficient results. I think if you are on a tight budget or have 3 growing boys, it may not be the best option for you. I think it would work well for couples and small families that want to try new foods with little risk. They are interested in cooking, but not sure where to start or find recipes that work. It is a great way to get into the habit of cooking at home. Still not sure, give it a try; there are several very similar companies with programs just like this one. I have included links below. Most also offer a reduced rate trial week, so you can test out a few recipes like I did without the full fee. If you want to learn basic cooking skills, techniques and how to stock a pantry for inexpensive quick meals at any time, contact me; I am happy to help you set your kitchen up for success.

Good luck and happy cooking!

References:

https://www.hellofresh.com

https://www.blueapron.com

http://www.forksoverknives.com/meals-to-your-door/

https://www.plated.com

Don’t Let this Blender Disaster Happen to You

November 21, 2014November 21, 2014 Rachel Sherwood

It is that time of year again, slowly getting chilly out which always makes me want a nice warm bowl of soup. I love to make soup in large batches and freeze it so it ready for quick winter meals. However, we all have those “oh no” moments in the kitchen. A friend sent me this picture of her latest day making soups for the winter. Needless to say she spent more time cleaning than she did cooking. These little mishaps can ruin a day of cooking and keep any novice cook far from entering the kitchen. Don’t let these things discourage you! Clean it up, share the story for a few laughs and keep on moving. After all, it is just soup and that is why we have paper towels. See below on how to avoid this from happening to you.

Today’s Kitchen Tip
Here is how to avoid making more soup on your cupboards than in your bowl. The science behind it is actually very simple but I am not the one for being to scientific, so I will keep it simple basically, when you heat gas it expands. So when you put hot liquid in a blender and trap the steam with a lid and turn on the blender – the hot air gets pulled into the liquid as it expands and then blows the top off. In order to be safe and avoid sending scaling hot soup all over your kitchen follow the recommendations below.

Blend in small batches, only fill the blender with 1/3 maybe even less liquid
Hold on Tight, with a dry dish towel cover the lid and hold the lid of the blender firmly in place
Slow is better, start by turning the blender on the slowest speed possible

* If you are blending lots of soups look into purchasing a “stick” or an “immersion blender”. Then you can blend directly in the pot

Pick up your copy of The Pretty Plate for more simple techniques and recipes, and learn about the five elements to make your everyday meals magnificent.