What is your favorite dish to make?
This is probably the most frequently asked question I get. I would have to say it’s a one pan, plant-based sauté! I love to combine vegetables either with marinated tempeh or tofu and get creative using a variety of herbs & spices, condiments and asian sea vegetables. Dependent on my mood, I can get a little crazy and go beyond the one pan sometimes. Usually, when I start to add in grains and special sauces!
I want to eat healthier but how do I even start working my way towards being a vegetarian or vegan?
It can be very overwhelming at first so I recommend taking “baby” steps incorporating the changes. Start first with substituting alternative proteins into your meals so you get comfortable cooking with them. Be open to using a variety of vegetables, spices and herbs to enhance the flavors of your foods so you don’t get bored. And follow some of your favorite foodies thru social media for some ideas.
How will I ever be able to fit it into my already busy schedule?
You would be surprised at how much you can do once you make it part of your everyday routine. Become organized in your kitchen, search for recipes you want to make and prepare a shopping list weekly to cover you for a few meals. Nobody wants to be running back and forth to the market for missing ingredients! Routine and organization are the key to success!
Will it be more expensive eating healthier?
At first it will be, but once you build up a pantry of healthy ingredients and spices, you will be saving money and the planet by making better choices!
Can I still dine out and make healthy choices?
You can still dine out healthy but choose restaurants that have more than a pasta dish or salad as a plant based dish (but it is always a good back up dish when you have no choice!) Take a look at the menu posted on-line so you have an idea beforehand. Some chefs will be open to some minor requests or substitutions.
What are your top 10 favorite tools to use in the kitchen?
- high quality chef’s knife & eco-friendly cutting board
- food processor (Cuisinart)
- non stick pan (Scanpan) & high quality stainless steel cookware (All Clad)
- Vitamix blender
- vegetable peeler & scrubber
- salad spinner
- microplane
- garlic press
- lemon/lime juicer
- strainer/spider