In the Kitchen With Cook Smarts

Latest Episodes:

#5: 10 Strategies for Turning Picky Eaters Into Curious Eaters May 16, 2019

Show notes

In this podcast episode, I'm tackling a big emotional topic for a lot of parents -- how to help your picky eaters become more curious, adventurous eaters.

Just about every kid goes through some phase (or multiple phases) of picky eating, and it can be a super frustrating and challenging time for parents. Using my own personal experience as a mom combined with everything I've read on this topic, we'll discuss a wide variety of strategies parents can use to help support the transition from picky eating to curious eating.

After this 30 minute episode, you'll have the tools to:

Shift your mindset and redefine what success looks like at the dinner table
Make dinner time a no-pressure environment
Create more fun around the dinner table
Involve your kids in the meal planning and cooking process
Plus so much more!

For all the links mentioned in this episode and to grab the transcript, head to our show notes: www.cooksmarts.com/podcast/5

#4: Pots & Pans: 7 Most Common Questions Answered May 09, 2019

Show notes

I've been to kitchens without a sharp knife or a can opener or prep bowls, but I've never been to one without at least a few pots and pans. No matter how minimal your kitchen is, you have definitely have at least 1 pot or pan. Now maybe you don't feel like you have the right ones but that's what we'll chat about in today's episode.

I'm covering the 7 most common questions I receive regarding these essential kitchen tools from how to pick them to how to care for them.

In this 30 minute episode, you'll learn:

If those pots and pans sets are really worth it
A system for figuring out the pots and pans you need (from size to material) for your specific cooking needs
How to get more out of your non-stick cookware
How to care for cast iron

For all the links mentioned in this episode and to get a list of our members' favorite pots and pans, head to our show notes: www.cooksmarts.com/podcast/4

#3: Meet Jess Smith Our Meal Plan Developer May 02, 2019

Show notes

One of the best things that's happened to Cook Smarts is bringing on a dedicated meal plan developer. Jess Smith joined the team in the spring of 2015, all the way from Thailand and has taken our recipe development process and the quality of our meals to a whole other level.

In today's episode, we're getting to know this multi-talented lady and also giving you a behind the scenes of our small little company. Plus, you'll get to hear:

How she made a huge career switch going from working for the State Department in Thailand to working in food full time and all the lessons she's learned during this transition

What it's like to go from food blogging to getting feedback -- sometimes less than positive feedback -- on every recipe you create
The most challenging part of the job and what's gotten easier over time

If you're someone who's wanted to make a career change and pursue your true passion, this episode is definitely not to be missed. Another added bonus: I also offer some advice to the entrepreneurs out there about building out your team.

For all the links mentioned in this episode and to see a picture of Jess' family of 5, head to our show notes: www.cooksmarts.com/podcast/3

#2: Leftover Herbs: Strategies for Getting More out of Them Apr 25, 2019

Show notes

Wasting herbs is something that has happened to all of us, but in today's episode I'll walk you through 5 different strategies for getting more out of them, so you don't end up in a situation where you're tossing spoiled, wilting [insert cilantro, parsley, basil, mint, sage, thyme, chives, etc.].

We'll discuss:

My simple 2 category herb classification system that'll help you decide which strategy to use
How to not have any leftover herbs to begin with
Different methods for freezing herbs and how to know which method to use depending on the leftover herb you have
How to turn your leftover herbs into a sauce that can be used to flavor a variety of dishes
How to use herbs even when the recipe doesn't call for it
Going beyond cooking and using herbs in drinks

For all the links mentioned in this episode and to leave us a comment, head to our show notes: www.cooksmarts.com/podcast/2

#1: Developing a Meal Planning System: A Survival Guide For New Parents Apr 18, 2019

Show notes

So many new parents tell me that figuring out what to feed themselves is one of their biggest parenting challenges. They wished they had figured out a meal planning routine earlier and not while dealing with all the other demands that come with being a new parent, so that's what we'll cover in this first episode!

In today's podcast, I'll walk you through my 4-step game plan for getting a cooking system in place before the baby comes, so that your sleep deprived brain has one less thing to worry about. These tried-and-true ideas for new parents can serve as your survival guide to feeding yourself!

We'll discuss:

How to stock up on freezer meals before the baby comes
How to create easy meal plans to help you get through the early days
How to keep yourself nourished all day long (remember - food for nursing mothers is paramount!), and
The most important cooking skill you should learn now to save time in the future (so you can spend more time with your little one or, let's be honest, catching up on those much needed zzz's)

For all the links mentioned in this episode and to leave us a comment, head to our show notes: www.cooksmarts.com/podcast/1

Our Cooking Podcast is Launching Late April! Mar 01, 2019

Show notes

Hi Friends, this is Jess your loyal and always enthusiastic kitchen cheerleader here. So I've got some really exciting news -- Cook Smarts is launching a podcast, and it'll be hosted by yours truly. We've already got a bunch of episodes taped, and I don't want you to miss any of them, so make sure you subscribe in iTunes, Stitcher, or whatever you use to listen to your podcasts.

Our first episode is definitely not to be missed. It's a new parent's survival guide to feeding yourself but has great lessons for every busy person wanting to get a better meal prep system in place. It's going live in mid-April right around when I start my maternity leave. So even though I'll be taking a little bit of time off, you'll still be hearing from me.

As I said before, we've got lots of great topics planned to help you become a more organized and efficient cook -- anything to make you a smarter cook, and many of them were suggestions from our community, of course. We'll also be interviewing some of our members and giving you a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into our business from time to time too. If you have a question or topic you'd like me to cover, just email us at hello@cooksmarts.com or just DM us on Instagram.

I'm so excited to spend even more time with you all, whether it's in your kitchen, car, gym, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Again, remember to subscribe so you don't miss our first episode when it goes live and all the ones to follow.

Meet you back here in a few weeks! Until then, happy cooking from your kitchen cheerleader.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

In the Kitchen With Cook Smarts

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected