Melissa: The Love of Cooking
I cook because there’s beauty in the pattern of doing something everyday. And beauty in the way that it changes each day. I love to cook! – Melissa
We love when we hear people say that they love to cook! And for Kitchen Hero Melissa, it’s not just about loving to cook, it’s the whole package that comes with home cooked meals – healthy and delicious dinners, a way to relieve stress, impressing friends and family, and overall, feeling good about the food choices she makes. Read more about this Hero in the Kitchen’s appreciation for cooking below.
Names: Melissa Mietzel
Ages: 37
City, State: Canton, MI
I cook for: my hot sauce-loving husband, Matt, and my somewhat picky (unless it is fruit or a cookie) toddler, Michael. Oh, and family and friends, of course!
Outside of the kitchen: I work as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.
If I could have any superpower, it would be: the power to heal. I could not only get rid of minor injuries like cuts and bruises, but I would also help ease the pain of people suffering from serious illnesses. Cancer, Alzheimer’s, and AIDs would all be history.
I cook because: there’s beauty in the pattern of doing something everyday. And beauty in the way that it changes each day. I love to cook!
Favorite Cook Smarts meal so far: That’s a hard one – I have so many! I would have to go with Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken with Garlicky Bok Choy and Rice.
How did you learn to cook?
I never appreciated or paid much attention to my parents cooking when growing up. I got by in college but in grad school, I loved watching Martha Stewart cooking shows (stress relief!) and reading many, many, many cookbooks – which fueled my love for cooking. I may have a small cookbook obsession. . .
What’s been your biggest cooking challenge?
I wish I had the ability to just look at a bunch of ingredients and throw a quick but tasty meal together. My mom has this gift. I always seem to need instruction (and / or inspiration)!
How has your cooking routine changed since starting Cook Smarts’ meal plans?
Our meal planning is now a breeze and planning out our grocery shopping is done in a fraction of a time. I’m not sure who loves this more – me or my husband! A must for a busy family!
“Our meal planning is now a breeze and planning out our grocery shopping is done in a fraction of a time.”
Tell us about your proudest kitchen moment.
Cooking an entire Christmas dinner for my Dad’s family – including a wild turkey and moose roast! Talk about serving roast beast at the Christmas feast!
What are your tips for health and success in the kitchen?
Know your farmer, know your food! Joining a CSA 3 years ago was one of the best health moves I have ever made for me and my family.
Thanks, Melissa. You’re already conquering your cooking challenge by subbing your CSA produce in our meal plans! We’ve seen all the wonderful food photos you have shared with us, and everything always looks fantastic and delicious. We can’t wait to see what kind of roast beast you’ll be cookin’ up this winter!
To join Melissa and cook meals like her favorite Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken with Garlic Bok Choy and Rice, check out our meal plan service. You can get started for free!
