Lili: Embarking on a Culinary Adventure with Homemade Meals
“I am amazed at the variety of vegetables we are now enjoying. Each meal is like a mini culinary adventure for me!”
Our Kitchen Hero, Lili, is a busy attorney who doesn’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. However, she makes the most of her cooking time by trying new ingredients and learning how to become an ever better chef than she already is. From discovering vegetables like butternut squash to enjoying filling entree salads, Lili is exploring the wonders of food and cooking and overcoming her cooking challenges. Read her Heroes in the Kitchen story below.
Name: Lili
Age: 29
City, State: Fort Lauderdale, FL
I cook for: myself and my husband
Outside of the kitchen I: am an attorney, dog-lover, binge-tv-watcher, book-reader, and gym-goer — with little time to spare in the kitchen!
Being able to cook allows me to: take control of our food intake by using real food and cooking healthy meals.
Favorite Cook Smarts meal: Rotisserie Chicken Chopped Salad. I took one bite and realized, “Hey, I might actually enjoy this salad thing!”
How did you learn to cook?
I learned how to cook by observing and helping my mom in the kitchen. She dutifully prepared homemade meals everyday for the family. By helping my mom, I learned the basics – but Cook Smarts has given me a whole new sense of confidence in my cooking.
What’s been your biggest cooking challenge in the past?
In the past, my biggest challenge has been getting over my fear of cooking new vegetables. I am amazed at the variety of vegetables we are now enjoying. Each meal is like a mini culinary adventure for me!
How has your cooking routine changed recently?
My cooking routine has changed drastically. My old cooking routine can be described in one word: “Waste.” I felt like I was wasting so much time, food, and money. Cook Smarts gave me the direction I desperately needed. The customized grocery lists have made grocery shopping a no-brainer. The recipes for each week are so well thought out, often incorporating ingredients from a previous meal.
“Cook Smarts has given me a whole new sense of confidence in my cooking.”
What new skill or dish have you cooked that you’re most proud of?
One of the first recipes I cooked when I subscribed to Cook Smarts was Butternut Squash Curry. I remember looking at the butternut squash and thinking, “Wow, this is so exotic!” I watched the instructional video to learn how to chop a butternut squash, and I felt like a real “hero” when I successfully chopped it – and even more so when the dish turned out delicious! (Looking back, butternut squash probably isn’t really that exotic at all – especially considering all the new vegetables and meals I’ve prepared since!)
You are a true Kitchen Hero for taking the steps to provide healthy and delicious meals for you and your husband, Lili. We are very lucky to be a part of your culinary adventures through all your delicious food photos. We look forward to continuing on this cooking journey with you!
To join Lili and cook meals like her favorite Rotisserie Chicken Chopped Salad, check out our meal plan service. You can get started for free!
