Aishah: Comfort Foods Made Healthy
Don’t completely eliminate family favorites. The occasional comfort foods, even if they’re not so healthy, just make for a happy family.
-Aishah
#KitchenHero
Just reading the words “smothered in gravy,” “crispy and fried,” and “cooked in butter” can make anyone’s mouth water. For Kitchen Hero Aishah, she grew up eating and cooking such foods, and while we do envy her, these foods are not necessarily the healthiest, no matter how tasty they are. So Aishah decided to start making healthier versions of favorite comfort foods, and they are so delicious, that even her husband couldn’t resist! (Just take a look at her healthy, home-cooked meals in the photo above!) But of course, it never hurts to indulge in the usual comfort foods once in awhile. After all, good eating makes for good times! Read her Hero in the Kitchen story below.
Name: Aishah Muhammad
Age: Great-grandmother and that’s all I’m saying. LOL!
City, State: Columbus, OH
I cook for: mostly my husband and I, but I also do a lot of meals for my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and neighbors.
Outside of the kitchen I: am a volunteer fundraising coordinator for a non-profit social service organization.
I cook because: I love to try new things and it’s how I unwind at the end of the day.
The 3 pantry items I cannot live without are: Turmeric, Ginger and Garlic
Favorite Cook Smarts meal: Asian Summer Rolls – I’m addicted to nuoc nam.
How did you learn to cook?
My grandmothers taught me to cook on a wood stove.
What’s been your biggest cooking challenge?
Finding healthy options that my husband will actually like.
How has your cooking routine changed since starting Cook Smarts’ meal plans?
Before Cook Smarts, I was a “country cook.” Everything was cooked in butter, fried or smothered in gravy. It all tasted good and it was real food, but it wasn’t necessarily healthy. Now, I’m still cooking foods we enjoy, just in a healthier way.
“Before Cook Smarts, I was a ‘country cook.’ Now, I’m still cooking foods we enjoy, just in a healthier way.”
Tell us about your proudest kitchen moment.
I started not to make one of the Cook Smart meals that had several things my husband usually turns his nose up at. When I told him, he reminded me that we’re supposed to be trying new things and keeping an open mind. Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks!
What are your tips for health and success in the kitchen?
Don’t completely eliminate family favorites. The occasional comfort foods, even if they’re not so healthy, just make for a happy family.
Thanks, Aishah! We love to eat healthy, but we’re all about indulging every now and then. What we love even more, though, is seeing all the dishes you have created and hearing that your husband is enjoying them. Don’t worry – we’ll remember to add a steak in our meal plans for him every now and then, since he’s been such a good sport!
To join Aishah and cook meals like her favorite Asian Summer Rolls, check out our meal plan service. You can get started for free!
