Q&A: Ask a Kitchen Herbalist
I’ve been wanting to create more of a Q&A space within this recipe newsletter for a while and now feels like the perfect time. Last week, over on IG, I shared some ways I’m trying to be more organized in the kitchen as I start the year ahead.
I’ll share more on that in just a bit, but I also posed the question, “Where are you struggling with meal prep/recipe inspo/nourishing rituals?”
Needless to say, I was surprised at just how many people reached out with all kinds of requests and places they need support in the kitchen.
I know for myself stepping into the new year has felt like anything but normal. From getting the flu to enduring two weeks of intense storms, it didn’t start off smoothly.
I immediately felt behind in my work, my kitchen practice, and being able to take care of myself in the ways that made me feel my best.
If you’ve been going through something similar, you’re not alone. Especially, after all of the messages I received, I realized how many of us are needing a place to ground into and reconnect to a place of nourishment—on many levels.
One way I’ve been getting back on track is by creating a list of what I have on hand and what I need to use. Things like produce, protein, and pantry items.
I keep a note in my phone where I can list these out and see them, rather than trying to remember it all. Here’s a peak at my notes app below:
From there, I focus on a few items from each category and add them to a little chart to make them easier to keep track of.
Then, I like to do a brain dump of different recipe ideas I can make with the items. I’ll often scroll through the archives of this very recipe newsletter to get my creative juices flowing. To get access to over 50 herbal recipes, upgrade your subscription here.
That way, I’ve got some meal inspiration for the week and can make a plan from there. This is also a good place to list any other ingredients I might need for my meals from the grocery store.
Keeping everything in one place is key for me and ultimately makes everything streamlined so I feel less overwhelmed around cooking.
I’d love to know if you tried this out on your phone and if it helped you or not.
Okay, now onto the questions. These are just some of the questions I received and will be sharing more here in the next few weeks. Drop any questions you’d like me to answer in the comment section below!
Ask a Kitchen Herbalist
Q: What are some ideas for easy breakfast options to eat while you’re on the go?
A: Quick is key while also making sure it's nourishing. If you don't have a lot of time or are on the go think about things you can make ahead. Some meals that are easy to reheat rather than needing to cook are:
~ Porridge with stewed fruit and spices
~ Polenta with 6-minute eggs and sautéed garlic greens
~ Overnight protein oats with stewed fruit
~ Baked oatmeal with yogurt (stir in your adaptogens!)
~ Even breakfast burritos that you can freeze and reheat on a busy morning
Q: How do you stay inspired when you feel like you cook the same meals?
A: The good news is you've got some solid recipes in your tool kit that you feel confident making. I like to stick with a base or foundational recipe I know how to make and then switch up the veggies, beans, protein, or herbs to add variety.
When I'm in a rut, I’ll go on Pinterest, scan some of my favorite foodie websites, or flip through my cookbooks to get new ideas for using all kinds of everyday staples.
For instance, I've got so much squash and cabbage right now because that's what's in season, so I'll search specifically for these kinds of recipes.
Or I’ll go back and look at recipes I’ve shared here like this Butternut Squash and Tahini Dip and Crispy Skin Salmon, Herby Cabbage Salad, and Balsamic Black Lentils.
Q: How do you find the motivation to create a routine or rituals in the kitchen?
A: We all can get into ruts around cooking and mealtime. Some of my favorite ways to want to spend time in the kitchen and tap into creativity rather than overwhelm are to:
Make it feel ceremonial by lighting candles, putting on music to get in the mood, and burning cinnamon or rosemary to help shift my energy.
Walking into a clean kitchen definitely helps me feel more at ease and ready to cook.
Try and approach cooking as an act of deep love and care for yourself rather than a chore. You're also setting yourself up for success later which can feel like a gift to your future self.
Invite friends or family over to cook with you! You can even rotate who’s house you go to and make it a fun gathering.
If you’re struggling to find more ease in the kitchen, ideas for nourishing everyday meals, and confidence infusing the magic of medicinal herbs into your rituals, The Kosmic Cooking Club Series: Healing Herbal Foods for Winter is just for you!
Designed to save you time and energy, you’ll learn powerful (yet simple) tools to make everyday meals medicinal without the stress.
Beautiful, easy-to-follow- shopping lists and seasonal guides take the guesswork out of planning. Plus—with live and recorded classes, you’ll feel like I’m in the kitchen with you!
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Week 1: ENERGETICS OF WINTER
Learn how to balance the cold and wet energies of winter with warming and invigorating remedies & simple shifts in your daily routines. We’ll also go over ways to create your kitchen sanctuary for the weeks ahead and create a space you feel empowered cooking.
WEEK 2: KEY HERBAL PREPS FOR THE SEASON
By making your own pantry staples, you’ll feel confident infusing healing herbs and spices into everyday meals and learn how to make a Warming Winter Tea Blend, Adaptogenic Chili Crunch Oil, Herbal Cough Syrup, Ginger Beet & Nettle Kraut, Miso Bouillon & Milk Thistle, and Seaweed Gomasio
WEEK 3: NOURISHING HERBAL MEALS
In Week 3 you’ll learn how to save time in the kitchen and infuse some of your herbal preps into everyday meals like Smokey Bean Stew with Adaptogenic Chili Crunch Oil, Cilantro Flatbreads & Winter Greens Salad with Turmeric Tahini Sauce
WEEK 4: NOURISHING HERBAL MEALS
For the final week, we’ll continue making medicinal meals with ingredients you’ll find at your local grocery store or farmers market, such as Lemony White Bean Chicken Nettle Soup, Fennel Citrus Salad, and Drop Biscuits with Ghee
This live and recorded workshop series goes out on Sundays at 10 am PST on 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, and 3/5!
Sign-ups close Saturday, February 11th, so head here to learn more and save your spot!
Can’t wait to get in the kitchen with you!
xx- Sarah Kate