Judy: Becoming a Better Cook Every Day
I cook because it’s fun. It’s better for my budget. It’s better for my health. – Judy
Kitchen Hero Judy has been helping out in the kitchen since she was a little girl (check out that adorable photo below!), and she has been getting better at it the more she cooks. But like any determined chef, there’s always room for improvement – Judy is not only a Kitchen Hero, she’s also a Nourish alumni! She wowed us with her home cooked meals when she joined our cooking community, and she continues to impress us with her knowledge as she grows and refines her cooking skills, proving that even though you’re great at something, you can always become better. Read her Hero in the Kitchen story below.
Name: Judy Anthony
Age: 57
City, State: Houston, Texas
I cook for: usually just me!
Outside of the kitchen I: research my family history and read cheesy romance novels.
The strangest food I have ever eaten is: haggis.
I cook because: it’s fun. It’s better for my budget. It’s better for my health.
Favorite Cook Smarts meal so far: It’s a tie between Deconstructed Shepherd’s Pie and Black Bean, Zucchini & Goat Cheese Quesadillas.
HOW DID YOU LEARN TO COOK?
At first I learned from watching my mother. She taught me how to follow a recipe. Then there was Home Ec class in high school. Do they even have that anymore? I also loved watching Julia Child’s cooking shows over the years.
WHAT’S BEEN your BIGGEST COOKING CHALLENGE?
Cooking for one without falling into a rut or just caving in and picking up takeout after work. Before Cook Smarts I would often just cook a couple of casseroles on the weekend and eat them as leftovers during the week. It was repetitive and boring. By the end of the week I’d be eating out just to relieve the boredom!
HOW HAS YOUR COOKING ROUTINE CHANGED SINCE STARTING COOK SMARTS’ MEAL PLANS?
I actually sit down on Thursdays when the next week’s meal plan is posted and create my plan for the next week. And I make my grocery list. No more just winging it! I also do the suggested weekend prep. It’s wonderful to be able to head into the kitchen at the end of a long workday and be able to have a complete meal on the table so quickly. And, having that complete meal at night means that I’ve got my lunch for the next day made as well!
“It’s wonderful to be able to head into the kitchen at the end of a long workday and be able to have a complete meal on the table so quickly.”
Tell us about your proudest kitchen moment.
Over the Christmas holidays I made buttermilk biscuits from scratch for the very first time. Baking is definitely not my strong suit, so I felt really proud that they came out light and fluffy!
What are your tips for health and success in the kitchen?
Don’t be afraid to try a new ingredient or a meal you’re not sure you’ll like. I never knew I liked parsnips or turnips until Cook Smarts. (But I STILL don’t like asparagus!)
Judy, we’re so honored to be able to follow your cooking progress and be a part of your cooking journey. We’re glad that you have been able to switch up your dinner routine and discover new favorite vegetables. High five for all of your cooking successes! As for the asparagus. . .we can still work on that!
To join Judy and cook meals like her favorite Deconstructed Shepherd’s Pie and Black Bean, Zucchini & Goat Cheese Quesadillas, check out our meal plan service. You can get started for free!
