“I feel like I’m still learning [how to cook], but things are getting easier.”

If there’s one thing about cooking, it’s that you are always learning something no matter how good you are. Lin has impressed us with all the photos of the delicious meals she has created, but making a tasty meal is not all there is to it. This Kitchen Hero has to take care of the little ones, cook dinner, and get the kids to eat the food! But by starting small and taking things easy, Lin is learning how to juggle family and cooking healthy meals, and we must say, we’re even more impressed! Read her Heroes in the Kitchen story below.

Name: Lin Snow
Age: 31
City, State: Parksville, British Columbia, Canada
I cook for: myself, my husband, and our two kids (Maya, 3.5 years; Kai, 9 months).
Outside of the kitchen I: admin a group for local families who babywear (carry their babies in carriers), knit, watch movies, hike, and visit the beach.
Being able to cook allows me to: save money and plan ahead to feed my family healthy foods.
Favorite Cook Smarts meal: Pesto Pasta with Peas & Strawberry Fennel Salad

How did you learn to cook?

I used to watch my mom cook, and she would let me stir or add ingredients if she was baking. I learned to make actual meals after I moved in with my husband 11 years ago. I remember buying Cooking for Dummies! And I watched a lot of cooking shows on TV. I feel like I’m still learning, but things are getting easier.

What’s been your biggest cooking challenge in the past?

Trying to find time to cook with two kids to care for. It seems like the days just zoom by and I realize, “Uh oh… what’s for dinner?!”

How has your cooking routine changed recently?

Cook Smarts has helped me to have the right ingredients in the fridge for a whole week of dinner. I hate starting a meal and realizing I’m missing a key ingredient! I’ve also begun doing prep work on the weekend for the week and that makes weekday dinners so much easier!

“Cook Smarts has helped me to have the right ingredients. I hate starting a meal and realizing I’m missing a key ingredient!”

What new skill or dish have you cooked that you’re most proud of?

Anything that my 3-year-old will happily eat makes me really proud! I’ve learned how to present meals to her and get her involved so that she is excited about the food. Meals are much more peaceful now!

What advice would you give to other home cooks who want to cook more homemade meals?

Start small and don’t overwhelm yourself. Pick one or two meals you want to try making. Break it down into simple steps. And read the recipe before you start!

Thanks, Lin! We know it can be hard to take care of the kids and get a healthy meal on the table in time for dinner. We’re glad we can help with the meal planning, but we’ll leave it to Maya and Kai to help with the actual prepping and cooking!

To join Lin and cook meals like her favorite Pesto Pasta with Peas & Strawberry Fennel Salad, check out our meal plan service. You can get started for free!

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