Many of you know I got married the weekend after graduating from Auburn University and started my dietetic internship that summer of 2010. We were blessed with lots of gifts including a fully stocked kitchen, but I really had no idea how to use these kitchen tools to prepare and cook a meal.
My Granny was a baker, cook, and from what I learned an idyllic housewife. She had 7 kids and raised them on a farm in Alabama so she obviously cooked a lot! My mom says there was always a dessert on the counter for the kids to eat when they had a sweet tooth and Granny would often cook elaborate family dinners. I can’t imagine how life was back then, but I sure like the slowness of the South.
Hi I’m Kristina LaRue, RD (registered dietitian nutritionist), Peloton addict and mama to two active and hungry boys. On Love & Zest, you’ll find healthy-ish recipes that fuel the whole family. I’m all about veggie-filled breakfast, meal prep recipes, healthier sweets, and easy weeknight dinners made in the Instant Pot or sheet pan.
Did you make one of my recipes?? Leave a review in the comments and tag @loveandzest #loveandzest on Instagram!
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I have so many nutrition questions. 🙂 I'd love to hear your thoughts on protein powders, eating to minimize inflammation and the role of good industry lobbyists on dietary guidelines. I hope I'm abusing your generous offer. 🙂
oh good thoughts! I will add these to my list of topics to cover. I'll actually be talking about inflammation tomorrow 🙂
Wow! Reading this post got me feeling really emotional. My grandmother lives in Korea and I used to visit her every two years or so. She always spoiled me with delicious home-cooked meals. My mother is an excellent cook as well but my grandmother def reigns supreme. It's been about 5 years since I had her famous dumplings as she got diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. I wish she had written down her recipes but then again I should know better…Koreans don't really follow recipes..everything's a rough measurement.
I, too, learned to cook by watching Food Network shortly after getting married. I've come a long way since then, that's for sure. And yes! Healthy food can and does taste delicious, and my husband now agrees after several years of complaining ;).
You always continue to inspire me! I'd love to see make some Korean dishes!
You always inspire me Min– not only w ur photography but w your spirit! I would love to make a Korean dish soon! Any suggestions?
I'm from Alabama too, and my grandma is exactly the same with her recipes. Like you, I've tried to make healthier versions of her biscuits and casseroles without the bacon fat and sour cream, which helps me satisfy my homesick cravings without too much guilt…though nothing will ever taste as good as it does in my grandma's kitchen!
Kindred spirits! Isn't it crazy how different we cook today?!
I'm new to your blog as well! So far I'm loving the recipes and have been pinning them for later use. I think you are completely right in your thoughts behind leading by example. Let someone taste how good something healthy tastes and then hit them with the nutrition info. Building that positive association is key!
Just found your blog, love it so far 🙂 My Grandma has recipe cards similar to these. There's something about old recipe cards that makes cooking so much better!! We have a recipe for banana bread that's been passed down a few generations that is on this tiny scrap of paper. We need to laminate it before it disintegrates, lol.
Awww yes! I made this little recipe book for my mom.. I thought it was a nice way to preserve and organize them. Thx for stopping by my blog! It's nice to have you here.