back to school = back to swell

After the best summer ever, my kiddos are heading back to school. If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know what means-- it's time to start stocking the fridge and freezer with homemade goodness. But there's one difference this year…

I spent the plane ride home laying out how I was going to achieve my own goals in the time that they're in school. {Surely I am not the only one who thinks back-to-school rivals New Years in terms of fresh starts!} Yep, I tallied the hours they'll be in school, and then I started {totally anally} subtracting hours for all the things I need to do, and all the things I want to do. And the truth is, it didn't allow a lot of time to be running to the supermarket and playing Happy Homemaker each day.

Hmm… by now you know that family dinners are important to me. So, next, I laid out each day's afternoon chauffeuring schedule. Whoa. As much as I try to be thoughtful about after school stuff, that was all over the place-- some days family dinner could only happen at 5:00 {which means dad wouldn't be there}, some days it's at 7:30+ {which is dangerously close to my little one's bedtime}, and some days it's virtually impossible to get four people to the table even close the same time. And the real eye-opener was that there are very few days when I am home around dinner time {whatever time that may be} to do the cooking. Thankfully, I have some tools up my sleeve. {Exhibit A: The First Batch; Exhibit B: The Second Batch}

My plan to make this work starts slow. I've gone through both Meals in a Snap booklets, as well as some oldie but goodies from the blog and picked out 1-2 recipes to make each week. A stash of homemade meals doesn't happen overnight… but pretty soon our freezer will be well stocked.

The first two recipes I whipped up: a big {slow-cooked} batch of Bolognese for my 'meatarian' son, and a super quick and easy stash of Kale-Almond Pesto that my vegetarian son-- and all of us-- love.

I also have a few of the Veggie Calzones on hand in the freezer {made last May, from the Stock Your Freezer in a Snap - The Second Batch ebook} which make great "front seat to backseat" snacks or meals, if I'm in a pinch.

For those who want to follow along, I'll check back in and let you know what's getting tucked in the freezer next.

Here's to a great school year ahead, and to all of us busy moms getting fabulous homemade dinners on the table, while getting back to swell!

kitchen coaching: getting ready to test run the make-ahead meal program!

Oh my gosh folks, I am getting so excited. Now that my kids are back in school, I've been spending my time cooking, writing down recipes, freezing, reheating, and of course sampling, a variety of ahhmazing-- if I might say so myself-- make-ahead meals to share with all of you!

A group of lucky-- and super busy-- parents is giving the 3-week {with their feedback, it was upped to} 4-week Kitchen Coaching program a whirl starting this weekend.

I can't wait to work with them and get their feedback. I want to make sure it's as awesome a program as it can possibly be. As soon as it is, I look forward to sharing it with all of you.

Until then, you can delve into a stash of some freezer-friendly recipes here. Enjoy! And stay tuned for details on the Kitchen Coaching program soon.... get excited! Details will be posted here on the blog, so be sure to subscribe posts, or check back soon.

it's a wrap!

Just finished the last of my small group cooking lessons. So fun!! That's it for live classes this spring. But, if you want to be in-the-know for Fall offerings, be sure to send me an email and I'll make sure you know if/when we're gathering again!

the storm after the calm: another successful + fun cooking lesson

8:45am: the calm before the storm

11:15am: the storm after the calm

But what a delicious storm it was! I had class participants whizzing...

zesting...

mixing, laughing and sampling their new found repertoire of simple, healthy, plant-based recipes, inspired by the Mediterranean. Two more classes are on the calendar, these two focused on "clean eating". For more information and availability, simply email me. 

Mediterranean cooking class on a perfect spring day!

It's been a little quiet on the blog because I've been having so much fun teaching a few live cooking lessons. That, and... a few big blog-related projects. Oh, and my kids... and a weekend trip to FL for the most fantastic wedding. But I'm back now, and the kitchen's revved up again. (The kids were always revved up...)

Anyway, last week we focused on leafy greens, and this week it's all about Mediterranean-inspired fare... colorful seasonal veggies, healthy fats, a bit of zesty cheese, and lots of different whole grains.

I have one spot open in tomorrow's Mediterranean spot, if any of my local friends are looking for a fantastic culinary experience from 9-11am. Email me. First come, first served!

And, of course, we sample all of the amazing-- and simple-- recipes we whip up together. The classes have been wonderful; so much fun gathering in my kitchen, new friendships being made, and lots of laughs. For the latest availability and class descriptions, click here. I cannot wait to cook live with some of you soon!

feeling swell in the kitchen!

Why are these busy moms smiling? 

.........

Because they just learned 4 simple (and totally delicious + healthy) ways to bring more leafy greens into their family meals!

Today, friends gathered for the first Swellmom cooking class in my new kitchen!

I had them blending... 

stirring...

zesting...

and folding. 

And, of course, we sampled our culinary masterpieces!

If you would like to join me for some culinary inspiration, I've updated the class descriptions with the latest availability. You may email me to sign up, or ask to be added to emails about future class offerings. 

Can't wait to cook with many of you soon!

announcing SWELLMom spring cooking classes!

The time has come! Our kitchen is *almost* done, so I can (finally) say “yes” to all of you who have been asking for hands-on cooking lessons!! 

SWELLMOM Cooking Lessons:

How to feed your family well on the busiest of days… 

and still leave time to take care of yourself

(because no one wants a cranky mom come dinnertime)

This is the chance for just a few lucky (if I might say so myself!) moms (or dads) to enjoy in-person cooking lessons from yours truly. As a former personal chef, certified health coach, and fellow busy mom (who gets that you don’t have all day to hang out at the burners), the goal of these lessons is to teach you simple, healthy recipes that you can quickly + easily recreate at home. While the classes are fun—by all means, sign up with your friends if you’d like-- understand that these classes are the real deal. You’ll be doing the cooking, with my expert guidance. I want you to go home and feel 100% comfortable that you can recreate these recipes for your families.

For specific questions, to check availability, be placed on a wait list, or to inquire about private cooking lessons please email me. Class descriptions and current dates are as follows {class availability updated as of Wednessday, April 24}: 

“I Know I’m Supposed To Be Eating More Leafy Greens, But…”

We all know we are supposed to be eating more leafy greens, but how many salads can you assemble?! This class will teach you some of my favorite, family-friendly, quick + easy ways to serve up leafy greens including: green smoothies, make-ahead breakfasts, power-packed pesto, and more.

Tuesday, April 23rd (10am-noon)  - FULL!! - wait list only

or Wednesday, April 24th (9-11am) - FULL!! - wait list only    

Take Me To The Mediterranean!

Hearing all the buzz about the benefits—and deliciousness—of a Mediterranean Diet? Let me teach you simple, family-friendly recipes that highlight fresh spring vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich legumes. Drawing on my Professional Certificate in Healthy Cooking from the Culinary Institute of America’s Greystone campus-- but balanced with my first-hand knowledge that busy moms need snacks and meals that are quick and easy (and sometimes portable!)-- I will help you add in healthy, delicious, Mediterranean-inspired snacks and meals into your family’s repertoire in no time.

Tuesday, April 30^th (10am-noon) - 2 spots open!

or Wednesday, May 1^st (9:30-11:30am) - FULL!! - wait list only 

Getting Back to Swell – Clean Eating 

A few times a year, our bodies just need a break. We may feel sluggish, a little ornery, maybe a tad bit bloated... Busy parents, let’s set aside some time for you and have you heading into summer feeling swell again. As a Holistic Health Coach, former personal chef, and a busy mom (who, yes, has felt a little sluggish, ornery and maybe a tad bit bloated in the past!), I understand the desire to feel good, and the need for meals to be simple to prepare. I will be sharing my 1-week clean eating meal plan, and we'll gather in my kitchen to make sure you are comfortable whipping up some of these nourishing "clean" recipes up in your own home kitchen.  We’ll focus on delicious—and simple—preparations of fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods + good fats. This is a delicious way to get back to feeling swell before summer kicks off.

Tuesday, May 7^th (10am-noon) - FULL!! - wait list only 

or Wednesday, May 8^th (9:30-11:30am) -  1 spot available

Classes are held in New Canaan, CT. Each class includes 2-hours of hands-on instruction, all cooking equipment, all groceries, generous samples of each recipe, and special take-home gifts; maximum 6 participants/class. You may block out a class date with friends, or sign up as an individual and meet a nice group of moms and dads who also interested in bolstering their healthy cooking skills. 

Introductory pricing is $150/person/class. 

Please email me (mealsinasnap@gmail.com) for availability and more information on discounts. Please note that classes will be booked on a first-come-first-served basis, and payment is due within 72-hours of confirmed enrollment to hold your spot(s). 

I am so excited to have the chance to cook with many of you soon!