Build It and They Will Come
What’s for dinner?
Do you envy people who can whip up a fabulous dinner out of thin air?
Do you struggle when you look into your fridge after a long long day and you just don't have it in you to cook because there isn't anything to cook - but you have lots of random stuff in the fridge and pantry?
I had that moment tonight. I was super tired, my kid had a concussion, I was just getting over bronchitis and there was nothing left in me, I mean nothing.
I thought about what I could order for delivery and then the dreaded nutritionist guilt hit me square upside my head and I remembered, I remembered that I know how to build!
You too can build a meal!
The only reason it seems magical when others create a scrumptious meal out of nothing is because they know how to build it.
Okay, let's take tonight as an example. I knew I wanted something quick, savory, and comfort food.
Pizza came to mind but it didn't stop there. I could have picked up the phone and ordered a delivery but I already had everything I needed to make one myself.
Basically, I saved myself money by using what I already had.
Building meals one ingredient at a time
In times like these, knowing how to transform random ingredients into a delicious meal can be a true lifesaver.
It's a skill that can not only save you money but also open up a world of culinary possibilities right in your own kitchen.
As a nutritionist and a firm believer in the art of building meals, I want to share how this approach can not only satisfy your taste buds but also respect your cultural heritage and your wallet.
Building your own pizza
To build a pizza, I needed:
A base - a pita would do well if I toasted it first for a crunchy base but I could have used a tortilla, focaccia, french bread, or an English muffin
Cheese - yup I had some small pieces of two different kinds of cheese
The sauce - I made basil pesto last weekend which saved me many times throughout the week
Veggies and fruit - I had to dig but I had fresh figs which I sliced thinly, and mushrooms which I sauteed.
Anything else I need to use up? Yes (who doesn't?)... I had a couple of pieces of bacon on hand.
The Food Coach Academy
Voila! It was so delicious I could have cried but I was even too tired to do that.
This is what I teach in the Food Coach Academy - How to Build; a grain bowl, chili, salad, risotto, and dozens of other dishes.
I intentionally created the courses based on the “build it” model because I want to honor your:
Taste preferences
Cultural heritage
Wallet
It's not fair to ask those struggling financially to go buy random ingredients to make one dish and then have to throw the rest away. You will learn how to build meals yourself based on what you have and what you like, and then you can go out and teach others how to build. That is the only way to build equity and diversity into our food system.
You have the power to create culinary wonders!
As you venture into your kitchen, remember that you have the power to create culinary wonders from the most unexpected ingredients.
This skill not only brings joy to your taste buds but also aligns with your values. Through the "build it" approach, we can honor our diverse tastes, respect our backgrounds, and make mindful choices for our budgets.
Let's embark on this journey of building meals together, for it's not just about what's on our plates; it's about creating a more equitable and diverse food system for all.
The first course of the Food Coach Academy is in the pre-launch stage! Learn more about Taste and Flavor here, or sign up to take the course!
