In The Kitchen: Adding New Purpose To Your Cooking Routine

I have always known that I have an affection for healthy food, a fascination for the origin of where organic produce is grown and harvested, and a love for experimenting with new recipes and flavors, but I have come to notice that time and lack of energy from a full schedule eliminated space to explore and grow in these passions. Cooking became more of a chore, gardening was a no-go since we weren't at home long enough to sustain it, and sometimes just picking up dinner from the Erewhon food bar was way easier than thinking about what to whip up. Not to mention, the task of cutting veggies and doing dishes just seemed daunting and anything but enjoyable.It's like a new world has opened up during this quarantine time. Cooking has become what I look forward to every day, our garden is thriving, the local farm we discovered is my happy place to buy organic and biodynamic produce + support a small business, and dishes seem like a breeze. I have been cooking almost every night with the windows open and the Florida Georgia Line radio playing, and Jase sometimes is creating the most beautiful cocktails next to me with freshly squeezed watermelon and orange. I am more intentional about using the produce we have because not many other options like we had before are available, and I have such a strong desire to feed our bodies with nutrition to keep our immune systems strong!I started a Master Class and Alice Waters is inspiring me to plan meals based on the ingredients I get from the farm, and it has brought about this whole new light and intention to cooking and meals! This time is truly bringing new purpose to what used to be a mundane activity. Now I cook out of necessity for health, conserving the produce we have, and it has allowed so much space for creativity. Who knew that I would develop a new excitement for making homemade salsas from the pretty tomatoes or roasted carrots from the cookbook I never had a chance to look through? There are truly so many silver linings in this time of unknowns, sadness, loss, and confusion. Embracing them makes every day a little brighter!How has this time added to your cooking routine?I'm excited to share with you over the next few weeks a few of the things I'm doing in my kitchen right now as a part of my In The Kitchen series – things like how to maximize your produce, what to grab when shopping, growing your own greens, and more.Follow along with me here, or at my Instagram where I often post a meal I'm cooking or kitchen must-have I'm loving. xShop My Look Here: Top, skirt, sunnies

Homemade Egg McMuffin.

My husband and I had an early trip back from Atlanta this past week, and his temptation for the random fast food splurge looked extra good even though we live on kale from our garden, cauliflower rice, and turkey burgers. One of my favorite things to do is figure out a way to make an unhealthy food option homemade and even more delicious than a breakfast goodie stuffed in a McDonald's bag. This is Jason's new favorite breakfast -- keep scrolling for the recipe!Ingredients (all purchased at Whole Foods)*Rudi's Organic Whole Wheat English Muffins*Applegate Naturals Cheddar Cheese Strips*Uncured Turkey Bacon*Brown Eggs*Coconut Oil*Salt and PepperDirections (makes one):1. Preheat the over to 350 degrees.2. Get out a small pan (I used a circular cake pan). Line the pan with foil.3. Cut an english muffin in half and place both open ends of the english muffin on foil.4. Spread coconut oil on each side of the english muffin like you would with butter.5. Place a sheet of cheddar cheese on one open side of english muffin to prepare for the final bake.6. Now put two strips of turkey bacon on a skillet. Put temperature on medium. I like to pepper the bacon. Cook desired amount (I like it extra crispy).7. Place the cooked turkey bacon on top of the cheddar cheese side of the english muffin.8. In the same skillet, spray coconut spray to prepare surface.9. Scramble two eggs. Add salt and pepper to add flavor.10. Place the finished eggs on top of the bacon.11. Put the pan with all prepared items into the oven for about 7-10 minutes.12. Serve and enjoy!