Feature of the Week: Mrs. Shoener

Hayley's Mom is a chef so we decided to ask her some questions for this week's feature of the week!

When did you start to cook?

I started cooking when I graduated from college.  My grandmothers were awesome Southern cooks. Unfortunately, I wasn't interested in learning to cook until I lived alone and was starving!  Hunger was the great motivator.

What is your favorite thing about cooking?

I love the creativity involved in meal preparation.  There are so many new foods to try and the combinations are endless.  Also, I love feeding people and teaching others how to cook.

Do you have any formal training in cooking or are you self taught?

I am mostly self taught. However, my job with Crate Cooking School has given me the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing chefs from all over the country.

When you do cooking lessons what is your #1 tip for students?

Mastering the techniques of cooking not only instills confidence, but allows the cook to make dishes without a recipe.  That kind of freedom allows for more creativity.  For example, you are then able to buy fresh ingredients from the farmer's market without worrying about not having a recipe in hand.

When you cater what do you think about when putting the menu together?

First of all, I find out which foods are allergens.  It is also important to find out which flavors and foods the client does not like.  Does the client have dietary concerns such as a special diet?  I then think about current trends in food and try to keep the dishes new, interesting, and compatible with each other.  The food needs to look beautiful and taste great.

Since we've been talking about the parents influence on children's eating habits on the blog, what eating habits and or foods did you want to impress upon your kids?

Since fruits and vegetable should be 50% of our diet, I try to keep fresh, seasonal foods available.

What is your favorite vegetable and how do you like it prepared?

I have so many favorites!  Right now, I'm cooking different kinds of squash.  Delicata is amazing when sliced and roasted on the grill. Butternut squash pairs well with many other vegetables, such as fennel, potatoes, and kale.  Uchiki Kuri is so sweet it doesn't need any seasoning.  Experiment with new squashes from your local coop or market!