Do you remember back in July (I know, that's asking a lot hah) when I shared my steps towards becoming a better writer and the opportunity I had to edit a cookbook? Well this is it!!! I am so excited to finally share with you Nourished - a cookbook full of 30 delicious recipes and stories that will encourage you to get into your kitchen.
I am a huge fan of this cookbook because not only did it give us one of our go-to recipes, BBQ Enchiladas, but it honestly changed the way I look at cooking. I have always been a bit intimidated by the kitchen and the possibility of wrecking a meal, but author Natasha Red's words inspired me to move past that and focus on the meaning behind the meal. Working alongside Natasha throughout the editing process, I got a special glimpse at her heart behind the book and I wanted to share that with you. Check out this special interview, an exclusive recipe (yay!) from Nourished and a discount code.
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Before jumping to questions about the cookbook, tell us a little about yourself
Hi! My name is Natasha Red and I live in Texas with my husband Jordan, our daughter Reaghan and our son Everett. I run a small shop online where I sell Seasonal Meal Planning journals and other tools to help women find more joy and less fuss in the kitchen. I also share recipes and thoughts on being a mommy, hospitality, and cooking on my blog.
Why is cooking so important to you?
I have always noticed that food brings people together. When I worked in college ministry, it was so apparent - you serve food, students will come! The community building nature that food has is really what draws me to cooking. It brings me so much joy to know that something I've cooked brings another person joy. I also see cooking as a creative outlet for me, and it really is therapeutic in ways. Mainly though, I see how Jesus used meals to connect with his closest friends and those he wanted to love on, and many lives were changed around the table.
What made you want to write a cookbook?
When I was pregnant with my daughter Reaghan, I was at the gym, walking on the treadmill and watching a cooking show on the TV in front of me. This cooking show really struck me in a way I had never noticed before, and it made me angry. Haha! All I saw were perfectly measured out ingredients, a spotless kitchen, and thought to myself, "That's not real life. No wonder women are afraid to cook!" This is when the Lord really put it on my heart to write a cookbook directed at helping women find the joy in cooking simple food, and focusing on people, rather than the perfect presentation or preparation of the meal. I know that my kitchen is always a mess, I rarely follow directions, and many times I burn what I'm cooking! I want women to know that they too can cook for their family and friends and it doesn't have to be perfect.
What is one thing you want your readers to take away from Nourished?
When you focus on the people you want to gather around your table, cooking is so much more worthwhile. Serving people is at the heart of hospitality and feeding people is one of the best ways we can serve and love others. It doesn't have to be magazine or Pinterest perfect. It just has to come from your heart.
Where do your recipes come from?
My head! I get some inspiration from other cookbook writers I've read before, and meals I ate growing up too. A lot of the time just looking through a magazine or strolling through the farmer's market will inspire me for a new dish.
What’s your favorite recipe to make right now?
Since we are in the cooler months I am loving me some chili and cornbread! It's so comforting to sit on the coach with my husband and dig in to a yummy bowl, fire going, little miss Rae running around with cornbread, haha :)
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I am so thankful that the Lord connected Natasha and I through the Influence Network. She has an incredible heart for the Lord and building community through food, and her words are a taste of that. It has been an immense blessing being able to edit this cookbook. Being up close and personal with the words and recipes, I wholeheartedly recommend it. So without further ado, here is a recipe straight from the book, and a link to purchase Nourished. Your tummies and your soul will be thankful that you did.
And guess what?!
Natasha is offering a discount code JUST FOR YOU my readers!
Head over to the link and use the code: lovemin10 for 10% off your e-book purchase!
Already bought the book and love it?
Share what you're cooking using #nourishedcookbook and tag @natashajred on Instagram
- images by Casandra Hawkins -