Nadine Hughes- the serial entrepreneur behind The Cooks Companion cooking classes and The Menu Companion (kitchen consulting) now offers fans and fans-to-be a new e-book called “The Groove Mama Goes Gourmet.” Read on to discover why any tired and over-worked mom or busy professional should get their groove back and learn how Nadine can help make that as easy as swilling a cold martini on a hot summer’s night!
Food Trends (FT): Tell us a bit more about you- how did you come to cooking and what did you do before that?
Nadine Hughes (ND): I have always had a passion for cooking but more importantly gathering friends and family together to share a meal. Regardless of where I was living or what I was doing career wise, we always had the home where people automatically congregated so I learned to feed masses of people on short notice. Upon selling our (my husband and mine) business in Australia and after years of catering and planning friends’ parities in my spare time, it was time to turn my passion into a business. I started The Cook’s Companion in 2001 and was mainly focused on cooking and entertaining classes for teens and adults. From there the business grew to menu planning (The Menu Companion) and kitchen consulting. The success of The Cook’s Companion was 1 part my product, 1 part my personality and 1 part my ability to create and execute a strong business model.
FT: And now you’re launching a new eBook called The Groove Mama Goes Gourmet. What's the concept behind the book?
NH: The Groove Mamma is part party planning, part menu and recipe planning, and part life coaching book all in one. It’s a practical way to show people, particularly time strapped parents that they can still (and should!) find the time and energy to gather friends and family together to share a meal.
FT: Why an e-book and not a traditional paper book?
NH: I had always intended in writing a traditional paper book within the next 12-18 months however over the last 6 months there was a strong demand from my clients, readers and viewers for all the realistic entertaining tips and menus that spoke to their busy lifestyles. An eBook was a great way to compile all the tips and planning resources that I have been sharing across all the spectrums of my business. I also liked the versatility and portability of an eBook- they’re accessible to all people across the globe, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, provided they have internet access.
FT: What was the inspiration behind writing this book?
The Groove Mamma Goes Gourmet is really an extension of how I live my life. I take great joy in sharing my home with people, whether it is a small intimate dinner party, a relaxed drink on the dock at the cottage or a big cocktail party. Many guests at my own parties always comment that I make it all look so easy. And it is because regardless of the size or style of party, the format remains the same. It’s getting a handle on the time saving tips that allow you to reduce the stress that is often associated with party planning which allows you to enjoy the party.
NH:
FT: What would you like to see happen to your clients and people as a result of this book?
NH: For me life is made up of memorable experiences – the bulk of which I can always relate back to a meal or the people I shared it with. I’d like people to realize that they don’t have to be the best cook or have the biggest house or spend the most money, they just need to have the desire to connect with their friends in a non-intimidating and stress free environment.
FT: What do you say to busy moms and professionals who say "I can't even manage a career and family much less entertaining at home?" Is it doable?
NH: Totally doable– you just need to adjust to your lifestyle. Maybe it’s not the large cocktail parties that you used to host but it’s a soup buffet after the kids go to bed on a winter’s night. Or a wine and cheese tasting party where everyone brings one bottle of wine and a cheese to match. Just do what you can, when you can. It’s often the stresses that we put on ourselves to be “the perfect host” and what we think is expected of us as hosts that is our down fall
FT: Top 3 go-to recipes when people are coming over and you find yourself time-strapped?
NH:
1- A well stocked cupboard or fridge that I can put together an antipasto platter together quickly. Cured or smoked meats, specialty crackers, cheeses and jars of marinated vegetables such as artichoke hearts, heart of palm, olives, sun dried tomatoes in oil. I will serve huge platters with fresh crusty bread, some good olive oil for dipping and glasses of wine.
2- I always have pasta on hand, lemons in the fridge, some sort of green such as arugula, chili oil and a block of parmesan. I can make this dish in 10 minutes and serve it with flat bread that I have in the freezer. Flavourful, fresh and beautiful.
3- A large cut of meat like the Beef Tenderloin recipe in The Groove Mamma Goes
Gourmet. It’s easy to feed a crowd, cooks in under 1 hour and can be cooked the day before and served at room temperature in the summer to beat the heat and save time.
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