Meet Sara Frost! Why you should know her? She's a talented chef in LA and is creating the most *delicious* recipes for us. So, we sat down with Sara to talk about her love of cooking, how she finds inspiration for new dishes, and her favorite Tejari recipe.
Holy moly your food looks delicious! When did you first realize your love for cooking?
Thank you! I’ve always been a solid home cook, but when I was 15 I decided to become a vegetarian. Although my parents were supportive, my mother’s response was, “Fine by me, but I’m not cooking two dinners every night”. So for the rest of my time at home, I would cook alongside my mother, making vegetarian versions of whatever she was making. It was definitely around that time when I really started digging into my cooking skills. It was true love from then on. (I’m no longer a veg, by the way, but I love my vegetarians out there!).
Where do you live? How does your environment affect the way you prepare and eat food?
Ooh! I LOVE this question. I was born and raised in NYC, but I’ve been living in LA for about three years now. Admittedly, we are absolutely spoiled over here with the produce. Before moving to the West coast, I had only experienced small, boutiquey style farmers markets. I’m so grateful that I’m able to cook seasonally for myself and my clients in LA. The access we have to fantastic produce, and knowing where my produce is coming from, is something I don’t take for granted.
How do you find inspiration to create new dishes?
I’m constantly exploring new cookbooks and revisiting old ones on my shelf. Instagram is also a great resource to keep my finger on the pulse of up and coming chefs like myself, but I try not to lean on IG for inspiration, as food trends come and go so quickly.
Where do you shop for meat and produce? What tips do you have for people looking to purchase fresh in-season food?
I wish there was as much access to incredible, affordable, organic foods in every town in the US and I’m painfully aware that there is not. However, my biggest piece of advice would be to educate yourself on vegetable seasonality. Screenshot a graphic and keep it on your phone so you can reference it at the grocery store or farmers market. If you can, try and research some C.S.A farm boxes and support your local farmers.
If you could only pick one meal to make for dinner for an entire month, what would you choose?
Dang! Tough question! Assuming calories don’t count in this fictional scenario and I could have pasta every night... , I’d go with Rigatoni alla Norma (eggplant pasta) and a hearty kale salad with miso-maple tahini dressing. Checks all the boxes in my book!
How does Tejari’s mission align with your own food philosophy?
Tejari is all about using real food, no chemicals, and plant-based protein. I want a clean protein powder that doesn’t act like a supplement. I love that I can seamlessly incorporate Tejari into my diet, and my client’s diets, without ingesting a bunch of junk; clean, nutrient packed ingredients that I can use in baking, smoothies and even my savory dishes!
Can you share a recipe you use that incorporates your favorite Tejari blend?
I make date-nut ‘energy bites’ all the time for my clients. It’s become their favorite go-to snack, dessert and late night craving. I love adding in the Tejari Cacao, Vanilla or even the Apple & Greens blend into this recipe to sneak in some protein to this client favorite. But, I’m developing a bunch of other recipes for Tejari, so stay tuned for that.
Where can people go to find your recipes? How often do you create new ones?
I recently launched my first e-Cookbook, “A Seat At My Table”, which is available for purchase over on my website. I often share recipes and walk-throughs on my Instagram as well. I love listening to my followers and getting them my recipes via DM whenever they request. Shoot me a message!
Follow along on Sara’s instagram @spooningwithsara for all the at-home chef inspo you need to take your meals to the next level!
