In a non-descript store front in Chicago's West Village neighborhood magic is created. Chef Jill Houk, co-owner of Centered Chef Food Studios is also one of Sara Lee's six (6) chefs who develop, create and test recipes for Sara Lee brands; recipes that are easy to make and economical. What makes her unique as a chef is that between running her own business and working for Sara Lee she has had the unique opportunity to create and test recipes, cater, create a media presence for herself and her business, and do her own food styling. As a former IT professional with a degree from Northwestern University she made the switch from corporate to culinary five years ago and hasn't looked back!
The mother of a busy 5th grader, Chef Jill knows what it's like to balance career and home life and the challenges that can present. She was instrumental in helping create Hillshire Farm's FREE e-book, SUPERMARKET MANI-FEASTO which is a simple, easy to read guide that provides tips for making trips to the grocery store easier for mom and the little ones!
Key tips from the guide which you can download here:
•When to shop (WEDNESDAYS are the best days since the stores are fully stocked before the weekend!)
•How to avoid sugar traps
•Map your shop and stay on course
•Select the right checkout aisle (getting out quickly without spending more $$ while waiting in line!)
In addition, the guide has some easy to make, yummy recipes that are perfect for any gathering (Super Bowl party perhaps) and easy on the pocketbook.
Personal tips from Chef Jill on work/life balance:
Must have item: Blackberry. She uses it for email, reading documents (like the Mani-Feasto), and more importantly, keeping track of her son's school/sports schedules as well as her own work schedule which involves travel and media appearances.
Dinner: Get your kids involved with shopping and preparing the meal. It doesn't have to be perfect but it's a great way for you to spend time together and for them to help create something. Yes, it may take you more time to get out of the store and a little longer to prepare dinner but chances are your kids may be more inclined to fuss less at the dinner table if they had a hand in the process of making it.
Chef Jill is one Chic Mom. She's tech savvy, food savvy and is passionate about her work. For more recipes, coupons and ideas for great simple meals, visit www.gomeat.com. To find out more about her or Centered Chef Food studios, visit www.centeredchef.com.
