On a chilly winter day, you’re almost sure to find the Moe family cozied up in their La Crosse home. Chances are, Lindsay will be cooking up a delicious-smelling meal, or blogging about it on The Live-In Kitchen.
Lindsay began cooking shortly after marrying her husband Jeron, who also works from home and helps homeschool their four kids who range in age from eight to two. But Lola, Casper, Strummer and Wilder are also getting quite the education through their mom’s culinary adventures.
We asked Lindsay for the backstory — and a recipe recommendation!
What was it like teaching yourself to cook? Any memorable highlights or mishaps you’re willing to share?
Learning to cook is not for the faint of heart. If you work for hours on a recipe and it doesn’t turn out right, you’re left exhausted and hungry. There was one night when I came home from a long day at work ready to make what was labeled a thirty-minute meal. I was still new to cooking at the time and it took me a long time to gather the ingredients, chop them up and follow the recipe. Two hours later dinner was finally on the table but I was livid. I try to be really careful about how I label time on my recipes now because I don’t want anyone to be put in that position!
What are your favorite ingredients to work with and foods to make?
My favorite ingredients right now are fresh veggies like onions, sweet potatoes and avocado. It’s funny because I was such a picky eater as a child and hardly ever ate a vegetable, and now they’re the backbone of all my cooking. I cook mostly meatless meals for my family, and I have a soft spot for finding the best brownie recipe in the world.
What are the advantages or disadvantages of cooking in Wisconsin, a place with distinct seasons?
Winter tends to get a little bleak for me in the kitchen because I end up cooking with a lot of cheese and root vegetables. While they’re delicious, they’re also a little heavy and just not that pretty to look at. The seasons really help me enjoy the summer abundance of tomatoes, greens and corn, though, and in turn I take full advantage of them while I can.
What’s it like cooking, maintaining The Live-In Kitchen and home-schooling your kids?
Luckily my work can often put dinner on the table quite literally, so that helps. Don’t think for a minute that I have everything together, though. I have to prioritize every day and plan really well about what needs to happen and when so that we can fit in school and other commitments. Housework definitely takes a backseat to work and school!
What do you hope your kids learn about cooking and food?
I hope my kids learn that cooking is fun and worthwhile. I’d also like them to have at least a few recipes they can make on their own before they leave home. My six-year-old can make some great scrambled eggs, which is so helpful when things get busy!
What are your kids’ favorite recipes?
My kids go seriously nuts for Ina Garten’s penne alla vecchia bertolla. It’s a spicy vodka sauce, and they call it everybody’s favorite pasta. We can also all agree that Joy the Baker’s creamy tomato soup is the best, along with my homemade granola bars and literally any cookie I’ve ever made!
What else do you like to do together as a family?
We’re total homebodies, which makes cuddling up for a movie or singing songs on the guitar a lot of fun for us.
Could we get your recommendation for a great recipe to make this winter?
Here is my recipe for Crispy Quinoa Bake — it’s one of the most popular recipes on my site and such a warm, healthy, yet comforting meal for winter.
Photos courtesy of The Live-In Kitchen and Driftless Imaging.