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Food People, Parent Picks: we ask our favorite chefs, food writers, and industry insiders who we interview in our Order Up! Series to share the products, books, and bites they can’t live without.
💥 Did we mention things we LOVE?! 💥
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After surviving cancer in her early twenties, Loren Castle turned to baking as a form of healing—ditching artificial ingredients, embracing allergen-friendly swaps, and creating what would eventually become Sweet Loren’s AFFILIATE LINK: a cookie dough empire built on clean ingredients and serious joy.
In our recent Order Up! interview, Loren shared what fuels her: a deep love of family, a belief in balance, and a drive to make healthier food easier for everyone—especially parents navigating dietary restrictions or high-energy schedules.
Here, she shares her real-life kitchen favorites, from go-to weeknight meals to her secret weapon in the snack drawer. Equal parts practical and indulgent, Loren’s picks prove that feeding your family well doesn’t mean doing it all—it just means doing what works.
📚 Is there a food-related book or cookbook that has shaped the way you think about cooking and eating?
I’d recommend anything by Ann Marie Colbin. Her work, especially Food and Healing, really opened my eyes to how food can be both healing and delicious. It changed how I view ingredients and cooking—food should always nurture and taste great. (Get it on Bookshop.org or Amazon)
🍇 If we opened your fridge right now, what would we always find?
Coconut water, grapes, butter, berries, and jumbo blueberries—I’m really into them right now!
🍪 What’s your favorite dessert?
Warm chocolate chip cookies with sea salt and ice cream. I love chocolate peanut butter cup ice cream with it.
🍲 What’s a go-to meal you make when you’re short on time but still want something delicious?
A quick chicken veggie stir-fry.
🥘 What’s a recipe or dish you associate with pure comfort?
Spaghetti Bolognese. It’s just so cozy and satisfying.
🔪 What’s one kitchen tool you can’t live without?
My standing mixer. It’s a lifesaver.
🥙 Thinking about your kids, is there a pantry staple you always have for quick family-friendly meals?
Spinach cheese tortellini is always in the fridge—my kids love it, and it’s a great way to sneak in veggies. We also keep steel-cut oatmeal on hand for quick breakfasts, and a roast chicken for an easy, yummy dinner.
🧂 Do you have a go-to ingredient or shortcut for making meals taste better instantly?
The right amount of salt and high-quality olive oil are game-changers. They can elevate even the simplest veggies.
🍽️ Any cooking gadgets or appliances that make life easier for busy parents?
A rice cooker is a must, especially for quinoa and rice. A waffle maker is fun for mixing up breakfast, and a Vitamix or a good blender is essential. Also, a microplane for grating lemon zest or garlic makes life easier.
🥥 Do you have a favorite small business or artisan food brand you love to support?
I’m a huge fan of Kokomoo, a coconut water company at the Mar Vista farmer’s market in LA. Their coconut water and coconut milk (they even have vanilla and strawberry flavors) are decadent and delicious.
🍉 If you could splurge on one kitchen item, what would it be and why?
A high-quality juicer. I love green juices but buying them bottled gets expensive. I want a juicer that’s easy to clean and perfect for making fresh juice every morning at home.
🎁 Favorite food gift to give (or receive)?
I love sending steak or bison as a gift—it’s such a special treat. And surprise cakes are always a fun way to celebrate someone’s birthday!
