Okay, confession time: I used to HATE vegetables. Like, genuinely despise them. Growing up, "healthy eating" meant boiled broccoli that tasted like sadness and steamed carrots that looked like punishment. Is it any wonder I survived on pizza and mac and cheese through college?
Then I met Arlo in grad school (I was getting my nutrition degree—ironic, right?). He was this amazing cook who could make vegetables taste like actual food. On our second date, he made a roasted vegetable medley that literally changed my entire worldview. I remember thinking, "Wait... vegetables can taste GOOD?"
That was my lightbulb moment. I'd been studying nutrition for two years, learning about antioxidants and fiber and all these amazing benefits, but I'd never actually ENJOYED eating healthy. Arlo showed me it was possible. And once I figured out the secret (hint: it's all about seasoning, roasting, and NOT boiling things to death), there was no going back.
The dynamic duo: Sarah & Arlo making healthy cooking fun
The Casserole Awakening 🥦
After we got married, Arlo and I started meal-prepping together. We'd make these huge batches of food on Sundays—quinoa bowls, roasted veggies, grilled chicken. It was efficient, but let's be honest: it was also kind of boring. Week three of eating the same quinoa bowl, and we were both ready to quit.
One Sunday, out of desperation, I threw everything into a casserole dish—quinoa, vegetables, some cheese (because I'm not a monster), herbs, a little broth. Baked it for 30 minutes. And you know what? IT WAS AMAZING. Suddenly, meal prep didn't feel like work. It felt like... comfort food?
Fresh, vibrant, and absolutely delicious
That's when I realized: casseroles are the perfect vehicle for healthy eating. You can pack them with vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins—all the good stuff. But because everything's baked together, the flavors meld and develop. It doesn't taste "healthy." It just tastes GOOD.
This is what loving your food looks like
Joining the Easy Casserole Family 👨🍳
A few years later, I started a blog sharing healthy casserole recipes. That's how I met Hervé. He reached out and said, "We're building a casserole team. We have comfort food covered. We need someone who can make it healthy WITHOUT making it sad."
Challenge accepted. I joined forces with him, Jessica (who taught me that you CAN use some butter and still be healthy—it's about balance), Alexandra (dessert casseroles are their own food group, don't @ me), and Imène (who introduced me to spices I'd never heard of and completely leveled up my game).
The Philosophy 🌱
Here's what I believe: Healthy eating should feel good, not like punishment. You shouldn't have to choose between nutrition and flavor. You shouldn't feel guilty about eating casseroles. And you definitely shouldn't have to eat sad, boiled vegetables ever again.
Every recipe I create is designed to be packed with nutrients, full of flavor, and easy enough that you'll actually make it on a busy weeknight. Because what's the point of having a "perfect" healthy recipe if it's too complicated to ever cook?
So whether you're trying to eat more vegetables, feed a picky eater (looking at you, past Sarah), or just want to feel amazing after dinner instead of needing a nap—I've got you covered. Welcome to healthy casserole heaven. Let's do this. 🥗