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Skimm Her Life is a weekly newsletter series. Skim ShoppingIt's a place for smart women to share their favorite things.
Our interview series, A quick look at her lifeis back, and today we have Ellen Marie Bennett, founder and CBO of Hedley & Bennett, answering all your cooking questions. For those of you who don't know the brand, it's A durable yet stylish apron.
You’re known for perfecting your aprons – what sets Hedley & Bennett apart from other companies?
Aprons used to be an afterthought in the kitchen. When I worked as a professional chef before founding the brand, I found that work aprons and uniforms were unfunctional, paper thin, ill-fitting and clearly made by people who don't cook. Hedley & Bennett's aim is to make aprons (and now other kitchen products) for people who love to cook and want to look and feel good while they do. And our aprons are built to last.
Name the person wearing a Hedley & Bennett apron who has impressed you the most?
Some interesting recent sightings include Meghan Markle, Juli James, Selena Gomez, and of course Jeremy Allen White (yes, that apron is ours).
What advice would you give to newbie skimmers in the kitchen?
It's okay to burn the chicken, it won't burn the second time around. Failure builds confidence.
What's your favorite unconventional use for a Hedley & Bennett product?
I have a garden outside my house, so when I'm cooking and realize I need herbs or lemons, I fold up the bottom corner of my apron to make a basket and use it to harvest what I need for the kitchen.
What are three Hedley & Bennett products you're obsessed with at the moment?
Do you have any advice for cooking tasty, refreshing meals in the summer? What's the summer equivalent of winter soup?
Go to a farmers market and walk around. Pick something that looks good and buy it. Personally, I like to start with an ingredient that excites me. And if I see some peaches that look good, for example, I'll Google peach recipes and go from there.
What are your go-to recipes each week? What's your favorite cookbook?
I love Barbuto's Cookbook By Jonathan Waxman, Italian-American Classics magazine Sababa Adina Sussman brings a fresh Israeli vibe to the show; Your House, My House Mexican-inspired piece by Enrique Olvera.
When it comes to my weekly recipes, bowl meals are a favorite in our house. Zojirushi rice I grab my cookware and cook as many meals as I can for the week. I'll have turkey meatballs or ground turkey ready to go, and I'll add sautéed collard greens, kale, kimchi, carrots, and whatever other raw ingredients I have on hand. I'll always have rice and beans, and sometimes I'll have something like queso fresco.
What is the essential cookware that everyone needs?
Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
