05 Jun Inside the Fridge welcomes chef turned nutrition grad student Destini Borchardt

Inside the Fridge welcomes Destini Borchardt. Destini is a nutritional science graduate student and dietetic intern at Stephen F Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. She has recently accepted an exciting internship here at Robinsbite! Destini is also a graduate of Texas Tech University and the International Culinary Institute. Destini is passionate about optimizing the health of families through food and nutrition. She believes that nutrition education is the keys to helping individuals understand how to make permanent lifestyle changes.  In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time with her family and pups. Follow her on Twitter or on Facebook!

ITF: Where do you shop for food?

DB: Kroger, HEB, and the local Farmers Market for seasonal fruits and vegetables.

ITF:  Do you love food shopping or dread it?

DB: I LOVE grocery shopping! I love seeing what other people buy and which items inspire them. Grocery shopping gives me inspiration for my weekly meals.

ITF:  What is the single most important thing on your mind when you are shopping for food?

DB: Nutrition and Taste.

ITF:  How often do you shop?

DB:  Usually once a week. I have one big shopping trip at the first of the week. During the week I will make another trip, for fresh produce, something I forgot off my list or if I get inspired by a new ingredient and want to create a fun new dish!  If I could grocery shop every day I would.

ITF:  How many do you shop for? Ages? 

DB: I shop for 2 people, myself and my husband, both 24. However, we are always entertaining so I frequently shop for more than just us two.

ITF:  How many times a week do you eat out? (based on 21 meals/week)

DB: I rarely eat out during the week. Weekends are when I tend to eat out. I’m big into brunch and sustainable restaurants, so I like to explore local restaurants that offer locally grown produce and brunch options, and a good mimosa!

ITF:  How do you plan your weekly meals? Create a spreadsheet of fly by the seat of your pants? 

DB: Every Sunday night, my husband and I sit down and plan out our weekly meals. I usually do all the work, while he informs me of his latest cravings.  Some days the schedule gets thrown out the window and I improvise. Sunday is the day I prepare ingredients for my crockpot meals and make side dishes to use throughout the week.  Regardless of what ends up on our plate we eat together as a family with little distraction.

ITF What is the most coveted food in the fridge right now for each member of the household? Why?

DB: My husband would tell you that it is a tie between chocolate milk and orange juice. My most coveted food would be Chiobani Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is my go to food. I can grab it as I head out the door before class or eat it as a snack!

ITF:  Do you believe in leftovers?

DB: Absolutely! In our house there is a special night reserved just for leftover. I also use leftover to help “bulk up” a meal or take for lunch the next day.

ITF:  What cooking utensil/piece of equipment/appliance do you live for?

DB: Santuko Knife, Kitchen Aide mixer and Crock Pot. As an intern, my day starts early and ends late, this means little time to cook. My crock-pot is able to do the job for me while I am busy during the day.

ITF:  What was the last meal you cooked from scratch?

DB: Dinner last night: Ginger and spicy mustard chicken stir-fry over brown rice.

ITF:  When you hear the word “homemade” what is the first thing that comes to mind?

DB:  Mexican Rice Cereal (Arroz con Leche) and my Family. My mom makes the best rice cereal, which she learned to make from her mom. It’s my ultimate comfort food.

Thank you Destini!

If you would like to be featured on Inside the Fridge, please email Robinsbite intern Destini Borchardt- [email protected]