Maria Hensinger

IN THE KITCHEN WITH MARIA HENSINGER

Tell us about yourself:

I’m a first generation Italian American and love to try new foods. I went gluten-free about 10 years ago for some health reasons and have geared my cooking and baking towards that. I love to bake and cook in equal measure and share a lot of family recipes that I grew up with. Travel has been very important to my family. I have visited a lot of countries in Europe, where I always find new inspiration, foods, and cooking techniques.

How did you get involved in cooking?

Coming from an immigrant household as soon as I was able, I was helping in the kitchen. I can remember being really young with chores of shelling peas, as I got older it became making meatballs and pasta sauce. My mother says my favorite toys when I was little were pots and pans, and truthfully, I still love playing with them.

Describe your cooking style:

I love to create easy and approachable recipes that focus on whole foods that are currently in season. Generally my recipes take inspiration from my Italian roots and travels. All my recipes are gluten-free but can be easily adapted for regular cooking.

How did you learn about grass-fed meats?

When I was researching how to eat healthier years ago I stumbled onto grass-fed meats and how much better they are for you.

What is your favorite recipe featuring grass-fed meat?

Gosh that’s a hard one, I love baked pastas that have ground beef in them, like my skillet baked pasta (baked ziti) or lasagna. However, I also love a good roasted chicken throughout the fall and winter months. So basically all the cozy meat dishes you find in the colder months.

You’re stranded on a desert island; luckily, you’re stranded with your top 5 ingredients and one must-have kitchen tool:

Ingredients:
Olive Oil
Salt
Garlic
Ground Beef
Mozzarella Cheese

Kitchen Tool:
Chef’s Knife

Best cooking secret/tip/piece of advice you’ve learned:

Do not add oil to pasta water, it prevents the sauce from sticking to the pasta.

What’s your favorite quote/song for culinary inspiration (if any)?

“People who love to eat are always the best people.” Julia Child

Anything else you want to share?

Gluten-free food can still taste delicious. You may have to make it at home and not rely on ready made items, but it can be done.

Your social media links (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Youtube):

Food Social – https://foodsocial.io/user/stillwoodkitchen/recipes/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/stillwoodkitchen/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/stillwoodkitchen/
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/stillwoodkitchen/
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@stillwoodkitchen
Website – https://www.stillwoodkitchen.com/

Enter To Win!

Enter to Win our August 2025 Fab Food Giveaway for a chance to win $175 bundle of delicious & nutritious grass-fed and pastured meats. Contest runs from August 1 – August 13, 2025.