Ellen Marie Bennett on Everything You Need for a Successful Home Kitchen

Skimm Her Life is a series in our weekly newsletter, Skimm Shopping, where smart women share their favorite things.

Our interview series, Skimm Her Life, is back. Today, Hedley & Bennett founder and CBO, Ellen Marie Bennett is here to answer all of our cooking-related questions. If you aren’t familiar with the brand, it’s famous for its durable, yet design-forward aprons.

You’re known for perfecting the apron. What makes Hedley & Bennett stand out amongst the rest?

Aprons have been an afterthought of the kitchen. When I was cooking professionally before founding the brand, I always thought my apron and uniform at work was not functional, paper-thin, horribly fit, and clearly made by people who don’t cook. Hedley & Bennett’s entire purpose is to make aprons (and now other kitchen products) for people who love to cook and want to look and feel good while doing so. They’re also made to last forever.

Name someone wearing a Hedley & Bennett apron that you were the most starstruck by.

There have been so many! A few recent fun sightings are Meghan Markle, Zhuri James, Selena Gomez, and of course, Jeremy Allen White (yes, that apron is ours).

What advice would you give to Skimm’rs who are beginners in the kitchen?

Be willing to burn the chicken. You probably won't burn it the second time. Every mistake is a notch on your confidence belt.

What’s your favorite unconventional way to use a Hedley & Bennett product?

I have a garden outside my home, so I’ll be cooking and realize I need an herb or a lemon. I’ll turn my apron into a basket by folding up the bottom corners and harvest what I need for the kitchen.

Name three Hedley & Bennett products you’re obsessed with right now.

• 5-Inch Utility Knife: I use it for anything little. It minimizes work and it’s easier to handle compared to larger knives.

• Liberty of London Elysian Day Crossback Apron: It dresses up the most simple of outfits.

• Chef Hat: I love gifting these hats. They’re timeless and I see chefs rocking them everywhere I go.

Any advice on cooking delicious, refreshing meals over the summer? What’s the summer equivalent to a winter soup?

Go to the farmer's market and walk it. Decide what looks good to you and buy it. Personally, I love to lead with an ingredient I’m excited about. Then, if you see a few great-looking peaches for example, Google a peach recipe and go from there.

What’s your go-to weekly recipe? Your go-to cookbook?

I love The Barbuto Cookbook by Jonathan Waxman for Italian-American Classics, Sababa by Adeena Sussman for fresh Israeli vibes, and Tu Casa Mi Casa by Enrique Olvera for Mexican inspiration.

For my weekly recipe, we’re big on bowls in my house. I always have rice in my Zojirushi rice cooker and I prep as much as I can for the week ahead. I’ll have turkey meatballs or ground turkey prepped, and I’ll add sauteed collard greens, kale, kimchi, carrots, and whatever other raw ingredients I have on the fly. I always include some rice and beans and maybe something like queso fresco.

What are some essential cooking tools everyone needs?

• Le Creuset’s Dutch Oven

• Masienda’s Molcajete

• Masienda’s Tortilla Press

• Hestan’s NanoBond Cookware