How Chef Lindsey Hargett Creates Connection Through Cooking

 “Food is joy,” exclaimed Lindsey Hargett, owner of LK Cooking, when asked why she loves being a chef. To her, food is how she connects with others. She wants to be known as the “treat lady,” and bring joy to others through her cooking. 

Cooking also brings out her creativity. She develops amazing recipes, teaches private cooking lessons, and teaches cooking classes at venues around Utah. She works as a caterer for private events too.

We sat down with Lindsey to talk about her love of cooking and connection. Here’s what she had to say:

Redmond Life: Why did you become a chef, and what do you love about it?

Lindsey Hargett: I’ve been cooking all my life and have always loved it. When I was little, before I could use the stove or oven, I’d draw pictures of the ingredients, put them in a bowl, and mix them together. Then I’d draw a mixed version and put it on top. Food is joy, food is love, and I love sharing that with people. That’s how I connect.

RL: Why does eating good food matter?

Lindsey: We’re kind of like cars. You have to put the right things in the car to make it work, and a variety of things at that. High-quality ingredients make a big difference, but I also believe that “fun foods,” or foods that create core memories, are important as well.

RL: What are your favorite things to bake and cook?

Lindsey: I love baking anything chocolate. I also love baking cookies, although I think that cookie dough is better than baked cookies. Cooking itself is a very creative process, and I love learning new cuisines. My favorite thing to cook or bake changes for me constantly! I love to explore whatever new foods sound exciting. I just went to Japan and found a lot of foods I want to try there.

RL: In your opinion, what role does food play in bringing people together and fostering connections?

Lindsey: Everyone needs to eat, so using food as a way to bring people together is just so natural! It's turned out to be the best way to make friends and build relationships for me, mostly because I think we can bond over good food so easily. 

RL: What has been important in your life journey?

Lindsey: Lately, what has been most important is making connections, building new friendships, and creating long-lasting relationships. I want deep, lasting friendships and to build a community. I like showing up for people and being there to help when they need it. You just moved, when can I give you two hours of unpacking? When can I bring breakfast for your kids? Putting actual effort in. Food is a big thing. Food gets us together. Dogs are also a big part of my life. I love feeding them whole foods, like microgreens, homemade broth, and sauerkraut. 

RL: When did you find Redmond products?

Lindsey: My very first client used Redmond raw milk and salt. Then Julie from Redmond’s Affiliate Team reached out to me when she was working at the store and asked me to teach at the Redmond Heritage Farm Store.

RL: What does Real Salt add to your cooking?

Lindsey: It acts as a "cheerleader" when I am not using it as a main flavor ingredient. When I just need depth and layers of flavor, I can use enough salt to get there without over-salting my food. But, if I want salt to be the star, Real Salt has the best flavor out there! 

RL: What’s your favorite Redmond product to cook with and how do you like to use it?

Lindsey: I am obsessed with the Lemon Pepper! I love the big bursts of flavor that the coarse grind gives to my food, from roasted broccoli to salmon and more! 

RL: Do you have any advice for home cooks who want to elevate their cooking skills?

Lindsey: Don't be afraid to mess up! Try new things, pay attention to what you're doing in the kitchen, and figure out why things went right (or wrong) when you try something new. Make a mental note of it, and apply that knowledge to the next time you get in the kitchen! Cooking is an art, so just start somewhere and build up from there. 

Want to learn more about Lindsey? Check out her website and Instagram. 

If you’re looking for something fresh and delicious to make for dinner, you’ll also want to take a peek at her Lemon Pepper Salmon with Avocado Pico recipe. We made it and loved it!