Perfectly Strong Women: Ruthy Kirwan

What is your definition of a Perfectly Strong Woman?
Someone who’s not afraid to voice her opinion, loves deeply, and works her ass off.

Tell us more about your business.
I created PercolateKitchen.com to help busy working parents beat the weeknight dinner rush. I share simple, easy-to-follow recipes, kitchen ‘hacks’, timesaving strategies, and meal planning and prep help. I recently published an ebook and guide, called the Weeknight Dinner Survival Guide (a 5 Step Dinnertime Game Plan for Busy Parents), available on Amazon!

I also teach local cooking and meal planning workshops and cooking classes to area moms! I’m passionate about helping working parents feel like they’re able to be fully present in the evenings with their kids, and feeling in control of your kitchen is a big part of that.

What is one piece of advice that you would give a young woman aspiring to fulfill her dream?
Keep your head down and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Success comes from creating an ongoing body of work and isn’t one distinct thing!

Name the one woman who has been most influential in pursuing your dream/craft.
Alice Waters, who revolutionized simple home cooking. She saw beauty and joy in simple, good food – and then created an empire around that.

As a busy woman, what is a time-saving technique or life hack that you would share?
I’m a card-carrying member of the 4am Club – I love waking up ridiculously early, before my kids or husband wake, and enjoying the quiet time to myself before the craziness starts. I might work, or read, or work out; whatever it is, that alone time clears my head and gets me ready to go. It’s seriously the best part of the day (and I say this as a former night owl!)

What is your guilty pleasure?
Netflix (lately I’m rewatching the Gilmore Girls for the hundredth time.) And lately I’m obsessed with Colombian empanadas.

What are some tips on how a woman can feel confident in the kitchen, especially when cooking for others?
Get comfortable stretching meals! Every time I cook, I double the preparation of an ingredient, or the entire dish, and then store it to use later. It saves me so much time cooking and gives you a leg up on the next day.