There are two kinds of people on this earth...those who view food purely as a means of survival, munching their way mindlessly through their days. Then there are those who view life through food, constantly on the hunt for the next blissful moment when they take that first bite and are instantly reminded why every day is so beautiful. Cooking is a way to connect with our food and inject a bit of vitality in our seemingly mundane lives. You do not need to be a foodie or a professional chef to master the art of cooking, all that is required is a passion for it and the rest will come naturally.
Personally, I just love to eat. I grew up in an Italian household where it was considered an insult if you did not go back for seconds...or thirds. Thank god I have been blessed with a fantastic metabolism because the amount of food I eat would put even, Man Vs. Food, Adam Richman to shame. But even that would not stop me. I have always said I would rather be fat and happy than live starved of all the amazing culinary delights that this world has to offer. Cooking has only increased that pleasure allowing me to participate in the entire process and really connect to life through food.
I have somehow always been linked to food and cooking. If I wasn't helping my dad prepare his infamous homemade pesto or hanging out in the kitchen at a restaurant one of my boyfriends worked at, I was working countless hours at countless different restaurants all across the Bay Area. Being in the industry forces you to be around food all day and introduces you to new techniques and cuisines you never knew existed (and to people you never want to deal with again...but that's a different story for another day). It has inspired me to be a foodie, venturing out to the most eclectic restaurants the city of San Francisco has to offer, tasting foods I used to shy away from. I could kick myself for being so naive and limiting myself to such a simple palet as a kid. Experimenting with new and exotic foods even translates to real life and the way you approach your surroundings. It opens up your mind to the acceptance of the strange and unfamiliar. Food is something that always brings people together no matter what the occasion is and has the ability to change your perspective on the way you live.
Some people think its crazy to put food on a pedestal like that, but that just proves the inhibition some people hold about trying new things. I mean clearly they have never tasted chocolate covered bacon at the Ferry Building or relished the sweet taste of Humphry Slocombe's "Secret Breakfast" burbon and cornflake ice cream. It takes courage and a desire to expand yourself to try new things. But once that leap of faith is taken an "Aha!" moment occurs that will forever change your perspective.
Often the most valuable lessons are learned in the kitchen. Sometimes mastering a new cooking technique proves to be too challenging and occasionally I do not have a certain ingredient and need to improvise. But the unique thing with cooking as that with the first mistake, you know exactly what to do next time to make it just right. You learn through different recipes that certain spices really bring out the soul of a chicken dish and inspire you to experiment with other spices on traditional dishes that you think need a bit of kick. Food does not judge you. It is quite forgiving actually. Even if you completley destroy a dish it is not going to hold a grudge against you and will give you a second...and a third...and a fourth chance. And once finally mastered, the reward of accomplishment tastes and feels so good.
Cooking should be fun and eating should be an enjoyable experience. In today's busy world it is hard to take the time to really enjoy preparing a homecooked meal. I am here to share my attempts, successes and failures in the adventures that occur in my kitchen. These will be stories of love, passion, friends, family, and most of all...the things that make life delicious. Stay tuned for some yummy recipies and funny stories!
Some people think its crazy to put food on a pedestal like that, but that just proves the inhibition some people hold about trying new things. I mean clearly they have never tasted chocolate covered bacon at the Ferry Building or relished the sweet taste of Humphry Slocombe's "Secret Breakfast" burbon and cornflake ice cream. It takes courage and a desire to expand yourself to try new things. But once that leap of faith is taken an "Aha!" moment occurs that will forever change your perspective.
Often the most valuable lessons are learned in the kitchen. Sometimes mastering a new cooking technique proves to be too challenging and occasionally I do not have a certain ingredient and need to improvise. But the unique thing with cooking as that with the first mistake, you know exactly what to do next time to make it just right. You learn through different recipes that certain spices really bring out the soul of a chicken dish and inspire you to experiment with other spices on traditional dishes that you think need a bit of kick. Food does not judge you. It is quite forgiving actually. Even if you completley destroy a dish it is not going to hold a grudge against you and will give you a second...and a third...and a fourth chance. And once finally mastered, the reward of accomplishment tastes and feels so good.
Cooking should be fun and eating should be an enjoyable experience. In today's busy world it is hard to take the time to really enjoy preparing a homecooked meal. I am here to share my attempts, successes and failures in the adventures that occur in my kitchen. These will be stories of love, passion, friends, family, and most of all...the things that make life delicious. Stay tuned for some yummy recipies and funny stories!
