I am a daughter, sister and aunt living in north county San Diego. I began cooking when I was six. My first cookbook, “Meals in Many Lands”, was a gift from my “Auntie Roxann” and introduced me to different types of foods, cultures and recipes. The first cookbook I ever bought was, “Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse Cookbook” chock full of kid-friendly recipes which I happily made and my family (thankfully) choked down. I still have both of theses cookbooks and in fact, my niece cooks from them now. (Which is how I know my family humored me and ate the “Thumper’s Tuna-Noodle Casserole” regardless of the taste. Thanks family!)
I am still an avid collector of cookbooks and have tried at least one recipe from each (I have over 50). I wouldn’t say that I’m particularly drawn to any one type of food and my mom – although an excellent cook who taught me the basics– isn’t one of these women who has a ton of “old world recipes” in her back pocket. I try what sounds good, looks pretty or seems fairly easy to make. By no means am I a gourmet chef. When pressed to name my favorite type of food I will probably admit that I love pub food – not exactly haute cuisine here!
In fact, at the ripe old age of 23 I declared that, “I’m not a cook – I just make food.” Since then I have discovered that cooking is actually my creative outlet and have been known to spend an entire weekend in the kitchen just experimenting. I love to entertain and my way of making guests feel welcome and special is to create an atmosphere where all of the senses are satisfied.
Now that I cook for a family, I’ve learned to adapt my recipes so that everyone can enjoy them – which means eliminating the onions (or cutting them small so that I can sneak them in), finding new ways to include tomatoes so they are eaten and trying my best to camouflage the chard.
I am constantly learning and I hope that you can learn with me!
Thanks,
Heather
I’m so excited about your blog and being mentioned as an influence. looking forward to sharing. love you auntie rox
Love the blog, Heather! I wish you much success…
Love the blog Heather! Can’t wait to try your shepards pie!