How it all began...
My love for food developed gradually starting with my days in college when I would watch the Food Network during my free time.  To me, the shows were fascinating, probably because I knew very little about cooking and was slowly realizing that it could actually be quite simple.  At the same time, I was learning more about nutrition (since I was now “on my own” when it came to meals) and I had to come to terms with the fact that frozen food, corn dogs and Easy Mac wasn’t the best diet.  I started experimenting slowly, but was still a little intimidated by the concept of me cooking.  Not to mention, I was still living on a college student’s budget. 

Some time has passed, I graduated, got engaged and then married and decided to focus on my love for food to start my new “family” off on the right track.  I began reading recipes online but before trying any of them, I would read through the pages of comments from people who had already been there, done that and had something to say about it.  I realized that these little tips and tricks (and sometimes words of encouragement!) made a huge difference when it came to trying something for the first time. The more and more I used the tips I was getting from others, the more I realized that I’d love to write or read a blog which gives you the recipe and shoots it to you straight.  Did it really take 10 more minutes? Would adding a little this or that make it even better?  The recipe represents the simple facts, but the commentary is the experience, it’s where you learn how to make it perfect.

Why I love food.
Complexity.  There aren’t enough words to describe the complexity of food.  The fact that we can take all of these naturally existing ingredients and combine them in a meticulous (or not) way to make something so flavorful and undeniably delicious is so interesting to me.  The possibilities are truly endless, and you will never run out of recipes to try.  As you become more familiar with different flavors you’ll be able to “just know” what goes great together and what doesn’t.  That knowledge and experience is something I strive for and think about every time I step into the kitchen.

A form of expression.

Cooking for someone is truly a labor of love. For someone to take the time to think of all the parts that make up a meal, round up the ingredients and then spend sometimes hours preparing it all – to me, that speaks volumes.  Preparing a meal can be anything from an expression of love, celebration, condolence or thanks. We use cooking in so many ways, but no mater what, it comes from the heart.
Memories.  I’ll never forget helping my mom bake cakes when I was little, or that time we made peanut butter cookies when it was raining.  I don’t know how much “help” I was but I remember sitting on the counter watching, licking spatulas of leftover frosting and just enjoying time with my mom and the experience of seeing something made. I don’t have any kids of my own, but when I do, cooking with them is the number one thing I’m looking forward to.

I’ll also never forget my Mamá, who was literally in the kitchen nearly every time I saw her. I have so many memories of her cooking that in my mind, her passion for food made her the person she was and I loved her for that.  She is my biggest inspiration in the kitchen and was a true Mexican cook.

Claud in the Kitchen


For now, my blog is a hobby, but I would eventually love to make a living off of my passion for food and encouraging others to cook.  I’m just trying to figure out how to get there.  But in the mean time, I’ll keep doing what I’m doing and as my knowledge of food and cooking grows, you’ll see me branch out, try more of my own ideas, and then share with you what worked and what I’d do differently next time. One thing that I know will never change is the purpose. I want to encourage people to be aware of what they’re eating, enjoy food and the experiences it brings, and simply share my tips, tricks and hints – from one food lover to another.

Cheers!
Claud
http://claudinthekitchen.com   Read more about what inspires me here!

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