Here are some questions I have been asked, via e-mail, since the beginning of the year. Are you curious about something? I’ll be nice if you will. Make contact.
What was the hardest thing you had to learn about cooking?
Timing. How do I get the pork breading to stay crispy while the broccoli continues to cook? How do I keep the peas from getting cold since the fish isn’t done baking? How do I develop self-control and not finish off the last two brownies while I’m waiting for the water to boil? (Who am I kidding…I would just eat the brownies and not worry about it.)
Timing takes a lot of practice and being extremely organized is essential. I never start making any meal until all of my ingredients are prepped and in place.
You’ve mentioned your dogs in some posts. What kind?
We have two, 10 year old spoiled Beagles. I have more pictures of them than my kids and food combined; gracing the labels of Jones Soda several times. Ginger is a princess, while Ebi has gender identity issues.
What are some foods you always have in your pantry?
Canned diced tomatoes, rice, pasta, coconut milk, hoisin sauce, beans, Ritz crackers, cereal, semi-sweet chocolate chips.
I have tried to cook some recipes where the prep time was about twice what the book said. How realistic are your prep times?
I base my prep times on how long it takes me to make something. I don’t really know any other way to calculate it since there are so many variables that I can’t answer for someone else; is your kitchen laid out efficiently? Do you have the proper utensils? How long does it take you to chop up a whole onion?
Also, I don’t meander. I don’t even know how to meander. I’m a “let’s get ‘er done” kind of gal.
It sounds like your kids eat everything. Are there ever times when they simply won’t eat what you want them to or won’t eat what you’ve made? How do you handle that?
I should be so lucky for them to eat everything! Generally speaking, yes, my kids are really good eaters. Like a lot of other parents, though, I face the same daily dilemma of what to feed them. If I’m serving something completely new that is questionable, I usually have an easy backup in mind.
Right now, I would give anything for Haley to like peanut butter and jelly. Or allow me to mix things together. (Head, meet brick wall.)
What camera do you use?
When I first started the blog I really didn’t know diddly about taking photos of food, or photographing anything else, for that matter. But thanks to my Dad wanting to upgrade for his own amazing nature photography, I received his Cannon PowerShot A620, and some very useful tips. See, he’s not just good for comic relief.
The camera has helped a lot, but the old saying “tools don’t make the man” is so true. What’s made the most difference is proper lighting. You’ve heard this before, right? The warmth and sunshine from summertime allowed me to relocate outside. Now that it’s cold and snowing, I don’t take as many shots, and hope I get lucky…before my fingers go numb.
It’s a total work in progress. Now, if only I had a room full of accessories to choose from like Martha Stewart!
What would you want your last meal on earth to be?
Like if I was on death row? Easy one – pie.
Do you ever just order a pizza?
Yes! Just the other night, actually. I love pizza. And I love when it’s delivered.
Would you like to lose 100 pounds or win a $25k Rolex watch?
No thanks. I’m good.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
happy holiday!!! great about loosing 100 pounds :) hehe
cheers!!
Just wanted to stop by once more to say Merry Christmas!
Ethan – Really. I’m interested in obtaining prints of some of your photography. Which gallery in the Twin Cities represents you? Or shall we make an on-line (off-line of this blog) transaction?
Hope this finds you well and happily consuming Mom’s Marble Squares.
LK - Thanks! Hope you and your family have a great holiday, too!
Natashya – Apparently I am the only one on the planet who doesn’t wear a watch. Next time they come calling, I will forward them on to you ;-)
Dad – Oooh, Mom’s Marble Squares…forgot about those gems.
Mom – your head would spin if you ever followed bloggers who post new recipes daily!
What a delightful blog this week. Even better because there is no pressure to try another recipe! For those who don’t return to previous postings, I made the Praline Crunch Bars and Cranberry Almond Bark as part of a Xmas treat package, and both were a huge hit.
It’s “clothes don’t make the man,” but I have known some men who are tools. I’ve even voted for some of them. And I would like to lose 15 pounds but I want more latkes! Kinda like an internal food fight.
Thanks for the comment on my site, Dani. Thanks for your comment here, Melissa. And, Jude, National Geographic would turn up their collective noses (which would make a nice group photo) at my efforts, but they’re using $35k cameras and $25k Rolexes, and all I have is a point-and-shoot and a Rolex so old that it was known as a Timex.
Sorry, Ame, but instead of pie, I’ll take Mom’s marble squares, BUT I’ll add your cranberry almond bark, which is a crazy name for a boat. (Let’s see who gets that.)
A Merry Christmas to all, and to all enough fat to hold you through the winter. I want a 400 pound friend for Christmas so that I can stand next to him and look really good.
What fun! And, since you don’t want either prize, I will take both. ;-)
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Mellissa – Oh yes! Them too.
Melissa – Right back atcha, Baby!
Dani – LOL. I adore you, too. As my mom says, “there is always room for more love.”
Love this post, Amy. Haley may never change about not wanting foods mixed together. My daughter’s 38 now and still doesn’t want her foods to touch AND eats them one at a time. I tease her that she doesn’t know what hot meat tastes like because that’s usually what she eats last. I know you have wonderful parents, just as I have a wonderful daughter, but I do want to adopt you – pie is my absolute favorite food, too. :D Have a great week and please stay safe and warm.
It’s true! You don’t look or sound like everybody else. Love that.
Don’t forget to add all the question from people in far away lands asking for money!
Astrid – It’s pretty funny the promotions I’ve been sent. Apparently, I not only need to lose weight and wear a pretty watch, but I also need help with my sex life. So glad I could make you smile; I consider my day complete!
Joanne – I wouldn’t think I would have any surprises for you! And thanks for the kudos on the pictures (sincerely!) I’m humbled by so many other food blog photos like Zested, Matt Bites, and Rasa Malaysia, I consider my stuff very average…p.s. with all the running you do, if you lost any more weight, you would disappear.
Melissa – I knew you would love the link to my Dad’s stuff. Isn’t he talented?? Thank you SO much for that last line. That is possibly the nicest compliment I could receive about the blog. You’re the best.
Natasha – Thanks! And thanks for continuing to follow along in my crazy world.
Jude – Ah yes, the coconut milk…I have to point you in the right direction for that. My Dad…isn’t it crazy that he hasn’t been discovered yet, or at least have his own calendar??!!
Coconut milk! It’s the secret ingredient! Thanks for turning me on.
BTW – where/how does Ethan sell prints of his photography? He could shoot for National Geographic.
Great to get to know you better! LOL about loosing 100 pounds :)
“Would you like to lose 100 pounds or win a $25k Rolex watch?
No thanks. I’m good.”
Hehe.
Your dad is an awesome photographer. I spent a good 20 minutes over there and could soak up much more.
I love how your blog really has “you” all over it. It’s a one-of-a-kind and I love you for it.
I feel like I’ve gotten a lot of insight into your inner psyche from reading this. Although I have to say, I would not say no to a Rolex. And if I I lost 100 pounds. I would be dead. So easy decision.
I am a meanderer in many aspects of my life. But not the kitchen. But that’s just because I usually want my food and I want it NOW.
Your pictures are awesome, by the way. Just so you know :p
Some of your answers made me smile. I don’t know how to meander, either! When I am in the kitchen, I just get things done. I am very efficient. The last question in just silly. 100 pounds is way too much and so in a Rolex! I’ll take 5 pounds or a Fossil watch, though! Your Beagles sounds awesome and so do your kids. Thanks for making me smile this morning!