Me, Myself and Food

I love to eat. I get a lot of pleasure out of eating. Food for me isn't simply to provide nutrition but an adventurous journey. From the simplest to the more unusual all is a unique experience. I'm a true believer of eating with my five senses. The intoxicating smell, the sizzle, crackle & pop, the inviting plate, the pleasurable touch on the tongue and when fortunate the texture against the skin. Food excites me and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

My love affair with food began at a young age. I enjoyed food. I appreciated food. Below is a picture of me of when I was 3 or 4 years old on the beach enthusiastically happy with my corn on the cob. My dad says that's his favorite picture of me. I believe that the love of food begins in the home. My mom is an excellent cook. She is the master of her kitchen. Not many are allowed to cook in her kitchen. It is a special place. My childhood food memories are very ingrained. It all began with smell. The aromas that would come from my mom's kitchen filled the air with warmth and goodness. The smells called you to the kitchen. The smells enticed your taste buds to come see what was cooking. The smells where fantastic and the tastes were even better!
 

I grew up with pretty traditional Salvadorean food. Occasionally we would eat other cuisines but mainly Salvadorean at home. When we would eat out it was to a Steakhouse, Chinese, Burmese, Vietnamese or a Salvadorean restaurant to eat Pupusas, a stuffed tortilla with beans, cheese and meat, an Authentic Salvadorean treat. That was the extent of my food experiences growing up; Latin or Asian with a sprinkling of America Steakhouses. It was all divine. I experienced every bite with delight and joy. When I started college my food world grew. I'm blessed to live in a melting pot. I was exposed to different types of cuisines such as Italian, Japanese, Indian, Filipino, Greek, Mediterranean. It was exciting to learn these new flavors. Soon my love for food got a boost. I began to watch Food Network. What a turning point!

Food Network taught me so much! It opened my eyes to so many things. I was in awe! My enthusiasm for food expanded. It sparked a desire to not just eat but cook! As Food Network grew so did I. I learned new terminology, new techniques and learned about different types of cuisines. I was a faithfully student of Food Network. Food Network changed the way I viewed food and for that I am eternally gratefully. 

Through this blog I hope to share not only my passion for food but to help you appreciate the wonders of the culinary world. Let it bring you to places you've been and those you long to go to. Let it stimulate your senses. Feel the wonders of the earth and sea, listen to the sounds of the kitchen, breathe in the warmth and coolness, see the beauty of nature and taste the unique textures. I invite you in this journey. Come and eat with me!

Karina