“A good cook is like a sorceress who dispenses happiness.”
― Elsa Schiaparelli
I've been cooking, somewhat creatively, since I could reach the countertop. Culinary expertise like Rice Crispy Treats, Muddy Buddies, Easy Bake Oven treats even McDonald's/Burger King treat maker, can't remember which (early 90's here, I couldn't even find it on ebay to show you) were some of my first experiences. The actual earliest meal I cooked and made my apprehensive, but supportive, family eat was "Egg Cups." I saw the recipe in a magazine [the linked recipe is somewhat close], woke up early before anyone else on Saturday, made them and even presented them to my parents & siblings in bed. I thought they loved them, apparently I've gotten better. Either way, there began the need to feed people and make them smile.
“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.”
― Harriet Van Horne
My love for cooking & restaurants was further fueled by Frank Alberta, chef at our favorite family restaurant Mattars. This restaurant is where I "grew-up" and had every major family meal [birthdays, graduations, an engagement celebration, Chistmas Eve dinners, just because, etc.] and it is still the restaurant that I measure all the other's against. Uncle Mattar has an incredible restaurant with a wonderful family and the food, oh the food. It's where I learned to taste my food. I've never been disappointed. I deemed his calamari the "best in the universe" when I was some age under 10, I'm pretty sure I drew him a picture and I'm quite certain it his first award ;). Frank opened his own restaurant some years later and just like at Mattars, he allowed me to join him in the tiny(!) kitchen to watch him cook, that was it for me, I became obsessed. I was obsessed with food, cooking, creating and well, eating. For one reason or another I let it become a hobby and not my profession. So, it's no surprise I took one of the above mentioned passions and went to design school. There my projects somehow focused on cafes, restaurants, menus, food, eating...despite my best efforts to stay architectural. I think it's time for a new career, no? With my unique, childhood nickname, I am breaking into the culinary arts with the hopes of one day having more physical means to share my creations with all of you!
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
― C.S. Lewis
So for now, I am here to cook my way through cookbooks, online recipes, and happily blog them for each of you. You'll occasionally see a post about kitchen organization or a recent photography client and I suggest to wander over to Pinterest to see what I might attempt next!
Enjoy!
Alice, The Geekamuffin©
