After much procrastination and self-debate, I've finally decided to make a food blog!
Cooking has always been a part of my life. Growing up with grandma, I was taught my heritage through food. She'd always prop a stool next to the stove so that I could watch her work her kitchen magic. During the holidays, especially Chinese New Year, she'd let me help her out in small menial tasks, ranging from kneading the dough for glutinous rice balls (湯圓, tong yuen) or mashing the taro root for the savory steamed taro cake. Yet, those same menial tasks built the foundation for my unending passion for the culinary arts.
To me, cooking isn't just rushing through the kitchen and plopping food on the table. It's more about the process, prepping and preparing the ingredients. It takes a lot of time and dedication to refine that knife technique or to procure a successful dish. Through that, I've learned to apply concepts from the kitchen in my life... or I try to. .___.;;
I don't know about others, but preparing food for others is almost like therapy for me. As soon as I pick up that whisk or my kitchen knife, the worries of the day slip away and my creativity flows. It's almost Zen-like in a way, haha. And to also be able to see the happy smiles on people's faces.. that's just worth all the burns and cuts in the world. Food... maybe it is the way to one's heart~ <3
Anyway~ with this blog, I truly hope that I will be able to share my culinary journey with you all (if I am fortunate enough to gain readers ^^;).
Random tidbits:
Why "Avec Saveur"?
Being someone who delves into the culinary arts, my passion for cooking has induced me to apply concepts from the kitchen to that of the my personal philosophies. To me, life is somewhat similar to an unflavored dish, one needs to “season” his or her life through a plethora of experiences, friends, and other things to make it interesting and worth living (consuming).
That’s why I chose to name it “Avec Saveur” or “with flavor,” with this blog serving as the plain “dish” that holds all that piques my interest as well as where my passions lie— the things that I’ve chosen to “flavor” my life with.
What camera do you use?
Camera: Canon EOS 50D
Lens: EF-S 18-200mm (f/3.5-5.6 IS)
*All photos and recipes are my creations (unless specified otherwise) and are not to be reproduced and/or redistributed (commercially and/or privately) in any form without my consent. Thank you for your understanding and pardon for the inconvenience.*
Have you had an formal cooking instruction?
My grandma and whatever cooking programs I watched during my childhood until now served as my culinary teachers. Though, at the moment, I'm looking into culinary schools in PA.
What or who are your influences?
My curiosity is my greatest influence as it pushes my mind to go beyond the bounds of what is considered "traditional" and pursue my own path. If I must choose, then my influences would be the changing seasons as it brings upon us different ingredients as well as weather, which is pretty much an empty canvas and a full pallet to me. As for people, I must say they are fellow food bloggers out there who follow their passion and dedicate so much time and effort into creating innovative and interesting blogs for the populace to read, tirelessly coming up with and perfecting recipes. I have nothing but respect for that sort of dedication.
How long have you been cooking?
I've be cooking for as long as I remember, helping out my grandmother, as I've previously mentioned. It was a tad reckless, but she wasn't scared to hand me a knife even at a young age. And that was what instilled me with that bravery in the kitchen. I learned that the knife, though sharp, the stove, though hot, were nothing to be afraid of as long as you know how to use it or how to tame it. It all comes back to building a proper foundation. If you start out with a solid learning in the basics (this isn't only limited to cooking, it can branch out to many other things), then you're pretty much prepared for anything as you're just expanding on what you've learned as you progress.
How old are you and where are you from?
I'm 21. (I can finally indulge in the world of fine brews and wines in public and legally!) My hometown and heart lies within San Francisco. I am currently living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Any other things you'd like to know about me? Please don't hesitate to ask!
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