Hello, Thanks for joining me for today's "Behind the Blog" interview:
Mommie Cooks is a daily read for me. Julie does a delicious job of sharing doable recipes that the whole family likes– and she takes beautiful photos of the entire process. I love that– it helps me make sure I'm "on track" J. Her passion for tasty and healthy cooking is contagious. Plus Julie's as sweet as her recipe for Rhubarb Cream Pie.
Rhubarb Cream Pie
How did Mommie Cooks come to be? I really enjoy cooking for others and many times, after serving my friends my food creations I'd get asked to share the recipes. One of my friends made the suggestion that I put them up on the internet and a light bulb went on; why didn't I think of that before? So from that inspiration, Mommie Cooks was created. It started as an outlet for recipes, but overtime has become so much more than that to me.
What sort of recipes do you enjoy making? I really enjoy making recipes that challenge my cooking skills and force me to try new techniques and ways of putting together food. With three kids running under my feet, the fancy stuff doesn't happen as often as I'd like, but I do try to squeeze a few big challenges in every month.
"Dump"
Alot of us feel like we make the same things over and over and over. What are your go-to recipes? These tend to change every few months. I'll get on a recipe that I love and make it a few times and then move onto something else. If I had to name a couple, I'd say Dump, and Black Bean Corn Salsa (yes we love our Mexican and Southwest in this house).
Black Bean Corn Salsa
Is there a certain spice you like to use a lot of? I have a lot of go to spices! If I had to choose one, I'd say ginger. I love that it can be used in many different cuisines. It adds a fresh and unique taste to food that I absolutely love.
Julie's Kitchen
Have you ever had a zany kitchen disaster? Can you share? Other than the occasional (ok, more than occasional) cake flop or overcooked piece of pork? Well, I thankfully can't think of anything too zany, but I do recall a time when some brown sugar and butter from my roasted squash dripped down into the oven and caused the entire kitchen to smoke up. I thought the house burned down the smell and smoke was so bad!
The Kiddos Mommie is Cooking For
How can we get the kiddos in the kitchen? First up, let them help out! It's ok if a little flour gets on the floor and a little chocolate gets on their clothes. If they have a hand in creating what they eat, they'll be a lot more likely to eat it themselves! Second up, have one meal (for us it's dinner) where they need to take a bite of everything on their plate to try it. They may like it, they may not, but if trying new foods becomes a part of their routine, they'll be increasingly more open to it as they grow older.
Why do you feel it's important to cook for your family? There are so many reasons. My biggest reasons though are health and family connection. Over and over studies have shown that having a nightly meal together with your family makes for happier, healthier, and safer kids. You learn what's going on in your child's life and connect as a family. Healthwise, I feel it's really important to pay attention to the food that goes into my children's bodies. I want my children to have meals consisting of healthy whole foods and I feel like that's best achieved when I'm in control of what they put into their mouths.
Olives
Is there anything you absolutely won't cook? No not really. Half the fun of food for me is trying new things! I will say though, that if I had to pick one food that I just don't like, no matter how much I want to, it's olives. I don't like the smell, the look, the texture, or the taste. You won't find them used in any of my recipes, simply because of that. Sorry olives, I know how much you're loved by others!
Did you grow up enjoying cooking? I did enjoy cooking as a child. I still have my children's version of the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. I went through a phase between college and having my own kids where I sort of slowed down on the cooking front. Once I had kids though, the love for it came back stronger than ever. It's the one hobby I never get bored with. I'd love to make a career out of it someday!
Can you share your favorite recipe? Would you believe me if I told you I didn't really have a favorite recipe? There is just so much delicious food out there to taste and eat. My list of favorites is too long to list!
Blue Cheese Turkey Burgers
Ok– Hubby calls, he's bring the boss home for dinner in an hour. What do you make? Hmmm… that's a tough one! Only an hour? I guess I might whip up some quick Blue Cheese Turkey Burgers and Baked Home Fries. It's making my mouth water just thinking about it!
Do you have a go-to kitchen gadget? What is it? Without a doubt it has to be my juicer. I always use fresh lemon and lime juice in recipes and for that, my juicer is a must have! I love how I can just throw a half a lime in, squeeze, and bam! Fresh juice.
How do you plan meals? This is rather embarrassing but I don't really plan. 4:45pm hits and I start thinking about what's for dinner at 5:45. Sometimes it seems like a miracle that dinner gets on the table at all! I really need to come up with a better system!
What's the best thing you ever tasted? Well, most recently I would have to say the Creme Brulee French Toast at the Tyler Place where we vacationed this past summer. I actually groaned with each bite, it was just that good.
Turkey Apple Bacon Grilled Cheese
Anything coming up for Mommie Cooks? I'm on the waiting list for a new design, so look for Mommie Cooks to get a facelift in December! I am also tossing around the idea of starting up a food bloggers forum as a place where food bloggers can get together and share information that's important to our niche.
About Julie
Favorite Food: I love a well put together bowl of homemade guacamole
Favorite Dessert: Cream Puffs
Favorite Salad: Anything with spinach and fruit in it
Favorite Foodie Ina May Garten
Favorite TV show The Amazing Race
Snack Carrot sticks and hummus
Song Perfect Day by Hoku
Movie The Jason Bourne Trilogy
Cook Book There are too many to choose from! My current favorite is Bite Me by Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat. (Great title I know).
Thing to do besides cooking I love camping, traveling, reading and writing
You're hosting a dinner party… who is invited? Anyone at all? I'd probably invite a few of my closest friends and then add in a few foodie favorites like Ina, Rachael Ray, Mario Batalli, and Emeril for good measure (and good food!)
Where can we find you?
Mommie Cooks
Thanks Julie! I am so making the salsa tonight.
Please visit tomorrow for "A Crafty Soiree" my weekly linky party with Katie from Katie's Nesting Spot. Recipes are more than welcome!
Looks great! I see you tracked down a dessert recipe, I apologize for being slow on the draw. It’s been a crazy week!
Thanks so much for let me take over you blog for a day, I had a great time! Oh, and let me know what you think of that salsa, I could eat a whole bowl of it myself!
What a cool interview! And now I have a new blog to stalk – uhm – follow. Her food looks yummy! I’m headed over there now.
OK I am now really hungry… and feeling inspired too!
I never thought I’d be saying this, but Dump looks pretty good!
Awesome! I’m all hungry now.
And she has a fabulous kitchen too.
Pictures are quite cool and these are making me crazy to eat stuff like that.