I’m a thirty-something cooking enthusiast with a spatula in one hand and a sense of culinary wonder in the other. Growing up, I never learned to cook. A few years ago I decided to tackle it. I wanted a challenge, to push my boundaries and comfort zone and I got what I asked for! I also discovered that, contrary to my opinion, cooking wasn’t that difficult, as long as I had a good recipe with very good instructions. I had to eat my words.
I am 100% self-taught. My friends and family have given me tips here and there but most of my knowledge is simply from old fashioned trial and error mixed with a great deal of today’s main go-to source, the internet. I quickly realized that cooking was my happy place. If you had told me this five years ago, I would have said something like “quelle horreur!” in astonishment. I didn’t realize how relaxing and rewarding it would be. It has been my sanctuary. When I’m in the kitchen, I switch off from the world around me and focus on creating something that is going to bring people happiness, whether it’s a multi-course dinner party for 12 or just the hubby and I.
All of the recipes I share have been tried and tasted at least half a dozen times. I’m not too new to cooking but I’m new to blogging so bear with me as I navigate my way through it and attempt to open up yet another unknown world. Oh happy daze!
Sounds perfect!
Your passion really shines through here, which makes me excited to read your posts!
LikeLike
Thank you! Your words are very encouraging and much appreciated!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Gen! I hope you don’t mind that I nominated you for a Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award. You are a great member of the blogging community and I hope you accept the award. You can see what it’s all about on my post and congratulations! https://jillypopmusic.wordpress.com/2015/01/15/sisterhood-of-the-world-bloggers-award/
LikeLike
Jill, that is very kind of you! Thank you so much! I am greatly flattered.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Gen!
LikeLike
Self taught people are the best 😀 Long live your passion 🙂
Happy blogging
LikeLike
Jithin, when you’re right, you’re right! Your photos are perfection. You make it look so easy but I know it’s not.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very kind. Thank you so much for the encouragement 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello there Gen!
Was trying to look for your email contact, but couldn’t find it on your site. Just wanted to let you know that I’m nominating you for Liebster Award. I hope you don’t mind me leaving this note here. Do check on my site for details! 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Ann, thank you so much! I humbly accept with much gratitude. Thank you for thinking of me 🙂
LikeLike
Most welcome! Looking forward to your answers. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award, love your blog! https://intotheforgotten.wordpress.com/2015/02/02/two-awards-at-once/ Congrats!
LikeLike
Wow, thank you so much, Kath! I really appreciate it 🙂
LikeLike
No worries, you’re very deserving of this award!!
LikeLike
Hey Gen, I love your blog and have nominated you for the Liebster award… And it looks like I’m not the only one! Good luck x https://lissactually.wordpress.com/2015/02/06/liebster-award/
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Liss! Sorry for the late reply but it is much appreciated!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely blog title too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Nomzi!
LikeLike
You are welcome. 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: Fabulous Friday Flavour: Real Cheesy Cottage Cheese Enchilada
Pingback: Monthly Mystery Munchies with Gen
Hi there! It’s been some time since we’ve chatted but I would like to nominate you for a photo challenge… No pressure to do it. Stay tuned! Xo Athena
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Athena! Sounds cool 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m glad you stopped by my blog as it has led me to explore yours. Your writing style is just so beautiful, friendly and welcoming :). Isn’t it just so lovely when cooking can bring about a place of happiness? You have such a lovely and large assortment of recipes already that you have made. I am off to explore!
More Than A Dash Of Salt
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, you’re very kind! My husband would be more than happy for me to make one of your recipes every day – he loves salt! Have a lovely week!
LikeLike
So can I send Tess to you? She is still in the space you were 5 years ago. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m going away that week. Sorry!
LikeLiked by 1 person
can’t you reschedule?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Um… I checked my diary and I’m chockablock. So sorry!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, maybe next time then…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve read so far…and I can’t get those cheesy potato balls out of my head! Yuum!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much and yes, I am also partial to potatoes. With cheese. And cream!
LikeLike
Gen, I grew up learning to cook from a family (Minus my father and his father) who knew how to cook. My grandfather on my mom’s side.was terrific in the kitchen.
being in the kitchen and cooking has always been something I enjoyed doing. I love it when my son and his cousins and I would be in the kitchen cooking together. We had such good times.
I really miss all of that. I miss the huge family get-togethers.
Eating together. My hubby eats right before he goes to bed no matter when that is. He may eat at 10 PM or at 4 in the morning.
I hate that because we don’t eat together.
We don’t cook together like we use to either.
I look forward to reading your blog. Have a great rest of the week. Sarah
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Sarah, sounds like you had some very good teachers! Some of my happiest memories are of us in the kitchen at my gran’s house, gathered around the table for Sunday lunch. I hear you about the family get-togethers, those times are irreplaceable! Hope you have a great week too! Take care.
LikeLike
Pingback: Monthly Mystery Munchies #4: Rainbow Chiffon
Pingback: Monthly Mystery Munchies #4 with Gen
Pingback: White Beans Chicken Stew with Truffle Oil
You make a really great point in saying the kitchen is your sanctuary :). It is indeed a wonderful place to get busy with your hands and let the mind focus on gestures and steps, nothing else! Hope you keep enjoying yourself by the stove x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I seldom don’t enjoy myself in the kitchen! I hope all is well with you and your wife. You have a beautiful blog, from your style of writing to your photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Glad you like it :).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award. I enjoy your blog and others should too. Follow this link to participate. http://kgsmovierants.com/2015/12/08/liebster-award-nomination/
Hope you’re willing to play along
LikeLike
Pingback: My 2015 in Blogging Review
Pingback: Monthly Mystery Munchies #9: A 5-Layer Salad
Pingback: Oven Grilled Gambas al Aljillo
Pingback: Monthly Mystery Munchies #12 with Gen
Pingback: The Happiness Tag
Pingback: Monthly Mystery Munchies #15: Figs, Rosemary and Lime-Drizzled Scones with Lime Curd
Hey Gen! How are you doing? Is everything OK over there? Just wanted to tell you that I’ve been thinking of you and that I hope you are well. xoxox.
LikeLike
Pingback: Monthly Mystery Munchies #16 with Gen
I am so happy that I came across your site. Cooking is my therapy and Like you I am self taught. I am going to try all your recipes. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your lovely comment! It’s always great to ‘meet’ a like-minded person, so please let me know how you find the recipes and please share some of your own. Have a great day and lovely week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How about Cake? You like?
LikeLike
Pingback: Monthly Mystery Munchies #18 with Gen
Pingback: Monthly Mystery Munchies #19 with Gen
Pingback: Fabulous Friday Flavour: Recipe Showdown- Gorgonzola Cheese
Pingback: Monthly Mystery Munchies #24: Giraffe-Print Inspired Swiss Roll
Pingback: Friday Flavours: Pasta Primavera @Monthly Mystery Munchies #31 with Gen