I actually started late in the game. When I was a kid, going inside the kitchen was a big no-no. The kitchen was the territory of my mother and the maids/cook. But I was fortunate to be a part of a family who extremely enjoyed eating and discussing the dishes. We weren't rich but my parents saved up so we can go to new restaurants or experience new cuisine.
I was eventually allowed to step in the kitchen when my mother noticed that I was keen on making Western desserts like pies and cookies. Desserts were outside her field of expertise aside from her super moist bread pudding laced with rum. Starting junior year in high school, I was officially assigned to prepare Christmas goodies like Brownies, Lemon Squares and Food for the Gods. I kept on doing this until I eventually left home for work posting in Jakarta, Indonesia. I was already 30 years old!
Being away from the family home finally gave me the nerve to start learning cooking main dishes or what we call "ulam" in the Philippines. To avoid comparison with family favourites, I learned more Western oriented dishes like pasta and stews.
I would describe the dishes I would share in this blog as a mix of Eastern & Western influences. Adaptations because we keep on moving continents, countries and cities thus, I have to adjust ingredients. It's full of short cuts I have learned through the decades because I hate wasting too much time in the kitchen without sacrificing the flavour.
This blog is dedicated to my husband who has been encouraging/ pushing me all these years to start putting together my tried & tested recipes before it's too late. And it is also a gift to my 2 sons who, like their parents, thoroughly enjoy food. This compilation would hopefully guide you and your future mates.
