Interview With Lisa of Lisas Kitchen
Lisa, please tell my readers about your cooking background.
I would often join my mom in the kitchen to help with baking and cooking. Her cooking style was much different then mine, and I was not a vegetarian until I turned 17, but I did learn many basics from her and always enjoyed my time in the kitchen helping out mom. Thankfully I discovered the art of Indian cooking as I received a comprehensive Indian cookbook shortly after I stopped eating meat. Indian cuisine is a perfect choice for vegetarians who want a balanced diet without meat and the spicing and flavoring is quite unique but easy to prepare once you learn the essentials.
What inspired you to start foodandspice.blogspot.com?
A love of cooking and a chance to offer some healthy, sensible and delicious recipes for vegetarians. Food is my canvas. Vegans will also find many dishes that are suitable for their diet. My friends and family who have enjoyed my food encouraged me to share my talents. Since I have started by blog, meals are never boring as I always try to challenge myself and try new dishes. I strongly believe it is important to avoid processed foods and eat a balanced diet of grains, legumes and vegetables.
What's your favorite meal to prepare?
Now that is a tough one. I love all types of cuisine, but Indian cooking inspires me the most. Mattar Paneer is always a favorite and there are so many variations to please the palate.
What camping recipes for kids would you recommend?
Eggs, canned beans heated with some cheese, or perhaps bannocks. It is always a good idea to have a good supply of nuts and dried fruits on hand cooked along with your oatmeal or just for eating as a snack. Don't forget to make some homemade granola and bring it along.
For vegetarian campers, could you suggest some vegetarian meals/recipes?
Bannocks, falafel, potatoes with cheese, or fried potatoes along with some sauce on the side with some eggs. A good supply of dried beans and dried rice is also a good choice.
What's one food you can't live without?
That's another tough question! Cheese, mushrooms, olives and chickpeas would be on the top of the list, along with rice and quinoa. I really don't think I could choose one, but I suppose life would just not be the same if I could not cook with paneer cheese.
What are some camping dessert recipes you would recommend?
Toasted marshmallows, bannocks cooked with dried fruit could be considered a dessert, pancakes or bring fudge along in your cooler.
If you could learn how to cook any meal from any chef, what meal would you want to learn how to cook?
Fresh pasta, such as ravioli with a perfect tomato sauce. For dessert, creme brulee.
In 10 years do you see yourself still cooking and blogging?
Yes, and I hope one day to publish a cookbook featuring some of my favorite vegetarian recipes. I have met some wonderful people throughout my blogging years and discovered many inspirational recipes.
Thanks Lisa for the interview. Please visit her blog @ Lisa's Kitchen