An Interview With I Just Love My Apron, My Favorite Foodies Series
>> Sunday, March 6, 2011
I started my food blog to document my culinary journey. I thought about what I liked to do for my primary hobby, and also what would make me happy in the long run. Therefore, I ended up with a food blog. I’m bringing my heritage to western cuisine and expressing it through my food. I just love my apron was a joke I made when people asked me why I like to cook. I would answer, “I just love my apron!”
2. I think we can all figure out the meaning of your blogs name:) So can you tell us how many aprons you own and do you love them all?
It’s a pretty common question I’ve received after people hear my blog name. I have four aprons. Yes, I love them all but I only use one regularly. I will probably use it until it’s no good, then change it. I have one I use at home, one I use at events, and two extra.
3. Why do you love to cook/bake or spend time in your kitchen? And have you always liked being in the kitchen?
Good question and it can be a long answer. I like to cook/bake because it’s soothing to me especially when I have a bad day. I don’t have to think about anything but cooking. It’s like a meditation – just food and you. Yes, I like to spend time in the kitchen. It’s my territory and comfort space. The funny part is I didn’t like being in the kitchen when I was a kid. My mom is a great cook and she often asked me to help with prep work, which I disliked. I got very excited if she asked me to execute the cooking. Well, that didn’t happen often!
4. Some of us know you immigrated to the US from Thailand, and that you also have Vietnamese heritage. Do you incorporate all of the 3 into your cooking or do you favor one over the others?
Yes, I do. My parents raised me with Vietnamese culture. I often time don’t know if what I absorb is Thai or Vietnamese. It’s all mixed into one pot. With living here, I do incorporate all the 3 into my cooking with a little bit of this and of that. I like to cook anything Asian with a twist – just to differentiate myself.
5. Living so far from home are there foods that you desperately miss from Thailand, or things that you just can't get in the US?
I would say street food in general. There are so many foods I’ve missed! Some I can find here but the taste is Americanized.
6. If you had to pick just one from each, what would be your favorite Thai, Vietnamese and American dishes?
For Thai, I would pick Chicken Basil with fried egg (Kra Pao Gai Kai Dao). This is an easy-way-out dish. It’s a Thai thing that when you don’t know what to order, you tend to order this one.
Vietnamese: definitely authentic ban’ guan on crispy thin cracker.
American: hmm…let’s define what dishes are American first, shall we? . This is hard since it’s hard to define American food. If I have to pick, I would say onion rings – very crispy!. I hope it’s American dish.
7. What is your most memorable or most special kitchen moment, be it a happy or a disastrous memory?
I actually have both happy and disastrous memorable moments. I will go with the happy memory. The special kitchen moment is when I accomplished my first cup cakes. I’m a baking newbie. To see the physically finished baked goods was astonishing; Did-I-just-make-that feeling. I kept some on the dining table and walked by to look at it like 10 times that day.
8. What is the most difficult thing you have ever cooked or baked? Have you or would you do it again?
Croissants. It was a disaster when I first tried making them from scratch. I would do it again for sure. After the second attempt, they came out alright but needed improvement on the look.
9. On those occasions when you want to treat your family, friends and yourself to a special dish/dinner or dessert, what fabulous food do you prepare?
Hmm…this is tough. It depends on my mood and motivation I have at that time. I know for sure that I would cook my mom’s food for my family to impress them. I like 3-course meals – appetizer, entrée, and dessert. For my husband, I could use the Valentine’s Day dinner as the occasion. I prepared my mom’s tomato soup, seared ahi tuna with an Asian twist, and definitely dessert in which I made brownie raspberry mousse.
10. What is your favorite ingredient, the one you couldn't live without, the one you use most often? And is this ingredient the one that inspires you the most or is there another?
Garlic. I put garlic in almost everything except dessert. I probably would if it’s allowed.
11. What food is your food vice? You know, one you sneak in a little extra of when no one is looking.
Pork belly. I sneak in a little of that every time I have the chance!
12. When you go out to eat what do you go for?
I like variety because I get bored easily. I change places every time I go out but I usually prefer Asian cuisine.
13. Do you like to listen to music while you cook? What do you listen to? Do you sing and dance along?
No, I don’t. I like it quiet and peaceful. I know it sounds weird but I like it that way. Remember, just me and the food (hahaha).
14. Who is your favorite foodie (be it a professional Chef, enthusiast, novice, friend or family)? Have they, do they or how do they inspired you and your cooking?
My mom. She inspires me and my cooking by having no recipe. You put in what you have and taste it on the go.
This might sound corny but I admire Rachael Ray. The reason is that she didn’t go to a culinary school and doesn’t call herself a chef. However, she made it her way up to be where she is now. It’s inspiring.
David Choy – this guy is an honest and awesome dude.
15. How does your family and friends feel about you being a food blogger?
They were surprised at first, especially my mom. I didn’t know how to cook when I was with her. They didn’t know I was good at cooking. Later on, they admired my food and effort I put in.
16. How do you organize your recipes before publishing them on your blog? Do they get written down on paper or do you type them up as you share with us?
For new recipes, I write down on paper and type it up on the blog. Before, I didn’t write it down and used my memory. Bad idea. You think you can remember but you just can’t - especially when you’re getting old!
17. What do you like the most and dislike the most about being a food blogger?
What I like most about blogging is to see other awesome recipes from people who have the same passion and interest. These things inspire me to cook and bake and get better.
What I dislike the most is, to be honest and up front, commenting. As you can see some have talked about it. It’s like a game. When you overcome this game, you will enjoy blogging more.
18. What about hobbies (besides cooking and eating) or what do you like to do to relax and enjoy your free time?
I have quite a few. I would say reading, outdoor activities with Bella, and sleeping in.
19. What is your goal or what do you hope to accomplish with your blog?
At this point, I don’t really know what I want from the blog. I only know I’m happy to see people like what I do and will keep doing what I’m doing as long as I’m happy.
I also would like my blog to be a source for cooking inspiration.
