Why am I writing this blog?

Since I was a kid I've loved being in the kitchen and watching those around me creating amazing meals, from simple staple foods to more complex dishes. One of my first memories in the kitchen is sitting on my dad's lap at the sink as he cleaned squid, occasionally feeding me some raw tentacles. My parents, especially my dad, have always encouraged me to try weird, funky foods that at first sight might not necessarily be considered edible, but after overcoming any hesitation can be totally delish. Although growing up the things I found yummy were usually considered gross by my peers, I now pride myself in having an appetite for those stranger fare that life has to offer. Why limit yourself because something has gelatinous eyes or might have a claw attached to it? I'm not saying you're forced to like it, but at least you can say that this one time you ate that one freaky or 'disgusting' thing! 

On top of that, I've been so lucky to have had the opportunity to travel and to experience other culinary traditions. Not to mention that growing up in a city like San Francisco, where pretty much every type of ethnic cuisine is readily available, has been amazing!

Before going off to university I would hear people joking about how bad college food was, or that they only ate bland pasta and microwave meals. I'm not saying that at home I eat decadent meals, but I was definitely not used to food that came with a plastic film. So, once I started university it was up to me to start cooking for myself. I went to the supermarket, bought a few things and began to improvise. I have to admit my first year in self-catered halls wasn't that eventful. Soon I was missing San Francisco's gastronomic diversity along with the food that I had grown up eating. I would make mini bucket lists of the things I had to eat when I went home to visit and getting upset when I wasn't able to complete them. But then....I had an epiphany. Why couldn't I try to recreate those dishes that were engrained in my memory? One day I was craving some enchiladas, and although there are 'Mexican' restaurants in Edinburgh I figured I should try making them myself. But where could I find all the ingredients I needed? Thank you internet!!! With a simple Google search I was able to locate a small shop of Mexican and other products (I will mention this shop multiple times throughout the blog). Anyway, the point that I'm trying to make is that when you're away from home, especially during college, you can still enjoy good food. Obviously you won't find everything you need, but its a question of discovering and using the local ingredients you have at your disposal. Before I knew it I was cooking things that I would've never thought I'd be able to cook, especially being away from home. This doesn't only apply to Mexican food. With just a bit of exploring and creativity you're bound to find the ingredients you need. 

I'll also be posting about recreating food in literature, baking projects, travels, and recipes I've learned from other people.

Hopefully I've been clear on what the point of this blog is, and if not I hope that it will be as I start posting!

Thanks!!!!!!!

P.S. Not all the recipes are going to be 100% authentic. I'm trying my best to work with the ingredients at my disposal. That's the point! You're not always going to have access to the exact meat, cheese, or vegetable!