About me
Hey y'all. I am a 5th generation Southern cook living in Tampa, FL. I have such an addiction to cooking and preserving family recipes for generations to come.
I was brought up with all the traditional southern recipes on my mothers side of the family, and German and Pennsylvania Dutch farm recipes on my dads side of the family. But once I moved to Florida I adopted a healthier eating lifestyle. I learned to cook with local ingredients. I found what was best for me, actually made me feel better. It was a whole lifestyle change. But as y'all know, I still love my traditional family recipes. I have just learned the moderation I need to keep in mind and mix these delicious recipes into my healthier recipes.
But y'all, so many memories come from a recipe or a meal. How many of you can remember your favorite meal that mom or grandma made. How many times have you smelled a dish cooking and it immediately takes you back to your childhood. Was it licking the bowl from moms cake frosting, the smell of cookies baking in the oven, or even the taste of a food from your childhood.
Sit back and enjoy the recipes from my past, and the ones I have made my own and updated for today's tastes and local produce. Please let me know if there is a recipe your looking for or would like for me to develop for you. Overall, I just hope you enjoy what I am bringing to you. Eat locally, and healthy, but remember that you can mix in your family favorites from time to time as well.
Cooking Influences
Well if you know me, you know that my inspirations are not only my parents, but especially my aunt Carol, grandparents, and great grandparents. I was raised in a family where you work. You don’t rely on others to do things you can do yourself. If you can fix it, cook it, grow it, or make it, then you just do it.
One of my passions in life is cooking. I was brought up watching my grandmothers, aunt Carol, and mother cooking. I always felt closest to my family when I was with them and learning to carry on traditions. Both of my grandfathers were the hardest workers I have ever known. My grandpa Cecil told me to learn everything I could to take care of myself, because I may never be married and will have to take care of myself. So I did. I have to admit, he was my idol. He was a no nonsense man. He was a coal miner in Kentucky, a man who always took care of his family, and a man you would never hear make an excuse for anything. He was the true leader of our family and when he passed away, our family lost the heart of our family.
My grandma’s, great grandma’s, and yes when I was born I had one great-great-grandma, taught me so much and I got to learn from all of them some form or type of cooking. And I learned everything from the simplest down home comfort foods, to full meals for groups of people. Believe it or not, one of my favorite meals my grandma Cortie makes is just plane ole’ cornbread and beans. I looked forward to it every time we went to her and grandpa’s house. Such a simple thing, but I still make it to this day and it makes me feel so close to her and my family. It truly takes me back.
United States Chef
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