Hazel Sy Profile

About me

It is so impressive when a person says that she will just “whip something up” for dinner. Wanting to be one of those impressive foodistas, I signed up for numerous culinary classes--learning techniques such as poaching, braising, roasting and de-glazing. I enjoyed all of these classes over the years, but cooking without a recipe still eluded me...until I realized that I only covered half of it.

Knowledge of the techniques enabled me to figure out the instructions section, but I was missing an understanding of the ingredients list. Which ingredients combine to create complex, balanced flavors? How do the tastes of sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami work together so that I pat my belly contentedly after a sumptuous meal? If flavor is a combination of taste and smell, how can I take advantage of sniffing produce and herbs at the market for inspiration?

And so my journey began.

In www.TastyPursuits.com I explore why the flavors work well together in recipes. Using this knowledge, I also lead cooking events and write food related articles for online publications.