About me
What does feed me, fangul mean? More on that in a bit...
I'm a busy twenty-something professional that doesn't have alot of time to cook, but when I do, there's nothing better than getting down and dirty and barefoot in the kitchen (as post-fem as that sounds.) I like trying lots of different ethnic foods, although will stick to more basics when it comes to doubling up and packing extras for lunch/dinner the next day.
My love of all things and experiences food-related comes from my Italian-American mother, and her Italian-American mother, and her Italian mother....hence the phrase.
Our family appreciates good food and good times around a noisy dinner table, as well as wine and ports to pair with; and believes olive oil might be the cure for almost anything, from a bland meal to irritated skin to that annoying residue goo that stickers leave on everything....Also, no matter how much someone eats, in the mind of an Italian-American it is not enough, and you'll often get a pinch on the cheek or collarbone with an exclamation that you are too thin/need to eat more.
Not surprisingly, my greatest friendships and relationships and best co-habitating experiences have been with people who also aren't afraid to eat, to take the time to prepare to eat, to spend on eating, to sample each other's food, and to share recipes with each other, no matter how simple they might be.
Cooking Influences
My great-grandmother, my grandmothers, my mother have influenced me...and dare I say it, a couple ex-boyfriends have been pretty good cooks. One of them used to make a production out of cooking gourmet meals before sitting down to watch Sunday football games, so the whole day was enjoyable for both of us, and I still use some of those recipes.
Currently I live in the greater New York City area, the dining mecca of the world, and recession or not, have been able to try some really unbelievable foods. When a chef really inspires me with a dish, I might try something similar at home, but don't have expectations that I'll be able to replicate it. I'd rather just go back to the restaurant on occasion.
Also, living on cheap eats in college for four years taught me that frugality and flavor don't have to be mutually exclusive. My roommates and I used to go down the street for amazing and amazingly cheap Vietnamese food; whip up some tuna salad and stuff it in a pita-pocket for a filling meal; and get creative with pasta dishes or those pre-washed salad bags.
United States Chef
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June 8, 2009Great profile, Lauren! Hope you'll enjoy the recipes here and share a few of your own favorites with us.
