A couple questions...

I get questions all the time about the food featured in this blog....and just food in general. The most common questions I get are:

1. How do you have time to cook every day?

2. How do you find different ideas all the time?

3. Can I find everything you cook at the grocery store or are some of these specialty items?

4. How long does it usually take you to cook a meal?

These questions became so common, that it encouraged me to just write a blog addressing these concerns.

1. How do I find time to cook everyday? Honestly, I don't know! I was exposed to the world of cooking at a young age. All of the women in my family cook (everything from old southern country cooking to healthier alternative cooking), so the kitchen always manages to draw me in day after day. I know some of you don't enjoy it as much and try to find ways to make it part of your busy schedule. My best advice to you is to find recipes that you think you would enjoy and try them out! Get family members involved so it's a fun project instead of a dreaded chore. Best case scenario it's a success and you're excited to try a new recipe. Worst case scenario....well....it doesn't work. Regardless, you have to put forth the effort into making it fit your schedule.

2. I find different ideas by inspiration. I may come across a recipe online that I want to try, but I don't have all the ingredients, so I start substituting. Next thing you know, I have a brand new recipe! I also have a recipe app on my phone (allrecipes) that has an option called "dinner spinner" which gives you random dishes and drinks to try. There are times I may create my own twist to a family recipe, or I may try a dish from a restaurant and create my own version of it in the kitchen. That's the basis of my blog, my inspiration comes from instinct.

3. 99.9% of the things I cook are from REGULAR grocery stores and farmers markets! I have a friend that swears up and down I'm going to super specialty markets and secret grocery store clubs. Now don't get me wrong, I will go into spice markets and global markets just to try different things, but if I post something you can't find in a local store I'll definitely let you know :)

4. All of the meals I cook take no more than an hour to an hour and a half. They are meals purposely made to be quick and tasty. There are some meals that take a little longer, but just know it's worth it in the end.

Keep the questions coming! I enjoy discussing food and anything that comes with it. Are there any recipes you want me to try? Restaurants you want me to check out? Let me know!

-Let's eAt