Kristin's interview

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Interview by Laurence

We interviewed Kristin!

"My day job is my day job but I was missing that creative element. Dinnertimediaries.com became that creative outlet for me."

Hello Kristin, so tell us...

When did you begin your blog, and what inspired you to start it?

I began my blog in April 2012. After four days, I went on vacation. Those first four days of blogging were rough! Thankfully, I came back from vacation rested and have continued to blog ever since.

I'm a nerd and I love to read and research recipes. Friends and family would come to me for menu suggestions, or (more likely) I would offer advice on what to make. The blog was initially a way for me to easily share recipes. However, it quickly became a creative outlet for me that I desperately needed. My day job is my day job but I was missing that creative element. Dinnertimediaries.com became that creative outlet for me.

Are you involved in the blogging community - how do you attract new readers?

I should be more involved than I am. Working full-time and spending time with the mister and kids, doesn't leave a whole lot of time to blog and stay in touch with the blogging community. Heck, I don't even keep in touch with friends on Facebook!

Who are your culinary influences?

My grandmother was a huge influence. Everything she made was homemade and was so good and comforting. I have tried a lot of cookie recipes but none come close to her recipes.

Ina Garten is a also a big influence. I'm a huge fan of hers and I love how she uses simple ingredients to create big, fresh flavors. Her recipes are accessible and I can always appreciate that.

If you could be a contestant or guest on any cooking show what show would you choose?

I could never survive a cooking content. I freeze when I have to think on my feet and under a time limit. I have to plan my meals out for the week so I don't panic each night!

I would love to cook with Giada deLaurentiis. She really enjoys her food and she seems to have fun. Why shouldn't you have fun (and a glass of wine) in the kitchen?

What is your earliest food memory?

I would have to say eating with my grandmother. Even though I'm Italian, I never used to like pasta with sauce. I would only eat it with butter and tomato juice. I know, weird. She would make this baked macaroni that I still crave to this day. There wasn't a recipe for this but it included elbow pasta, mozzarella and cheddar cheese and tomato juice. You bake it and it becomes this juicy, gooey treat. It wasn't fancy but it was so comforting. This meal made me realize how powerful food can be.

Do you have a secret ingredient, a product you use a lot that is unexpected?

When in doubt, my secret ingredient is lemon juice or lemon zest. Lemon can brighten and lighten up a meal with just a quick splash. I've always been fond of lemons. As a kid, I loved to eat them!

Is there any dish, ingredient or type of food you refuse to cook?

I can't seem to warm up to curry. I feel like I'm missing out on a lot of different foods and flavors. I didn't like beets until last year so maybe I'll like curry in the near future.

When you have a last minute get together, what are your go to dishes?

Hmmmmm.....For a last minute get together, I like to make pizzas (using dough from Trader Joes). You can keep it simple or go gourmet. Plus, your guests can get involved and make their own. I know that pizza doesn't sound fancy but I like to keep my dinner parties tasteful but low-key. I nice glass of wine, a kale salad and a homemade pizza make for a relaxed but cozy evening.

What are your goals for your blog? Where would you like to see it in the next year? Five years?

I can't usually plan what I have to do next week, let alone next year. I would like to build upon what I have started and see what happens. I get so much enjoyment out of blogging that I'm okay with slow growth.

Thank you Kristin for answering our questions and see you soon!
Published by Laurence - 09/03/2013

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