DangerousAnn's interview
Interview by LydiaWe interviewed DangerousAnn!
Visit the blog: Cooking Dangerously.
Hello DangerousAnn, so tell us...
When did you begin your blog, and what inspired you to start it?
I started my blog when my young daughter picked up a round green vegetable (chayote) at the grocery store and asked me what it was. I said I didn't know, and she asked if we could cook it. I had to learn how, and then I kind of kept going. I still get really excited when I find something I've never seen before, which happens all the time.
Are you involved in the blogging community - how do you attract new readers?
I still find it a struggle. I'm active on Twitter, so when I don't get yelled at by my family for it, I interact there and find that some new friends become blog followers.
Who are your culinary influences?
I like chefs who create accessible, reasonably healthy, delicious food. Jamie Oliver is probably my go-to, and I always find treasures in highly rated Epicurious recipes.
What is your earliest food memory?
Hmmm. I remember I liked cinnamon, so I snuck a tiny bit when my mom wasn't around, and then I went for a whole mouthful. That was long before people were getting famous on YouTube doing it.
Have you always been an adventurous eater?
I was a very picky eater as a kid. My breakthrough moment was at a friend's 16th birthday where her parents took us to an expensive Ukrainian restaurant. I had to eat what was put in front of me or be rude, so I ate everything while my friend hid her laughter from her parents. Every dish was fantastic. I've been trying new foods ever since.
What is the most exotic thing you have prepared for Cooking Dangerously?
Ooh, exotic is kind of my thing, so there's a long list. Camel? Haggis? Probably the fish heads.
Is there any dish, ingredient or type of food you refuse to cook?
I try not to be like "Fear Factor," where the whole goal is to eat strange things - my goal is to make these unfamiliar or unconventional foods taste good, so there are quite a few I've thought of but can't make myself try yet. Testicles come to mind. Sounds like I'm playing with you, but people eat them! Organs are always tough for me, actually, but maybe I'll get around to heart and tripe eventually. I'm not big on the idea of bugs, either, although lobster is delicious, so if they taste anything like that...
When you have a last minute get together, what are your go to dishes?
Shocker, but I almost never cook the same meal twice. When I know friends are coming I try to build on what I know their tastes are and do something different. One friend likes tomatoes, so I'll make something caprese-ish for him. Another likes mushrooms, so I might try a variation on grilled portabellos. Roasted vegetables in olive oil are almost always in my meals somehow (toss Brussels sprouts with oil, salt, vinegar, 45 minutes at 400 and you may actually like them!). In my *old* age I hope I've learned how to simplify cooking for guests so that I can enjoy my time with them more.
What are your goals for your blog? Where would you like to see it in the next year? Five years?
Endless riches. Isn't that what everyone wants? Ha ha. I still love blog comments, so I'm always hoping for more interaction. I don't like it when people mar a great concept with commercial pitches and sneaky contests, so although I want wealth and fortune, I hope I never trade it for that.
Anything else you would like to share?
Just good weird food ideas and a laugh or two!
Thank you DangerousAnn for answering our questions and see you soon!
Published by Lydia - 09/04/2013
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