Joanne/WineLady Cooks's interview
Interview by LydiaWe interviewed Joanne/WineLady Cooks!
Visit the blog: WineLady Cooks - Sharing Life's Simple Pleasures.
"Technology has given us the tools to make lasting memories that we can pass down to our children, grandchildren and future generations."
Hello Joanne/WineLady Cooks, so tell us...
When did you begin your blog, and what inspired you to start it?
In 2009 I thought it would be fun to start a food blog. I was hooked on technology and thought blogging would be fun. It's wasn't as easy as I thought it would be but I kept on going. It has taken a while to find my blogger's voice. It was when doctor's orders were to change our diets for health reasons that I was motivated to use new ingredients and to share my stories and recipes. It was also a great way to introduce new foods to my family. Now that my grandsons are getting older they like to help in the kitchen and they are more willing to try something new. Having family involved in the kitchen makes it much easier for me to share stories and recipes that others might be wiling to try and hopefully they'll enjoy as well.
Are you involved in the blogging community - how do you attract new readers?
It took me more than a year to get involved in the blogging community. I wanted to stay anonymous but soon realized that social networking was the only way to connect with everyone. I have been involved with the Foodie Friends Friday group for almost a year and they have been very helpful and supportive in many ways. It has taken time for me to learn to coordinate sharing on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook and it has proven to be very helpful. This past year Pinterest has really been very active for traffic.
Who are your culinary influences?
I learned a lot from my mother and grandmother when I was growing up. My grandparents had fruit trees and vegetable gardens and my grandfather was a fisherman. As a result my mother and grandmother only cooked with fresh ingredients. They never used a recipe or cookbook. That's where Julia Child and the Galloping Gourmet came in - that was way back when! I was a new bride and needed to learn more about cooking and baking. To this day I don't usually use a written recipe when I cook EXCEPT for baking. I remember trying to make a pie crust after watching Julia -- it was a disaster. It has taken many years for me to finally get it right -- it's really easy -- who knew!
If you could be a contestant or guest on any cooking show what show would you choose?
I enjoy watching the home cooks on MasterChef but I definitely know I would not do well under pressure. I would rather be a judge and taste their dishes. Some of them are so creative.
What is your earliest food memory?
I have three sisters and I always remember how much we enjoyed the homemade raviolis our aunt would make on Sunday's for special occasions. Our two families would sit around the table enjoying dinner and having a 'watered down' glass of grandpa's homemade wine. Nothing was more enjoyable and fun than our family dinners - except for our summer picnics in the country.
On your blog you feature Wine Review Mondays. What advice do you have for someone just getting into wine?
Never be intimidated especially if you keep in mind that wine is only grape juice that has fermented. For those who are new to wine and are not sure what to drink you only have to speak up and ask someone to answer your questions. In a restaurant ask the waiter to recommend a wine to go with the meal you will order. If you are in a wine store and are not sure what to buy ask the salesperson for suggestions. They are very knowledgeable and always happy to help. If you already know that you do or do not like either red or white wine and/or maybe you prefer something sweet be sure to convey that. Tasting wine is the best way to find a wine you like. Remember, "it's just a matter of taste!" so drink what you like.
Is there any dish, ingredient or type of food you refuse to cook?
The butchered proteins we all buy are o.k. with me to cook, but the innards that are delicacies in some cultures are not for me. That would be out of my comfort zone.
When you have a last minute get together, what are your go to dishes?
Quick and Easy is my mantra. Nothing is easier than to roast a chicken and fresh vegetables. In 20 minutes or less you can be prepped and have everything in the oven. In no time at all dinner can be served with a mixed green salad .
Another last minute dish to prepare is pasta with vegetables. Just add chicken stock or vegetable stock for vegetarian dish and serve with a mixed green salad. Seasonal fruit for dessert is always a winner.
What are your goals for your blog? Where would you like to see it in the next year? Five years?
I would like to increase my list of 'healthier' recipes. Being realistic, life has a way of changing our paths occasionally. I don't know what will be happening next year or in five years, but if I'm still blogging I would like to see an increase in traffic and put together a cookbook. Technology has given us the tools to make lasting memories that we can pass down to our children, grandchildren and future generations. Blogging is helping with this process and hope that I will be fortunate to accomplish these goals.
Anything else you would like to share?
It's so funny that it seems we are almost invisible when we blog. Our blog pages are crisp and sharp and we share some intimate moments, but we don't always give up our little secrets. So here's one I'm ashamed to admit - I'm a messy cook in the kitchen. If I'm baking, which is often, there is a cloud of flour over me and everything I touch. But it's worth it.
Thank you Joanne/WineLady Cooks for answering our questions and see you soon!
Published by Lydia - 08/13/2013
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