Nancy's interview

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Interview by Lydia

We interviewed Nancy!

Visit the blog: The Chef's Last Diet - exploring a healthy love of food.

"One of the things I love about blogging is the opportunity to share what I've learned with others, and maybe teach them something new."

Hello Nancy, so tell us...

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

I started blogging in June of this year. I spent the last two years trying to start a business that wasn't working because my heart wasn't in it. I decided to spend a month on reflecting and thinking about what I really should be doing, and had a middle-of-the-night epiphany. On May 16th at 2:30 a.m. I awoke with a fully realized plan in my head about what path I should be on, and that started with writing a blog about food.

How many hours per week do you spend on your blog?

I spend most of my time either writing, researching, cooking for, and promoting my blog. Because I am fairly new at this I think it takes me longer to accomplish things that more experienced bloggers are able to do easily. I would say I spend about twenty hours a week writing.

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

I have gradually been joining blogging communities. I am very active on Twitter and Facebook and have had some very supportive friends who have helped me promote my blog. My growth has been slow but steady. Opportunities like being a guest or featured blogger are greatly appreciated, and I hope push me to improve my content.

What is your earliest food memory?

I have many food memories that go back to my early childhood. I remember my mom used to make a spaghetti sauce from a package called Spatini Spaghetti Sauce, I can recall the taste of it, as well as the jingle that advertised it. I also recall being about four and going into the kitchen before my parents were awake to fix myself an Oreo Cookie and cheese sandwich. Here is the recipe:
Take 1 slice of American cheese and fold into four squares
Take four Oreo cookies and twist open
Put one square of cheese on each cookie and re-close
Enjoy!

When you get home from a long trip do you have a go to dish you crave?

My cravings are definitely seasonally driven. Last fall I took a trip to Bali, and was gone for almost three weeks. I returned on the night of election day, and had no food in the house. I was exhausted from the long trip home, and I had to go vote, so I went to my default 'out of gas' meal- Chinese delivery. I got eggplant with garlic sauce and beef chow ho fun.

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

I would love to go with Guy Fieri on any of his Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives trips. I really like Alton Brown's approach to food, so I'd love to be a guest on Good Eats.

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

I grew up eating food that was considered exotic back in the 1970's and I consider myself a pretty intrepid eater and cook, but I would not eat bugs, and am a bit squeamish about things like sheep's head, monkey brains and Balut.

What or who inspires you?

I love reading cookbooks, food magazines, and reading food blogs. I am inspired when someone uses an ingredient in a new way, or introduces me to a new product or technique. I love to dine at good restaurants then go home and try to re-create those dishes at home.

If you could go back and talk to yourself when you started your blog, what advice could you now offer?

It's not all that long ago, but I think I would say don't hold back- dive in and get going!

Anything else you would like to share?

I have spent most of my life learning about food, and hope I never stop, and I one of the things I love about blogging is the opportunity to share what I've learned with others, and maybe teach them something new.

Thank you Nancy for answering our questions and see you soon!
Published by Lydia - 08/03/2013

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