Annie of Annie’s Eats is nothing short of a super woman. She is a mother of two, a wife, a physician, and a beacon of inspiration for those of us who want to create delicious culinary creations from our homes. Her blog was featured in Better Homes and Gardens and in Saveur as one of the top “50 Food Blogs You Should Be Reading”. On top of all of that, she is incredibly down-to-earth and was kind of enough to take the time to answer questions about her favorite holiday foods, her approach to cooking, and why fearlessness is her number one tool in the kitchen.
The holiday season was just in full swing. What recipes do you most look forward to at holiday dinners?
Personally, I’m all about the carbs when it comes to holiday meals. Mashed potatoes and rolls have always been my favorite part. To be honest, I could do without all the rest as long as I had those two things.
How does being a physician impact your perspective as a foodie and blogger?
My job is quite stressful and demands so much of my time and energy that the kitchen is sort of an escape for me. In addition, a good understanding of nutrition and a balanced diet informs my perspective. As a result, I don’t pay much attention to fad diets. I love to know what my family is eating and try to serve them a wide variety of mostly healthy meals with as much made from scratch as possible. “Everything in moderation” is my mantra.
Your puff pastry post made me want to put my computer down and run to the kitchen! The flaky apple turnovers, caramelized onion tart, and baked brie with apple compote left me drooling. Are there any posts in particular that you got a surprising response from?
Just like the puff pastry, step-by-step posts are always well received because they break down a concept that seems complicated and make it doable. I have been happily surprised by the response to my “Making the Basics” series, where I present homemade versions of items that are commonly store-bought.
You are completely self-taught from books and online tutorials. What have been your greatest resources along the way as you have learned to cook and bake?
Cookbooks and recipe sites got me started. Eventually I learned of two key resources: food blogs in general, and America’s Test Kitchen (and their various publications). I love to read about food, kitchen techniques, etc. but to be honest, I think the most valuable tool I have is not being afraid of failure in the kitchen. After reading countless emails and comments from readers, it’s obvious that fear of failure often prevents people from trying new things. Rather than be afraid, I enjoy the challenge of trying new things, not to mention it comes along with a very tasty reward!
What is your favorite meal of the day?
Definitely dinner. I leave for work very early in the morning so breakfast is always quick, and lunch is rushed and often eaten while working. Dinner is the time our whole family sits down together and enjoys a well-rounded meal that is made and enjoyed with love.
What is the best compliment anyone has given you on your blog?
Anytime a reader tells me that I have helped them learn to love cooking and/or baking, or tells me that they were able to make something they had never dreamed they could because of my site, it’s undoubtedly the best compliment I can receive. Being self-taught, I had next to no kitchen knowledge when I started, so I can relate to their sense of accomplishment and it’s an honor to have at least a small part in that.
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