Steph's interview

Interview by Laurence

We interviewed Steph!

Visit the blog: Steph's Kitchen.

See profile page and recipes

Discover Steph's favourite recipe: Strawberry and lemon cheesecake ice cream

"Never stop trying new recipes! Cooking is about having fun and enjoying all different types of food."

Hello Steph, so tell us...

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

Believe it or not, Steph's Kitchen actually started as a way to rescue my friends from constant foodie snaps on Facebook! I simply created a Facebook page so I had a place to upload my pictures and share recipes I found with friends and family. Gradually more and more people started to follow the page, and more questions came asking for my recipes. The blog Steph's Kitchen soon followed, giving another home to my recipes outside of my hand written recipe book.

If you could go back in time, what is the one piece of advice you would give your younger self as they started out on your blog?

Make your life easier and blog ahead! I was so excited I quickly posted my first recipe without thinking about what would be the next one. I would definitely tell past Steph to calm down and plan ahead for readers!

What is your favorite dish of all time?

I don't think many people would have heard of it, but my favourite dish would have to be Pineapple Meatballs.

It's pretty much meatballs in a sweet and sour sauce, which you serve on rice. I have very fond memories of my Mum making it for us as kids. I now make it at home by pure memory, sight and taste after she taught me the recipe many years ago. It's one of those family recipes you never physically see a recipe for - so who knows where it's from!

Your photos are great, in your opinion what makes a dish beautiful?

I know many people say 'you eat with your eyes'. In a way this is true, but for me a beautiful dish has flavours that just melt in your mouth and that you don't easily forget.

Do you have a secret weapon in the kitchen?

I don't know if it's a secret weapon, but I love cooking with garlic! I think it just adds such great flavour to savoury dishes.

What is your earliest memory involving food?

My earliest memory of cooking would be helping Mum in the kitchen when I was little. She'd give us cutting boards and little knives to cut up vegetables for dinner. My passion and love of food comes from my Mum - who is such a fantastic cook! My Mum is my first go to for any food questions (sorry Google!).

Are there any chefs that you admire in particular?

I have to admit I have one of those "ultimate dinner party" guest lists - and most of them are chefs! My absolute favourite chef would be Jamie Oliver for his passion for food and wanting to teach people to get back into the kitchen. For him it's all about the love of food.

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

This is a tricky one! I watch (and am slightly addicted to) a lot of cooking shows. I think I'd go for a show called 'My Kitchen Rules' where as a couple or team of two you face off against other everyday cooks. Who would I take you might ask? I'd drag my Mum along!

Which Gourmandize recipe would you recommend? (if none take your fancy add your own and share it with us!)

I actually have a massive sweet tooth, so I've noted down to try the 'Strawberry and lemon cheesecake ice cream' recipe. I love, love, love strawberry cheesecake ... adding it to ice cream, can you really go wrong?!

Any last words or message for our readers?

Never stop trying new recipes! Cooking is about having fun and enjoying all different types of food.

Thank you Steph for answering our questions and see you soon!
Published by Laurence - 26/07/2013

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