About Me
Hi everyone!
This is my journey that began in July, 2011. I’ve always felt at home in the kitchen, my sanctuary as I sometimes call it. I love trying out new recipes as well as re-creating a dish from a favorite restaurant. And then there are the tried and true recipes that I remember from my childhood. Over time I’ve tried to remember all the old recipes that Mom used to make and post them here on the blog as a keepsake for my family. I’m a country girl at heart, just a bit older and maybe a bit wiser. I love recipes and have been collecting them for as long as I can remember. I take many photos in order to tell a story of a recipe from start to completion. I have to confess, I have a forgetful nature and it’s just easier to remember with photos as my guide.
What a ride it’s been these past few years. I’ve been blessed by so many food blogging friends that I’ve met through this adventure. There are so many talented bloggers and I so enjoy looking at all the different things that everyone is putting on their tables. You all are such awesome inspiration!
My husband Joe has been by my side for over 30 years and together we raised our 2 boys, Josh and Cameron. Josh has taken up my obsession of food and now cooks almost as much as I do. I can attest to his homemade bread, it’s to die for!!
My sister Kat has been my biggest source of encouragement throughout this adventure. She gives me inspiration each and every day!
I love Chef Paul Prudhomme who puts together the most incredible spice blends. His spice blends started an obsession in me that all foods need more spice. Penzeys is my spice store of choice and I’m lucky to have a store nearby where I can stock my pantry with any spice you can think of and then some. If you don’t have a Penzeys store in your neighborhood, you can order online. A few doors down from Penzeys is The Tasteful Olive which has the most unique Balsamic Vinegars and Olive Oils. Olive Oil is a staple in my kitchen so when I found all the different flavors of Olive Oil it made some old dishes taste new. You can create so many combination’s of oils and vinegars that can be used for marinades and salad dressings.
My roots are firmly planted in New Mexico. There is so much tradition and culture that I have embraced, and the food, well it’s the best thing on this earth!! There’s nothing like the aroma of green chile roasting in the air or enchiladas with sopapillas and honey. After spending 3 years in Michigan and 25 years in the Kansas City area, Joe and I finally moved back home to New Mexico in 2018. While I enjoyed my time in both states, New Mexico will always be home.
I grew up on a farm in eastern New Mexico and my Mom always had a big meal on the table with all the trimmings at lunchtime. We raised vegetables and I remember picking each week to take to the farmer’s market in town. Our summers were filled with fresh veggies and pies or cobblers that Mom would make. What we didn’t eat we would can and store for the winter. My dad was famous for his watermelon crops. I can remember summers with the back porch filled with ripe watermelon. We would cut one every afternoon. I wish I was half the baker Mom is, but that talent was handed down to my sister Kat. My brother Carl is a great cook. He loves spice too, and makes the most delicious comfort food.
It’s been great to meet you all, thanks for stopping by!
Jan (NativeNM)
34 thoughts on “About Me”
justafrugalfoodie
I realize not all bloggers participate in these awards but I wanted to let you know I nominated you for the Sunshine Award because your blog is one of my favorites. You can read about it in my post here…http://justafrugalfoodie.wordpress.com/2012/04/01/thanks-guys-ive-been-awarded-the-liebster-and-sunshine-blog-awards/ Happy Blogging!
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Don Rutherford
Thank you Cheli. My wife threw out the wrapper of my blue corn posole with the directions on it..
I grew up in Northern New Mexico and moved to MIchigan at age 16. My Mom and Dad and siblings still lived there, so I visited many times and learned to cook New Mexican as an adult. I cook white corn posole dried, so I figure it is close. I like it hotter than the friends we are having over, so will have to adjust. Plus it is hard to get hot pepper here.
Don
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NativeNM
It’s ironic that you moved to Michigan at 16. My husband grew up in Michigan and moved to NM when he was 16. Hope your posole turns out great!
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NativeNM
Thank you so much! When we bloggers share and support one another it makes it all worthwhile.
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G Matthew (Matt) Allen
I’m trying to contact you directly but I fear I’ve not figured it out. I’d like permission to use the story you wrote about cooking on Flavors of the Southwest smoker pellets. I fear I’m the “Head Piñata” of the company that manufacture them. I look forward to hearing from you and will try to provide you some alternate flavors we are working on. Thank you. Matt allen
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NativeNM
Hi Matt, Thanks for reaching out. I would be happy to have you share my post “NM Inspired Pistachio Smoked Carnitas”. This was one of my favorite projects and the smoked carnitas turned out wonderful using Flavors of the Southwest Pistachio pellets. I hope to smoke some different meats this Spring and Summer and would love to try some of your new flavored pellets, especially those that are regional to New Mexico. Love your design for the pellets and hope that you expand places where we can buy the pellets or perhaps order online. You can reach me at AnInspiredCook@gmail.com
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Anne
Hi Jan, you have some fantastic recipes –love your blog! I look forward to reading more.
-Anne
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NativeNM
Thanks so much! I’ll be dropping by your blog to see what you are up to also as you have some great recipes and photos!
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Anne
Hi Jan, I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award.
http://unihomemaker.com/2012/10/11/one-lovely-blog-award/
All the best,
Anne
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NativeNM
Thank you so much! I’ve been away for a few days but I wanted you to know I appreciate it and will work on setting it up soon.
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thoughtsncake
You have a beautiful space up here . Especially loved the idea of your margarita jam
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NativeNM
Thank you!
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Cestlaviecuisine
Hi Jan,
Thanks for the wonderful recipes. I live in NM as well and love discovering new recipes.
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NativeNM
Thanks for stopping by my blog. You are so lucky to live in NM, where do you call home now? There’s nothing like the culture and foods of NM, at least I think so!
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Cestlaviecuisine
I was born and raised in France. I have been living in Albuquerque for about 5 years now. Can’t imagine my life without green chili! It is actually fun to combine French and New Mexican food in one and the same recipe.
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dedy oktavianus pardede
hi jan, you’ve got such a great blog…
thx for Chipotle Tabasco Sauce recipe…
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NativeNM
Thanks so much!
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dedy oktavianus pardede
you’ve had such a great blog,
thx for Chipotle Tabasco Sauce recipe…
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Cestlaviecuisine
Hi, I nominated you for the Liebster award (http://wp.me/p2JXcQ-3k). I always enjoy reading your blog! -Lucie
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NativeNM
I feel honored, thank you! Your blog is lovely too, I love how you incorporate a little of NM into your cooking, especially with your background in french cuisine!
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Fae's Twist & Tango
Congratulations Jan! You have been awarded:
I’m a part of the WordPress Family Award &
Versatile Blogger Award
No pressure, it is all up to you to pay it forward. You have been awarded at:
http://fae-magazine.com/2013/11/16/awards-november-2013/
… Or, after a month, look for it
here >> http://fae-magazine.com/awards/2013-blog-awards/
Enjoy your Awards! 😀 Fae.
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NativeNM
Thank you, Fae! I’m honored that you thought of me. Congrats on your beautiful blog and all your awards!
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FightForTheBite
You have a great blog! That’s why I nominated you for the ‘Blog of the Year’ award. 🙂 Participation is optional. Find out more here: http://fightforthebite.wordpress.com/2013/12/16/molten-chocolate-cake-and-blog-of-the-year-award/
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NativeNM
Thank you so much!
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mjskit
Hey Jan! How on earth have I been missing your Blog!? What a great find! I’m not native New Mexican, but I am a New Mexican with long roots holding me here. I’ve been here 40 years and can’t leave. Love everything about my life here. Anyway, wanted to say Hello. Now on to exploring your blog. Please drop by mine and say Hello. (http://mjskitchen.com)
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NativeNM
Hi MJ. Thanks for stopping by to say hello. I was just in New Mexico last week and had so much fun enjoying the blue skies, the view of the Sandia’s and great food. I only get back a couple times of year but it still feels like home. I am anxious to explore your blog, I’m sure it will make me homesick.
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Lisa Gibson Fischer
Can we use your photo for an article that is being posted about fried green tomatoes? I’m the editor-at-large at AY (About You) Magazine in Little Rock, AR. I’m also the food writer there.
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NativeNM
Hi Lisa, You may use my photos for your article. Thanks for asking and I hope to see the article one day!
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Lisa Fischer
We will credit An Inspired Cook as the photographer. It will go up later today at http://www.aymag.com. It’s my recipe but I needed a photo to match it and couldn’t find one in the free photo sites.
On Mon, Jun 24, 2019 at 7:12 AM An Inspired Cook wrote:
> NativeNM commented: “Hi Lisa, You may use my photos for your article. > Thanks for asking and I hope to see the article one day!” >
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Jessica
Hi Jan!
Reading your about me gave me chills. I was born in Michigan, grew up in Kansas City and now call New Mexico home. I look forward to viewing your content. 🙂
Sorry to be a creepier.
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NativeNM
Hi Jessica! Wow, our lives took similar path’s just a different route! My husband Joe was born and raised in Michigan (Marlette). His family moved to NM when he was 16, talk about culture shock! But we met in High School and married shortly after. We started out in Albuquerque, then moved back to Michigan for a few years and finally settled in KC for 25 years. Our kids think of KC as home even though they were born in NM. Our little family is scattered between ABQ, KC and Wyoming now. It’s amazing to meet you and hear your story as well!
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Jenny Green
Hi Jan,
My name is Jenny and I work for the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. This holiday season, NMDA is having an Elevate NM Agriculture Campaign to promote New Mexico-made food and beverage products. There will be a blogger component of the campaign, intended to expand on the department’s overall promotional efforts, targeting New Mexican households and other patrons. We’d like to know if you would be interested in participating. Please contact me for more information.
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Heath Barkley
I love your blog! Your introduction is very similar to mine. I have deep roots in New Mexico. I been working on a cookbook for many years. Recipes are from my Mom, some I created and others I found in magazines or books. I make delicious traditional NM desserts (bizcochitos, empanadas, pastellitos, natillas, queque, etc.). I have many NM cookbooks and have tried hundreds of recipes. Thank you for inviting me into your kitchen I look forward to learning more. Be well.
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NativeNM
Hello and welcome!! I am always happy to hear from a fellow New Mexican. We are so lucky to experience the cultures and the food that is New Mexico and something that I strive to replicate. I hope that you have great success with your cookbook, please let me know when you have it ready, I would love to try your recipes. Thanks for reaching out!
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