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)