Kate's interview

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Interview by Laurence

We interviewed Kate!

Hello Kate, so tell us...

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

I have always loved baking and my basic skills were passed down to me from my Nanna and Grandma. It wasn't until I moved away for university last year that I really started to experiment - having my own kitchen made this much easier! The Smitten Kitchen, a fantastic food blog run by Deb Perelman (I'm sure you have all been on her site!) was the blog I first came across. I thought ey up - excuse the Yorkshire term - that looks like fun! So I signed up to a blogger account and hey presto!

In your wildest dreams, where is your blog going to take you as it develops?

In my very wildest dreams I'd love to be featured in a food magazine like Delicious or maybe acquire some fancy Le Creuset stoneware to test drive. I have seen a drastic improvement in my photography since I first started my blog so maybe in a few years my photos will be spectacular! I am getting more and more creative with regards to baking, blogging and designing my site so hopefully my blog will continue to make me a more creative person. It's certainly a nice contrast to my science degree!

What is your favourite dish of all time?

A pretty boring answer here but macaroni cheese! It's just so comforting and homely (not to mention quick and easy!). Ghanaian red red is the dish I really want to say but since I can't make it myself (if anyone has a recipe contact me!!) I will be loyal to good ol' mac and cheese.

You clearly take a lot of time over your photos, what do you think makes a meal beautiful?

Thank you! When I first think about beautiful meals the first things that come to mind are the vibrant colours of fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables. Failing this any hint of colour makes a meal beautiful in my eyes!

Do you have a secret weapon in the kitchen?

On the practical side my pink silicone spatula is a God send, on the foodie side I'd probably have to say vanilla bean paste, the scrumptious flavour and those little black seeds (you know the ones you find in posh vanilla ice cream!) turn any basic cake recipe into a fancy sweet treat.

What is your earliest memory involving food?

I don't remember this myself but my mum likes to tell me about the time she was ill and fell asleep on the sofa whilst I emptied a whole box of rice crispies throughout the entire house. We're talking behind radiators and under sofas. One box can cover a surprisingly vast surface area! My earliest memories of actually eating food are with my Granddad. He would spread honey on my toast ALL the way to the edges AND load a teaspoon with honey for me to eat after! I wasn't even allowed sugar in my tea when I was little so breakfast with my Granddad as a kid was such a treat.

Did you have the chance to learn any interesting dishes in Ghana whilst you were there?

Sadly I didn't because I was so busy, but not learning how to make the dishes I completely and utterly fell in love with was a huge mistake! I did get to experience some incredible food though, plantains are SO good, they are so difficult to come by where I live so every time I see any I buy them in bulk. Red red was my favourite dish in Ghana and still, 2 years later, I am trying to get my hands on the perfect recipe for it!

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

The Great British Bake Off! It has to be! Even if it is just because Mel and Sue are the funniest presenters on TV and I'd love the chance to use that yellow shiny KitchenAid that keeps appearing on my screen!

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

I am going to be dead cheeky here and recommend one of my own!
These vanilla bean baked donuts are super quick and easy to make and only contain 15 g of butter allowing for guilt free gorging! WIN WIN!

Any last words or message for our readers?

Stop buying and start baking!! There is nothing more satisfying than a slice (or four..) of homemade cake!

Thank you Kate for answering our questions and see you soon!
Published by Laurence - 03/09/2013

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