My Journey to the Art of Cooking: Learning from Life and Love

No one taught me to cook. Instead, I picked it up unconsciously over the years of observing my mother's culinary skills. My cooking journey began in the 1970s, a time when teaching a young child how to use the stove was considered harmless. My early experiences with cooking laid the foundation for a lifelong passion that has only grown stronger over time.

Early Cooking Experiences

My love for cooking started at a very young age. While my grandmother was an excellent cook, I couldn’t always rely on her for a meal. My mother, who worked a graveyard shift, left me, my two sisters, and my siblings to fend for ourselves. At the tender age of 8 or 9, I started cooking to feed myself and, eventually, the entire family.

Learning from Role Models

My mother and maternal grandmother were exceptional in the kitchen. They taught me the basics, like scrambled eggs and grilled cheese, while I was still in kindergarten. The thought process behind these simple dishes was to demonstrate the ease and quickness of cooking, as opposed to something that required more attention to detail and patience.

One of my earliest memories was being told that forgetting to turn off the gas in my grandmother's house could lead to an explosion or even a fatality. These warnings were not just to scare me but to impress upon me the importance of safety in the kitchen.

Native-American and Italian Influences

I am half Native-American and half Italian, which has significantly influenced my approach to cooking. My mother raised us in an Italian household, where meals were traditionally made up of salad, bread, butter, and dessert. Cooking was not just a skill but a necessity. As a result, I began preparing complete meals for my family when I was around 8 or 9 years old.

Natural Culinary Understanding

Believe it or not, cooking came naturally to me. I had a good understanding of the methodology behind it, which allowed me to experiment and innovate. However, I would like to give special credit to Chef Jackie Bonet, who gave me a deeper appreciation and understanding of cuisine.

Conclusion

From scrambling an egg to creating elaborate meals, my journey to the art of cooking has been a lifelong passion. It's been shaped by the experiences and wisdom of those who came before me, including my mother, grandmother, and chef Jackie Bonet. Cooking for what you want can't be beaten, and I continue to cook because it brings me joy and satisfaction.