Food Bloggers Unplugged

During the week the lovely Alison over at Hungry Squirrel Cakes tweeted me to say that she had tagged me in her blog...which is totally drool worthy...I went over to have a look...and there was her Food Bloggers Unplugged post! Not only had she mentioned me in her post, but tagged me to take part too! 

Over the last month or so I've really enjoyed learning more about the fantastic foodies whose recipes I swoon over and now...you can learn a little more about moi! 

What or who inspired you to start your blog? 

21st century urban housewife started as a creative outlet and a way for me to keep in touch with friends and family in Canada.  When David and I moved in together (over 2 years ago now) my visa restrictions meant that I  wasn't able to work...so I embraced my "housewife" role and decided to start this blog as a record of that experience.  Since then, I've grown, it's grown, my cooking has improved and certainly developed, the blog has been neglected and then pampered to soothe any hurt feelings.  

Who is your foodie inspiration? 

In real life it has to be my mom and my Aunt Sandi...everything always done to perfection.  In celebrity food world...the great Yotam Ottolenghi...his food is to.die.for...his recipes are to.die.for...the food styling is to.die.for...if I could convince David to graze and eat our way through platter after platter of middle eastern mezze I would be in heaven.  

Your Greasiest most batter splattered cook book is?

This is really hard to tell...the cookbook in the worst condition is my Canadian Basics cookbook...broken spine, stuck together pages, missing index...This is my go to cookbook if I am unsure of something...how long to cook chicken, what the ratio of flour to milk is for pancakes...that kind of stuff.  It also has a killer recipe for butter tarts. 

The best thing you have ever eaten in another country, where was it and what was it? 

In the spring of 2006 my mom came to visit me and we popped over to Paris for a week (as one does). The day we went to the Picasso Museum it was absolutely pouring with rain so we ducked into the nearest cafe for lunch...it was local, it was dark, it was crammed with people...it was atmospheric.  Once we were seated it became very clear that the landlady was trying to offload the special...duck...she must have mentioned the Canard 5 or 6 times, but it worked! Mom had the Canard and I had the most incredible platter of goats cheese and beetroot salad with toasts.  It certainly wasn't gourmet, but it was probably the closest I will ever come to having a home cooked french meal.  

Another Food Blogger's table you would like to eat at? 

I think this is probably the hardest question of the bunch.  Right...in the UK it will have to be Dom over at Belleau Kitchen.  I am consistently amazed at the stuff that he produces...and...they are his own recipes! I am no where near brave enough to experiment like he does.  And...if I was jetting across the pond I would die for an invite to Sue's table from The View From the Great Island ...think seasonal, think comforting...think heaven!

What one kitchen gadget would you like from Santa? (Money no Object)

I'd love to say an AGA or an ice cream maker or something totally over the top...but in reality I'd love it if Santa brought me...a big balloon whisk (this is what I desperately need) and a set of electric beaters...I know it might seem strange but I don't have any!!!

Who taught you to cook? 

My mom.  She always allowed me to help...and was for the most part encouraging, except for that time with the chocolate mousse...when it never really set and dessert was ruined.  When I was at university and living at home I cooked one meal a week for the family, I planned it...made the shopping list (and mom paid...chaaaachingggg) and then I cooked, somethings were great, somethings weren't so great.  But I learnt a lot.  I also spent a lot of time watching The Food Network in my spare time, so Mario , Jamie , Nigella and Ina...kudos to you too!

I'm coming for dinner, what is your signature dish? 

Does cake count? I don't know what I would serve...depends on the season?!! I just know that I would finish it off with a big fat layered and iced devils food cake with ice cream! 

What is your guilty food pleasure? 

This is easy...and disgusting...Kraft Dinner (or Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, or Cheesey Pasta) with ketchup and a cold can of Coke.  Or hot dogs in bread with Lays ketchup chips...

Reveal something about yourself that others would be surprised to learn 

When I was in university I had a life sized cardboard cut out of Jamie Oliver in my room.  Come to think of it, he only went into the recycling a year or so ago when I was at my parents' house and was forced to get rid of everything I had left there.  Poor Jamie.  

And now I have to tag 5 other Food Bloggers to answer these questions

Sue from The View From the Great Island

Katey at Edinburgh Eats

Cherry at Cherry Ann Art

Linda at Linda Wilks Art

and 

Michael from Me, My Food and I

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