Passion: “a thing arousing enthusiasm” (New Oxford American Dictionary)
It is funny how passions evolve through your life. In my twenties, I was passionate about whales and dolphins. I participated in a dolphin census one summer, posting myself at the beach at a very early hour to count the dolphins as they swam by. Oh, the good old twenties filled with golden beachy memories. How I miss you! In my thirties I got married and had two babies. Dolphins took a backseat to diapers, playgroups and potty training. Consequently, married with children also leads to lots of cooking. I have always enjoyed cooking. I started early and learned a lot from my Mom, Martha & magazines. It didn’t really become a passion until 2010 when the children were a little older. I remember the moment it hit. I was sitting in the waiting room at dance class and was partaking in the weekly “gab therapy” session with the other moms. I mentioned The Pillsbury Bake-Off and how I thought I’d give entering a recipe a shot. I had nothing to lose. I’d been creating dinner from whatever was in the refrigerator for years. It was my only little “Chopped” competition training. I went home, read the rules, printed the required ingredient lists and started to think. That is when my food brain turned on and my passion for all things food started.
With Martha Stewart at the 45th Pillsbury Bake Off Contest.
The upside of my food passion has led me to some great recipes, fun adventures, new friends and some good fortune! The downside led to recipe flops, dirty dishes galore and a family that just wants a normal meal once in a while. Now my food passion leads me here, to this page where I will share my passion and hopefully gather a willing audience.
Willing: “ready, eager, or prepared to do something” (New Oxford American Dictionary
Why do I seek a willing audience?? It seems I’ve accosted one too many unwilling victims at social events this past holiday season. Apparently after a glass of wine, I have a habit of cornering poor souls to whom I expound the intricate and expansive details of my latest epicuri experiments. I apologize!
I hope you will join me on this journey! I plan to share fun recipes, food adventures and Recipe Roots™ (the back-story of a recipe). You can type in your email address to receive updates of new blog posts (see the “Stay in Touch” box off to the right). You can also use the handy links above to follow epicuricloud on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Take a look at the tabs at the top of the site to read a little more about me and my cooking contest experiences. Please feel free to share your thoughts…maybe your passions (PG rated of course) in the comment section.
Thanks for spending some time in the cloud with me!
Atlantic Spotted Dolphins: Photo taken by one of the crew members on the Bottom Time II in the Bahamas, Lloyd, 1991
Tina, the website looks great! Congratulations! I am looking forward to your posts.
Thanks so much Margie!! You are always so supportive!!!
Congrats – welcome to the wonderful world of food blogging 🙂 can’t wait to join you on your cloud / journey!
Thanks so much Danielle!! Hoping I can do as well as you!! I need to get a blog roll up soon!! ( I think that’s what it’s called!! ) LOL!!
Good morning Aunt Tina!!! I absolutely love your page. As you can see I have a blog going too for myself and for photography (I would love it if you subscribed to my pages too). The real reason for my comment here is I have a request. I was wondering if there is a way to enter contests while staying on a budget? Is there a secret to trying new recipes (because you have to make it and try it before you enter it) without spending a lot of money? If so what are the tricks?
Much love,
Courtney
Hi Courtney, your blog is great!! I need to get a blog roll on here so I can post your blog on mine! The secret to testing recipes on a budget is to serve whatever you want to make for dinner!! That’s what I do! You have to make dinner anyway… The family does occasionally want a "normal" meal. If it’s desserts (which we don’t have around all the time b/c of my self-control) or something your little guys may not like, invite friends over, or bring to your next social function! Most people know by now that if they’re coming to my house, they are subject to being a "guinea pig!" LOL!! Best Wishes with it all!!! ( :
What a great website, Tina! And… thanks so much for preparing and organizing all the yummy food for the Friendraiser (again) this year!!! I’m so glad I switched you from decorations to food last year!!! I can’t wait to taste all of your scrumptious appetizers at the Friendraiser!!! We are so lucky to have you. I can’t wait to year about your next adventure (after February 23rd of course!)! Cindy
Thanks Cindy!! Looking forward to the Friendraiser – Going to be a great night!! And I will definitely hold off on any adventures until after the 23rd! LOL!
Hi Tina-
Looking forward to following on your blog. Can’t wait to hear about some great recipes! Best of luck.
Chris Sties
Thanks for joining the fun! Hope you are all doing well!
Tina, I’m glad I’m not the only one who corners people and babbles about contests and recipes! Hey, if they didn’t want to know, they shouldn’t have asked in the first place! Good luck with your blog! I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures!
Thanks Donna!! Yes, "dangerous" questions they ask us!! – opens the floodgates! ( :
Hi Tina! Congratulations! Cooking/Baking is one of my passions as well! I’ll be following you for sure!
Best Wishes in your new endeavor-
Diane
Thanks so much Diane!! ( :
Hi Tina! This is very cool. Just what you should be doing…although I do like the dolphin thing*. Best of luck to you.
Be sure to tell everyone about your fabulous upcoming Cooking class @ Main Line School Night on the evening of April 4. Don’t miss it y’all — Winning Dinners: A Contest Winner’s Best Recipes!(course # CW22120). Visit http://www.MainLineSchoolNight.org to read all about it and, of course, to register! –Hilary
*My daughter is about to graduate from Vet School in Florida….dolphins and manatees are right up her, and therefore our, alley!
Thanks Hilary!! So excited for my class! Going to be so much fun!!
I hope you truly enjoy writing your blog and find fulfillment in your efforts. I love your first entry and feel we must all crack the champagne bottle over our computers to christen your blogship and journey! Come to think of it that would end all of our computers and your blogship would sink! Anyway, I already identify to your writing…"and a family that just wants a normal meal once in a while." My husband has actually said that before! All the best ~ and see ya in the winners circle. ~ Merry Cooking!
Thanks so much for joining me Merry!! We’ll save the champagne for our next joint cooking adventure!! I promised the family regular dinners this week – tonight good old, non-experimental tacos!! ( :
Love your recipes and demonstrations . Would/could you provide a detail step by step for mixing cookie dough?
Cream butter sugar at what number on kitchenaide mixer?
Add eggs at what number?
Mix flour at what number?
Add nuts chips at what number?
Thanks so much for your consideration on this request!
Hi Cindy – I will put that on my list! Probably won’t happen for a couple weeks – busy QVC schedule right now. TY!