Welcome to Cuisine by Kristina! This blog is a culmination of three decades of education, travel, and experience. My work and studies in Central America as a Peace Corps Volunteer and Spanish literature major have long shaped my palate, as I create for this blog adaptations of regional dishes that linger in my memory. My training in image optimization has served to enhance the rich photography in this blog, enabling me to present and capture the food in hopes of inspiring you to try your hand in the kitchen, too. My role as a published author has given rise to the text, aiming to bring the recipes and fun facts alive through the magic of words.
But it is my love of food that I hope permeates this blog. For years, I’ve withdrawn to my refuge of the kitchen, handcrafting specialties in private, only for the delight of my parents. Some of the recipes in this blog have been refined over a decade, like my family’s most favorite, Holiday Spiked Apple Cider. Many of the recipes I owe to my parents, who have taught me to not overpower the flavors of my food with a barrage of ingredients.
Nowhere better have I taken my family’s input to heart than in A Healthy Twist on Artichoke Parmesan Dip. Here, I only use two ingredients, plus the marinade, which yields a savory dip that isn’t eclipsed by the fatty mayonnaise and heavy cheeses that many recipes include. And here, I’ve selected one star ingredient, the artichokes, and have complemented it with a delicate balance of flavors, while ensuring my star stands out.
I also like to keep my audience on their feet, hiding a mystery ingredient that has them guessing what’s that component? For example, it may be illusive, but Honduran Morning Coffee’s smoky flavor is derived from of all foods, allspice.
It goes without saying that my ultimate passion is food. It’s what makes me leap out of bed first thing in the morning, and it’s what runs through my head last thing at night. I have the most fun when I’m in the kitchen, experimenting with flavor combinations in pursuit of the perfect recipe. For example, with my All-Time Best Banana Nut Muffins, I felt like an alchemist, switching out four kinds of flours before striking on the perfect balance. This is the closest I’ve come to play, and I hope you enjoy the fruits of my labor as much as I do!