My first entry

I have to admit my favorite channels and shows are related in some way or other to cooking.  Whether it is the Food Network, Cooking Channel, Top Chef, or PBS's Rick Bayless and Lydia Bastianich, I love to watch them all.  I first started watching cooking shows on PBS in the 70’s such as Julia Child, and the Frugal gourmet in the 80’s.  I discovered the Food Network when I lived in San Antonio attending college.  It started as a little channel with repetitive programming back in 1999. 

Every time I saw a show with Mexican food, I would get very excited only to be disappointed.  Yes, I understand that in today's world of desperate chefs trying to make it on to one of the above named networks; they have lost the art of cooking.  They have adapted and changed true time and tested recipes that have proven to stand the test of time.  My biggest, biggest and when I say biggest, I mean huge! The size of infinity, which has no size but you get my point, is the belief that every Mexican recipe has cumin in it.  People around the world please understand that TEX-MEX food is known for the use of this B.O smelling spice, not Mexican food.  There is a clear line between both sides of the border cooking.  You can definitely tell when it is a Tex-Mex food or true Mexican food. There are very, very, and when I say very, I mean, a handful of Mexican dishes that call for this spice (Cumin).

I have always loved food and cooking.  I remember when I was about 3 years old, my great grandmother Petra would be waiting for me when I got out of pre-pre-pre K, yes my mother couldn't stand me at home begging her to take me to school, so she asked if I could go and they said yes.  This was in Mexico of course, where life was much simpler.  I would cook with Petrita, which is what we all called her.  I would help her make lunch for everyone.  I remember standing in a chair helping her make gorditas (corn concoctions like a fat tortilla) and shelling peas for the caldo (watery soup not creamy).  Then as everyone got home and started eating, Petrita would always say, Anita (that is I) made all the dishes!  Gosh I miss her she was so awesome!!!!!!!

Not all of us have the luxury to attend culinary school.  We are either too busy with work, kids, school or whatever the reason may be.  In my case, I know that I am a great cook, but I do not know much about how certain spices go with certain foods.  I could be creative if I learned little things like how to create sauces.  Unbelievably, it takes practice to make a sauce and to know how butter or cream reacts to heat.  I have found nothing on line that can explain to me the reason for each process.  I know that if I understood those little things in the cooking world, I could go from a cook to an awesome cook.  Therefore, I am hoping to get some inside knowledge and pass it on to you!

As I post some of the recipes and tips, you will eventually get to know me and I hope you get to know my sisters Mariela and Lorena, my brother Alberto (Tito as we lovingly call him) and my mom as well.  They are great cooks and I am sure I can convince them to collaborate with me in this crazy blog that may be read by none, or who knows may be read by many.  Some of you may have better recipes than I do and I hope you can share your own family recipes and tips!

So, here is to the beginning of a great blog!