Fast Recipes Feature: Cooking with Amy

Amy Sherman turned her love for cooking and culinary travel into a career and a cooking blog that has been chosen by Forbes as one of the top five food blogs.  We interviewed Amy about her life, blog and favorite foods to cook.

Could you tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and have lived here pretty much most of my life. It's a great place for food. When I was growing up my mother tended an organic garden and raised chickens, and my dad fished for salmon and went digging for clams. My family is very food focused and so I was always interested in cooking as a means of creative expression. My husband and I live in San Francisco and we love to eat out. We plan trips around restaurants!

I also lived in Italy for about six months and loved learning to cook there. Italians cook vegetables so differently than we do. I always cook vegetables in the Italian style with some kind of sauce or dressing, never plain. I like how food is such an integral part of the culture and just as important as art and music. Cooking, dining out and traveling are what make me the happiest.

What was the inspiration behind creating the Cooking with Amy blog?

My husband suggested I start a blog and even named it. I'm always thinking and talking about food, so it's been a great outlet for me to share my thoughts about cooking, food, ingredients, cookbooks, culinary travel and more. I never dreamed it would lead to a career change, book deals, speaking engagements, etc. It just goes to show, when you are passionate about something, it's worth pursuing.

What can readers find on the Cooking with Amy blog?

My recipes are generally pretty quick and easy, but I do like to experiment with unusual ingredients and sophisticated flavor combinations. Besides that, I wouldn't say I have a specific focus. I share original recipes, cookbook reviews, ingredient profiles and culinary travel stories.

What are your favorite things to cook/bake?

I am pretty crazy about Italian food; I could cook and eat pasta every day. I also love making risotto.  I have a brownie recipe on my site that I really love. It strikes the perfect balance between fudgy and cakey. I also like to challenge myself to come up with new recipes based on whatever is in the fridge. Lots of the recipes on my site are born out of necessity.

If you could summarize home cooking into one quote, what would it be?

The possibilities are endless; let your cupboard be your guide!