Lets work to stay warm on this cool day in MN and talk with @AmbitiousKitch about food! Enjoy the conversation!
Good morning Monique! When it comes to food and cooking, what is one of your earliest memories of doing that?
Monique: Hi Joel! My first memories would have to be watching both of my parents cook with passion. Dad baked and Mom cooked!
Do you remember the first time you made something? What was it and how did it turn out?
Monique: When I was younger I found it easier to bake; I loved that it was both science and an art.
That being said, I baked a lot of brownies. I’m sure they turned out pretty well, because I always ate them.
Brownies are ALWAYS a good choice! :) When did you decide to start cooking/blogging?
Monique: During college, I found that it was my passion but I didn’t know how to turn it into a career.
I followed food blogs & thought it would be a great way to share my recipes w/ others. I started AK in late 2011.
Having a passion for what you do is important. Who are some of the people & their blogs that inspire(d) you?
Monique: I absolutely love the blogging community. I have a passion for brand building & content creation so it’s perfect.
My favorite blogs are @sugarplumtweets & @HowSweetBlog. They’re both incredibly creative and funny!
Other than that my readers inspire me every single day with their comments and emails; they’re amazing!
Cooking is one skill, blogging and photography are other skills. Which one is the hardest to develop?
Monique: Probably photography. It involves props, proper lighting, and telling a visual story.
But you know, there’s workshops & you can read books. I kind of just wing the whole photography thing & it works out.
When it comes to your own taste, are you more of a sweet or savory person?
Monique: SWEET, but I focus my blog on sweet delights & healthy bites. I love making recipes healthy, creative, and flavorful!
I see. What are some cooking/baking trends that you are most excited about?
Monique: I think making vegetables the star in our meals — cauliflower will be huge this year. Popcorn too!
I’m also excited to see flavor-packed chicken make a comeback in restaurants. I think we’ll see a lot of creativity.
Another ever-growing trend is pizza, as brought out in @MNMOmag – http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/March-2013/The-Twin-Cities-Best-Pizza/ … Do you have a favorite?
Monique: Hmmmm I like to make my own but Pizzeria Lola and Punch are pretty divine.
When you make your own pizza, what are some of your favorite toppings?
Monique: Homemade mini Hawaiian turkey meatballs, pineapple, black olives, fresh mozzarella, and a good red sauce.
Nice! :) In your blogging/cooking process, does your own appetite guide you, or do your readers more so?
Monique: Mostly me. I need to put out content and recipes that I’m proud of and I like challenging myself in that way.
What can we expect from you in the near future with your food work?
Monique: A brand new site, partnerships, and maybe a cookbook. Oh and more recipes of course!
Joel: Thank you very much for your time and comments today. Keep up the good work in making things look delicious!
Monique: No problem, thanks for having me! :)
Interview conducted on March 15,2013