About

My Cooking Style

My cooking style encompasses the fresh ingredients & flavors of California, the Mediterranean, Asian, & Indian cuisines. I'm also influenced by international flavors from from living in the Philippines, Hawaii, and Korea. My US travels have broadened my regional style as well.

I also enjoy reworking recipes so that they are fast and easy to make, as well as more waistline friendly.

How I got here

My mother, the co-creator and food blogger at Savor the Best, was one of my biggest influences on cooking while growing up. I was her sous chef until 17.

She used to get an international cookbook subscription. Each month, my siblings and I waited for the new book to arrive. We drooled over the sparse photos, reading the recipes, and giving input on the proposed menu selection she would cook for us. It was exciting!

Once, when we were living in the Philippines, she made a “McDonald’s Menu” for us, as the fast-food chain was still new and unavailable overseas. She had obtained real McDonald's paper goods to make it 'authentic' also!

My family lived there for several years, and it was our housekeeper Natty who taught me how to prepare many Filipino recipes.

After leaving home I joined the US Army and was an Intelligence Analyst. My first duty station was 18 months in Seoul, Korea. I loved it there; the food, the markets, the smells. There was an outdoor market right around the corner from my apartment.

There was also a Korean grocery store that was always an adventure! I shopped there by the photos on the packages, and aisle placement. I brought home some interesting surprises! That’s how I discovered Yaki Mandu, as they look like pot stickers!

When I started my family, I switched from Active to Reservist and went back to college to complete a Science Education degree. By the time my older children were in their teens I had my fifth baby and decided to be a stay-at-home-mom.  

During this stay-at-home period, I created a spice, herb, & tea distribution business.  I taught classes on how to use herbs and spices in cooking and crafts, and participated in food shows for marketing my spices and teas.

Smells Like Delish is excited to share many of these recipes and tips. I'll be sharing usage information about spices and herbs. You will also find unique recipes.

Send me an email at [email protected] if you have a recipe you'd love to see on the blog!

Bon Appetit!