Why are you doing this?
Now that I’m a mom, my obsession with all things food has morphed a bit. This site is the story of my journey to get my toddlers on my food bandwagon. They generally don’t oblige. But I keep trying. Mostly it’s fun and occasionally very frustrating.
I like to think of this endeavor as my version of a scrapbook for my children.
There are a gazillion food blogs. What makes yours special?
It’s mine. A 100% real voice, real mom, reaalllllly nuts to have a food blog.
What’s up with the shamrock next to the Little Epicure header?
My very favorite symbol in the world is a shamrock. It represents my Irish Twins…two babies born less than one year apart. They have rocked my world beyond belief. Before they came along, I desperately wanted to be a mother. The journey to parenthood was certainly paved with challenges and heartbreak for my husband and I. So when I found out that I was pregnant again so shortly after having my first child (she was not even three months old), I cried in utter denial then laughed A LOT. I truly believe that God has a sense of humor.
Do you have a Mission statement?
Sure do!
I. To create a scrapbook-of-sorts for my children
II. To develop my children’s palate by exposing them to wholesome, delicious food starting at an early age.
III. To be an interesting, credible, and sometimes amusing voice regarding issues concerning kids and food by sharing my food related experiences and providing relevant information based on research.
What are your favorite restaurants?
It’s no secret that I have a penchant for ultimate dining experiences. Here are my top 3 of all time:
1) French Laundry (Yountville, CA)
2) The Herbfarm, (Woodinville, WA)
3) Chez Panisse (Berkeley, CA)
Tell us about your photos–
Eh, you could say I need some training. Let me just apologize to you right here and now. Sorry. My camera is a Nikon D50 that I got as a hand-me-down, and as appalling as it may be, I primarily shoot on Auto mode…okay, maybe all the time. There is good reason for this. My toddlers are with me 96% of the time and they could care less that I’m trying to take a picture to share with the masses. They just do not cooperate. No judging unless you’ve spent vast amounts of time with a 2 and 3 year old simultaneously out in public. Don’t let those sweet faces fool you. The minute they see the camera, mischief and running away ensues. Based on said chaos, I just resort to what’s easy peasy. That’s A-U-T-O.
My intention is to learn more about photography, but I can’t clone myself so one thing at a time folks. It’s a miracle that I finally got this site launched. In the event that I use photographs from another source, I will certainly give credit where it is due.
How do you have time to cook with two toddlers?
Short answer: I don’t! Every one has their “thing” that they tend to carve time out for, even moms with little ones. My thing is food. Generally, I eek out time by planning, breaking recipes up into steps, using nap time and after the kids’ bedtime, and some times my hubby takes kid duty. Many times I try to bring the kids into the kitchen to help. At ages two and three, it is touch and go with their temperament towards each other. Not to mention the disaster zone created in the kitchen. But alas, this is my life and I love it!
What is your favorite food and drink?
Hands-down, unequivocally Dungeness crab, avocado and Champagne. In case you’re curious, they’re absolutely divine together. We are lucky ducks to live so close to the Oregon coast and get our fill. My husband just picked up a lovely little fishing boat specifically for CRABBING. God bless my him…he wants to be sure that our kids grow up crabbing like he did. Is that endearing or what?!
Me time:
Experimenting in the kitchen, reading cookbooks, exploring Portland and Oregon, running, dining out and wine to name a few things.
Confession…
I have instituted a self-imposed moratorium on cookbooks. I have nearly 400 and not enough room to house them all. Might need a tidge of therapy to address this condition.
