My First Blog

Hello to all of my Recipe of the Week friends at KHTS AM 1220. This is my first blog and it's very exciting in a slightly scary sort of way. I have wanted to do this for a long time and I am looking forward to having a venue in which to communicate with anyone who would like to ask questions about my recipes, share some tips of their own, or just say "Hi".

I often elaborate on the recipes I write for KHTS and am looking forward to sharing the outcome with you (If it's successful, of course).

Believe it or not, I cook almost every night of the week...I know, weird huh? I am the mother of three children who actually like eating their vegetables, with the exception of cauliflower which my son swears is evil...oh well, can't win um all. My point being, our food budget is limited and consequently I make inexpensive meals that taste pretty darn good if I do say so myself ( I promise I won't share anything that gets a thumbs down from my brutally honest family).

If you are interested in my weekly recipes please go to hometownstation.com every Sunday, or look under Home Town Recipes on Mondays. I am on the air every Monday afternoon at 3:40 with the lovely Shelley Lee to chat about the weeks recipe.

I am a self taught cook and have had an interest in cooking since the age of 5. I started making Sunday dinners for my family in my early teens and gave my first dinner party in 11Th grade. My budding interest in food took a back seat in my late teens however as I was encouraged by my parents to "Learn how to type so you can be a secretary until you get married"...you know, that old chestnut. The advice from my high school career counselor was "Honey, only men are chefs, learn to type." I am convinced there was some type of conspiracy between parents and school staff in the '70's. Learning to type was not an easy task as I am dyslexic and had to take a typing class three times! Oh how I wish I had gone to culinary school, boohoo.

I did get into Food Styling in my mid twenties thanks to my friend and fabulous Food Stylist, Shellie Anderson Berger. So, I did end up in a food related business after all, life is full of surprises. I have been an assistant food stylist now for 27 years, wow, where did the time go? I count myself as one of the lucky people who get to work with women and men whom I love and bonus, they make me laugh. This is very much appreciated when you've been on your feet for 16 hours!

I started writing a food column for 661 Magazine a few years ago, sadly, the magazine is no longer in publication. In November of '09 I started writing recipes for KHTS AM1220. It's great fun and lucky me, I get to work with wonderful people there too!

My husband and I entertain often. It is one of the great joys of my life, hence the name of my blog. There is something magical about bringing people together to share good food and good conversation. The wonderful memories of these gatherings is a gift you give to your friends and family. My philosophy is, be relaxed and your guests will be too. The way to achieve this is to be as organized as possible. I will talk about this a lot in my blog and will include do-ahead and organization tips whenever possible.

Ok, I think I have gone on long enough for a first blog. I look forward to next time, Erin