Yummy Questionnaire: Jen Schall

By day, Jen Schall works in the IT field as a systems analyst and database developer, however at night she is the fabulous food blogger extraordinaire at My Kitchen Addiction.  Please welcome her to ThatsSoYummy this week.

*  Sweet or Savory?

Sweet… I love to cook and bake just about anything, but I definitely have a sweet tooth. My love of food developed from baking cookies with my mom, and that’s still one of my favorites!

* Which ingredient(s) do you use the most?

When I’m baking, I love chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter.  I’m not really one for fruity dishes.  When it comes to savory dishes, I can’t get enough garlic. I’m also a big fan of pumpkin, cinnamon, basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano, lime, and cilantro… but not typically in the same dish!

*  What’s your favorite cooking smell?

I think it’s a tie between gingerbread cookies baking in the oven and onions and garlic sauteeing on the stove… but again, not at the same time!

* What is your most favorite cooking sound?

The sizzle of food the second it hits a hot skillet.

* In the kitchen, what’s your most treasured possession?

I have a copy of Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book from 1950 that was given to me by my grandmother before she passed away.  My love of cooking and baking has been greatly influenced by the women in my family.  Cooking from her cookbook is one of the best ways I can think of to remember my grandmother!

* What do you look for inside a dish?

Fresh, quality ingredients that are approachable.  Don’t overcomplicate things… Food doesn’t have to be hard to pronounce (or identify) or have 45 ingredients to be great!

* What is a “faux pas” in your kitchen?

Onion chopping gadgets… I’m really not much of a gadget person in general. Just give me my chef’s knife and a cutting board.

* Is there a food you will not eat?

Scallops. I’m sorry to say that I’m pretty picky about seafood in general. I desperately want to like seafood, but it’s just not my thing. I have tried scallops multiple times, but I just can’t take the texture. (I’m cringing and making a face just typing this!)

* What food is your guilty pleasure?

Nutella… a spoonful directly from the jar (don’t worry, I don’t double dip).

* Have you ever changed how you feel towards a food?

I have gradually become much more picky about what I will eat from a quality standpoint.  Lately my husband and I have started a list of restaurants we no longer eat at because the food’s not worth it.  Now, I (very, very) rarely eat any fast food, but I ate my fair share of it in college.

* If you could prepare a dinner for anyone, who would it be?

I’ll cook for just about anyone, but I especially love cooking for my friends and family.  I can think of nothing better than preparing a meal for those that I love!

* If you could choose a living or historical cook to prepare a meal for you, who would it be?

This question always terrifies me! I have no formal training so the thought of cooking for someone who does makes me want to crawl under the table and hide.  If I had to choose, though, I would probably go with Mario Batali… I love his sense of humor, and I secretly wish I was Italian.

* Which food website/ or blog would you die without?

Just one?! There are about 300 in my RSS reader at the moment! If I had to pick one site, I’d probably go with Refrigerator Soup. I’m in love with that site right now – amazing food photos from lots of wonderful bloggers and they’re good people, too!

* What is your favorite food related word?

Mirepoix… Who knew celery, onion, and carrots could sound so fun?

* What is your favorite food shopping experience?

On Saturday mornings, I go shopping at a local farmers’ market with my Mom.  We usually sip lattes and peruse the fresh veggies for inspiration. It’s a blast!

* If you could move, which country would you move to for the food?

Italy… I mentioned that I secretly want to be Italian, right?

* What’s the dress code in the kitchen when you cook?

I cook in everything from stiletto heels to my PJs and slippers… It just depends on my mood and what’s on the schedule for the day.

* What would you request on the menu if it was your last supper?

Butternut Squash Ravioli from Giacomo’s Ristorante in Boston’s Italian North End.  Followed by some cannoli for dessert!

* What food would you prepare to seduce someone?

My double chocolate chunk cookies! To quote my hubby, they are “quite possibly the best cookies” I’ve ever made.

* What food are you craving right now?

Right now I would love a caramel latte and a cannoli.

*  What is your comfort food?

There are so many to choose from! I do love a big bowl of macaroni and cheese… especially in the winter!

(Image by Wordle)