Yummy Questionnaire: Noel Chapman

Noel Chapman is the creative force in Noel’s Kitchen Tips, a food blog in which Noel shares favorite family recipes with her readers and an Independent Consultant with The Pampered Chef.  One of Noel’s main focuses is to teach families the importance of cooking together and as a community.

* Sweet or Savory?

Savory….I prefer savory foods much more than sweets. Don’t get me wrong, occassionally I’ll make a favorite dessert like cheesecake or Tiramisu but I prefer to enjoy a good home cooked savory meal with wonderful flavors. No matter how your day went, there’s something about savory comfort foods that makes you instantly feel good inside.

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

It’s no secret, that I grew up with and love garlic. I can’t imagine my cooking without fresh garlic. I especially love the smell of garlic when it’s sizzling away in the skillet. I have been know to use more garlic than my recipes call for because I like it so much.

* What’s your favorite cooking smell?

You guessed it. Garlic and onions sauteing.  I love that smell. Partly, I’m sure it’s the promise of something delicious to come.

* What is your most favorite cooking sound?

Onions sizzling in a pan. The sound as they first hit the hot oil. I must say though, it’s a real pleasure to hear my 9-year old say, “Mom, what’s cooking? That smells soooo good!”

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

I have a small serving bowl with a tulip pattern made by Hall’s Superior Quality Kitchenware that I use during the holidays or on special occassions. It’s one I remember my grandmother serving some of her wonderful dishes in. It’s one of the few kitchen items I have from my childhood.

One of my newly found kitchen items I cook with frequently, is my stoneware collection. They evenly distribute heat and retains it. I can use it in the microwave, freezer and oven. With my Large Bar Pan, I can make sausage or bacon for breakfast, grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch, chicken for dinner and Summer Berry Shortcakes for dessert. Now that’s what I call useful!

* What do you look for inside a dish?

Flavor. The balance and blending of flavors in food is real important. Remember to keep tasting, tasting, tasting. Flavor is one of the key factors in the enjoyment and appreciation of food.

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

Cookware. I never had paid much attention to getting the correct cookware until I started my cooking business in February 2008. No product is more important to your kitchen than cookware. It’s truly an investment.

* Is there a food you will not eat?

I don’t think I could ever convince myself to eat liver. I’m sure it’s very good, but it’s just not for me. My nose is wrinkling as I speak.

* What food is your guilty pleasure?

Peanut Butter and Chocolate. I’m a huge Reeses Pieces fan. Love the two together.

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

I’ve always believed that family mealtimes bring a family together. It’s a time when my family and I share our daily activities. I believe I inspire my customers to bring their families back to the table for those special family dinners.  My “motto” has always been: Eating Out Is Expensive….Eating At Home Is Priceless….

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

I love to entertain family and friends. But if you’ve ever prepared a meal with your family, you know how much fun it can be.

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

Chef Emeril Lagasse! When I first started watching Food Network, Emeril was one chef I didn’t miss. He has a lot of passion for people and cooking. An important ingredient when it comes to cooking.

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

At this moment in time, I would have to say Food Buzz. I became a Featured Publisher in November 2009 and I have been introduced to some very talented home chefs/chefs all around the world that share my passion in cooking. They have introduced me to some wonderful foods from every culture.

* What is your favorite food related word?

Nosh…It’s a fun word for nibble or snack.

* What is your favorite food shopping experience?

I love shopping at family owned food stores. It’s a pleasurable experience and they take pride in providing the freshest of ingredients.

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

I’m sure it’s a popular one, but I have to agree Italy. There are dishes for every occassion, traditional and unique. Savory and comforting.

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

I don’t really have one. I could be in my work clothes, weekend clothes, or pajamas. But I must always have my hair pulled back. No one likes hair in their food.

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

Sarmales and Mamaliga. There’s something about having your traditional family foods you remember as a child.

* What food would you prepare to seduce someone?

I think food has always been a key ingredient in seduction. My husband loves my Lasagna. Served with a nice salad, bread, a good glass of Merlot, followed by Tiramisu for dessert.

* What food are you craving right now?

Coffee Ice Cream.

* What is your comfort food?

I can’t pick one favorite, but I have to say right now, Lasagna. It always looks so good and it’s perfect for a cold night!

(Image by Wordle)