Hi :)

[Ama]

Hi guys -

I have been enjoying reading through some old (and not-so-old threads and thought I ought to join up. I used to think egullet was a bit beyond me, but hey...nothing ventured, nothing gained!

I've lived over three continents and like to "play" in the kitchen when schedules allow. These days, that mainly means celebration meals or assisting with meals for the hungry hoardes we seem to collect at our place. I ran the weekday operation at a low-cost cafe that joined the community and an at-risk population for a while as the only paid staff with a volunteer team, but no formal training. I've developed a series of intolerances, but that doesn't keep me from making things for other people! I love seeing what others are up to and gaining ideas and learning from their experiences. I tend to be a lurker, but look forward to joining in as I can.

Thanks for having me

[Smithy]

Welcome, Ama. Lurk as much as you like, but you may find you can also contribute! A lot of people are interested in good food "on the cheap". Has your experience on different continents helped broaden your skills and ideas for making good, inexpensive meals? Do you find yourself turning to some cuisines more than others?

[Shelby]

Glad you joined, Ama!

[Deryn]

Hi, hi, hi and welcome to our eGullet fold! I also hope you find that you want to participate at least as much as you lurk - I am sure we can all learn much from your unique culinary background and experiences.

[Darienne]

Welcome to eGullet.  Hope you enjoy yourself here.   It's a wonderful experience.

[Ama]

Thanks for the welcomes

Welcome, Ama. Lurk as much as you like, but you may find you can also contribute! A lot of people are interested in good food "on the cheap". Has your experience on different continents helped broaden your skills and ideas for making good, inexpensive meals? Do you find yourself turning to some cuisines more than others?

As much as anything, I've learned when it's worthwhile to take shortcuts and use time savers and when I should go all out. I'm not too bad at repurposing things or substituting for the right texture or flavour without spending big on imported ingredients.

The travels have taught me to be ok with substitutes and creative workarounds for missing ingredients or nostalgic dishes (most countries don't celebrate Thanksgiving...good luck finding cranberries!). I'm a lot more open to different flavour profiles, including things from the Indo-Chinese side of the extended family, and discovered some aspects of ethnic cuisines that are pleasant surprises. There's no question of my American roots, but my exposure to northern Africa and Asian friends & markets have me playing a lot more than I'd expected. I learn a little bit from a lot of people...and life is more fun that way

[Kim Shook]

Welcome, Ama!  Jump right in!  This is a great place to learn and to teach and to make friends!