Welcome to my culinary corner of the internet! I'm Gabriela, the creator and driving force behind The Bossy Kitchen. Here, I'm excited to share not just recipes, but my journey and experiences as a food blogger and content creator.
Cooking is more than a passion for me; it's a craft I've kept perfecting over the years, complemented by my professional training as a Pastry Chef. My journey in the culinary world is largely self-directed, filled with continuous learning and experimentation, which I eagerly bring to you through my blog.
But my life isn't just about cooking. I'm also a dedicated wife and mother, roles that deeply influence my approach to food. My family is the heartbeat of my culinary inspiration, driving me to create meals that are not just nourishing but also bring us together, creating moments to cherish around the dinner table.
On this page, you'll find more than just recipes. You'll discover a blend of expertise, trust, and genuine communication, all aimed at making your culinary journey as enjoyable and enriching as mine.
Cooking Made Simple
My culinary passion, rooted in childhood and nurtured over 30 years, was inspired by both my grandmothers. I strive to make cooking simple and enjoyable, believing in the power of food to connect and create memories.
Originally from Romania, a country marked by hardship, I now call Minnesota home, embracing its unique charm and cold winters. My maternal grandmother instilled in me a love for cooking, while my paternal grandmother, Herta, a German from Transylvania, passed down her baking expertise. These influences are reflected in my recipes, like the comforting French Fries recipe from one grandmother and the delightful German desserts from the other.
Growing up in a context of food scarcity, I learned to value easy, wholesome recipes. I have a special interest in old, seasonal recipes, believing in their health benefits.
Cooking with real ingredients was a necessity in my family, where supermarkets and processed foods were unheard of. We preserved our food, canning vegetables and fruits, ensuring a supply of homemade goodness like the traditional Romanian vegetable spread, Zacusca, through the winter.
This background shaped my approach to cooking, which includes preparing meals in advance to ease weekly meal planning. However, understanding that not everyone has the time for extensive cooking sessions, my recipes are designed to be quick and easy, suitable for any day of the week.
Now, let's talk about my secret superpower. I have a knack for cooking up mouthwatering Mexican dishes, and you will notice it if you surf my website a little bit.
And let me tell you, it's not just Mexican people or professional chefs who hold the key to incredible Mexican cuisine.
I've done my research, sharpened my skills, and dived into the depths of authentic recipes to bring you the real deal. I also lived in Mexico for a while, so I absolutely know my stuff.
Dessert Baking
Dessert baking holds a special place in my heart, a tradition often reserved for Sundays in my childhood, during the six-day work weeks of the communist era.
Cooking might have come naturally to me, but baking was a different story. I pursued formal training to learn baking skills, so I could share these techniques with you effectively. When it comes to baking, I also prefer natural flavors and colors, celebrating the beauty and variety that nature offers.
My Blogging Journey: A Blend Of Passion And Expertise
Ever since starting my blog in 2016, I've been on an amazing culinary journey. Each day is about learning more about different cuisines and cooking techniques, and I put this knowledge into every recipe I create. I spend a lot of time researching, trying new things in the kitchen, and refining recipes to make sure they work every time. (You should see my cookbooks and food encyclopedia collection)
When I share a recipe, it's more than just a list of ingredients. It's the result of years of cooking, a love for good food, and a commitment to getting it just right. My aim is to give you recipes that are tasty and easy to follow, so you can make great meals in your own kitchen.
Honoring My Heritage
As a native of Romania, I have a deep affection for Romanian cuisine and foods from that part of world, with many cherished recipes handed down from my grandmothers. It's important to me to streamline these traditional dishes, making them more accessible and enjoyable. My Romanian readers all over the world value this blend of simplicity and authentic flavor, which connects them to our shared heritage.
Let's Cook Together
To be always on top of my latest creations, I invite you to sign up for my newsletter. It's packed with new and old recipes from the blog. You don't want to miss out on those tasty gems!
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Fun Faqs About Me
I began blogging as a way to channel my lifelong passion for cooking, going beyond just sharing food pictures on Facebook. Family and friends encouraged me.
I love the challenge of writing in English, which isn't my first language. I'm also driven by a desire to share my heritage and way of life with an international audience. I firmly believe in the importance of cooking and baking as essential skills, so I focus on practical, easy-to-follow recipes using fresh, natural ingredients.
My ultimate goal is to encourage healthier eating habits and to build a community of like-minded cooks and food enthusiasts. I envision a world where we can gather around delicious food, enjoying each bite while fostering peace and connection.
Well, let me tell you—it's all about taking charge! The kitchen is my domain, and I know my stuff.
I'm incredibly passionate about what we eat, and I'm not afraid to voice my strong opinions on food (and other things in general). I genuinely care about what goes into our bodies, and I firmly believe that food is the best investment we can make for our health and future.
There's absolutely no excuse for settling for processed junk when you can step into the kitchen and whip up a simple, mouthwatering meal that's a million times better.
That's why The Bossy Kitchen is here to guide you, showing you how to create delicious dishes for you and your family. We all deserve to eat better, and I'm here to make it happen.
I'm a self-taught cook and a trained pastry and confectionery baker. As a first-generation American-Romanian, I was born in Romania during the challenging times of communism.
Back then, we had limited food, but we made the most of it. We cooked from scratch, using local ingredients and whatever was in season. We preserved everything we could for the winter.
I've always had an interest in exploring different cuisines. Before sharing a recipe on my blog, I dive into research, learning techniques, methods, and tricks to cook and bake like a pro. And guess what? I'll be sharing all that knowledge with you along the way!
Hmm, I'm not entirely sure. I put a lot of effort into explaining the recipes as clearly as possible, ensuring there's little room for error.
If you measure the ingredients correctly and follow the instructions, things should turn out well. However, when it comes to baking, it's crucial to stick to the recipe.
I can't take responsibility if you use a different type of flour or substitute an ingredient with something else.
But hey, sometimes there might be a typo or a need for clarification in the recipe. If you ever encounter any issues, the best way to resolve them is by using the comment section.
Feel free to ask questions, and I'll do my best to answer them promptly.
Most of the recipes on my blog are ones I've cooked all my life, many inherited from my grandmother and mom. My love for culinary exploration also plays a big role. I adore culinary books and have a diverse collection, including old cookbooks that show pre-industrial revolution eating habits.
I also find inspiration in magazines, online trends, and library research. Excitingly, I often whip up my own recipes with whatever's in my pantry and fridge. Even when I use a recipe from another source, I always put my personal spin on it to make it uniquely mine.
I'm all about perfection, so I usually make each recipe at least twice, if not more.
I take my responsibility for posting accurate recipes with the correct techniques very seriously. Your trust means the world to me, and I want to ensure that the recipes I share are nothing short of amazing.
Choosing a favorite recipe is like picking a favorite child—it's nearly impossible! But if I had to narrow it down, I must confess my love for Mexican food.
I love a good Chicken tinga or a slice of Capirotada. I think Capirotada is my favorite bread pudding with a twist.
I also love and have Spanish recipes on my blog that hold a special place in my heart. I could devour heaps of Spanish shrimp cooked in olive oil and garlic with some crusty bread, especially if I've baked the bread myself using this incredible recipe.
Well, it's me—Gabriela! I wear many hats every day, ones I never imagined I'd be able to wear.
I'm the cook, the baker, the writer of the stories, the photographer, the blog designer, and even the social media manager. It's a whirlwind, but I find immense joy in every aspect.
Of course, when things get overwhelming or complex, I'm not too proud to seek professional help. After all, my true passion lies in the kitchen, not necessarily behind a computer screen.
Absolutely! I'm thrilled to collaborate with brands for sponsored posts and campaigns. It's an exciting way to explore new culinary horizons and bring unique products to my readers. If you're interested in partnering with me, you can find more details on the dedicated "Work with Me" page.
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With love and gratitude,
Gabriela, The Bossy Kitchen 💕
Write to me at contact@thebossykitchen.com