There are a ton of this memes (mims) floating around the food blog world and this is my second one. Robyn, one of the coolest food bloggers I know who posts absolutely drool-worthy food photos just tagged me, so here goes!

What is your first memory of baking/cooking on your own?

Baked beans with honey. I think I was ten or so.

Do you have an old photo as “evidence” of an early exposure to the culinary world and would you like to share it?

Would a photo of me eating count?

Mageiricophobia – do you suffer from any cooking phobia, a dish that makes your palms sweat?

I would never attempt to temper chocolate or make my own marshmallows.

What would be your most valued or used kitchen gadgets and/or what was the biggest letdown?

In order of importance: my 25-year old KitchenAid mixer (a hand me down from Mom); and my electronic kitchen scale, which is the single best thing I’ve bought that has made me a better baker. My biggest letdown I think is the mandolin, one of those as-seen-on-TV gadgets. Useless!

Name some funny or weird food combinations/dishes you really like – and probably no one else!

I like soggy fries, popcorn and chocolate eaten together, and pie crust.

What are the three edibles or dishes you simply don’t want to live without?

Warm bread, hot chocolate, and dessert.

Favorite ice-cream(s)…
There is only one – Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

You will probably never eat…

Animal parts cooked not to eat but to shock.

Your own signature dish…
I’m known for my cheesecake – one bite and you will not want any other.

Any signs that this passion is going slightly over the edge and may need intervention?

I recently took up food photography, so now I take pictures of almost everything that I eat and bake. This is on top of writing about food, baking food, as well as reading, breathing, eating, and dreaming about food. Yeah, I may be slightly over the edge already.

Any embarrassing eating habits?

Well, I eat really fast. I can also eat a lot of rice – without any food (protein) to go with it. My sister calls it my “carpintero” (carpenter) mode.

Who would you want to come into your kitchen to cook dinner for you?
Chef Ariel Ayuyao, the owner of Lolo Dad’s, an ultra-pricey French restaurant here in Manila. It costs about P2000/person to eat there. I’ve sampled his food at some functions, but boy, would I love to have him cook for me! This is one chef whose creativity and innovative mind is on fire.

Who’s your favorite food writer?
Me.