Vanessa Dossi is a food blogger, caterer, cook and recipe developer. She is the founder of the homely, hearty and heavenly business Vanilla Scented Kisses. The (predominantly catering) business also offers cooking classes, instructed by Vanessa herself. You may have recently heard her speak about her love and passion for VSK on SAfm radio. We asked her some scrumptious questions to see what's #CookingWithV.
How did the name "vanillascentedkisses" come about?
A: Vanilla Scented Kisses - Vanilla is the flavour that best describes my personality. It's warm and inviting but also vibrant. Everything I posted on my blog is a little piece of me, a vanilla scented kiss.
How long have you been cooking and who taught you?
A: I've been cooking since I was about 10 years old. My mum believed in kids helping in the kitchen from an early age, even though i was forced to I quickly grew to love it. Even though she was the first person to teach me how to cook, we now have very different cooking styles. I went on to learn from watching The food Channel and cooking shows.
I remember being glued to the TV watching people like Gordon Ramsey, Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson, attempting to copy their recipes. I am mostly self taught, I am learning new flavour combinations and techniques daily through books and watching people I admire cook.
Best Catering experience? Where was it, who was it and what made it special?
A: My first catering gig. My friends have always supportive of my business and my friend was throwing a 5th birthday party for her son. I got to see peoples reactions to my food and it brought me such great joy to see both kids and adult come together over my food. At that moment I knew I was on the right path.
Who do you look up to in the food world?
A: Food Idol: Chef Roble Ali - He embodies where I'd like to take my business. His food is authentic, hearty and homely with great class. It's the type of food that brings people together, I have a great passion for family meals and sharing plates. One of my goals is to eat at his Restaurant "Streets BK" He's also in the catering business and his canapé creations are a constant source of inspiration for me.
How was your first? Catering job that is?
A: How was my first? - Hahaha, extremely awkward and nerve wrecking like all firsts. I didn't go to school for catering so things like pricing and costing I've had to learn on the job. The hardest job is charging people prices you don't feel you're worth yet, but I've learnt that you have to believe in your own hype. You're worth every penny you charge cause no one can cook like you do.
I had the same experience with hosting my first cooking class (Cooking With V) - a lot of nerves accompanied by lots of errors but I've learnt to relax a lot more and be myself. People are more drawn to that and the classes flow easier.
What are your top 3 quick dishes to cook up in less then 30 minutes?
A: Top 3 dishes - 1. I make an amazing grilled cheese sandwich - 2 Cheeses and lot's of butter. It's a meal on its own.
2. Loaded Potatoes - They are always a hit. They are garlic sautéed potatoes in a cream sauce with mushrooms and bacon.
3. Pork Meatballs in a spicy coconut curry - Moist pork meatballs in hearty and spicy coconut curry.
Favorite cooking spice/herb and why?
A: This is a hard one, can I give you my holy trinity? Garlic, Oregano and Paprika. I use this combination for almost everything.
Thank you so much for sharing with our grate users, Vanessa!
To find out more about this week's foodie, check out her website and blog @ http://www.vanillascentedkisses.com/#home
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