Seven Sporadic Questions: Tomatoes On the Vine

I know I haven't done this Sporadic Question thing in quite some time.  I guess I've been a bit lazy.  But I'm back with a late April/early May edition featuring Velva of Tomatoes on the Vine. 

What can I say I about Velva's blog?  Visiting her site is like a warm and comforting visit home.  I've personally made a few recipes of hers and would love to find myself at her table any time!  Let's visit with her now.

1. What inspired you to start blogging?

 I needed an outlet. I don’t remember the genesis that planted the

seed for wanting my very own food blog. What I do remember is thinking about

it for a long time. I was afraid of the “unknown” specifically; my lack of technical savvy, what I learned was that most of my fears were unfounded. What I did not know, I either learned or asked for help.

2. What is your favorite thing to make for a crowd?

 I am at my happiest not just when I am feeding a few but when I am

feeding a crowd. Big hearty, family style meals are my favorite, served communal style on large platters. Two of my favorites crowd pleasers are Arroz con Pollo (Rice with chicken), or a hearty, meat sauce with pasta.

3. What is your favorite thing to make for you?

 Left to my own devices, I would eat a bowl of cereal in my pajamas.

With that said, my life is hectic, and I do take pleasure in ordering a Grande

Starbucks Caramel Macchiato with a petite scone, and just sitting for a few

minutes.

4. What 3 famous people (Living or dead), to dinner who would they be? Any

particular reason?

Thomas Keller- In my opinion, one of America’s greatest chefs Owner of

the French Laundry, in Napa Valley and on my bucket list of restaurants to

experience.                                                                                       Hillary Clinton- Like her or not, she is a powerful modern woman, whose

experiences would make for a wonderful evening of discussion of almost any

topic.

Bruce Springsteen- Love his music and storytelling. I would go limp.

5. When you think of your childhood, do any favorite dishes come to mind?

 Yes! I was born and raised in Miami. I can’t even begin to describe

the food culture experiences that I have shaped my food style from growing-up in a diverse urban culture.

My favorite childhood dishes were stuffed cabbage rolls, spaghetti and

meatballs, arroz con pollo, and macaroni and cheese.

6. What do you have in your kitchen that you just couldn’t do without? (besides

your stove/oven of course)

 My food processor and vegetable peeler.

7. What’s your favorite part of blogging? Do you think you’ll keep doing it for

awhile?

Yes. I have been blogging for 2-years and I have enjoyed every

minute of it. I will be the first to admit that blogging is a time commitment, and there are times where I have to remind myself that I own my blog, my blog does not own me.

Blogging has been a way for me to express my passion for food, reducing the

need to bore my friends and family with my potential for endless food chatter

(smile).

I am so glad that I took the leap. Blogging has opened up a whole new world.

Everyday, I am amazed with the people that I have gotten to know, the creativity and the passion for food that exists in the blogosphere.