« An interview with "fotagraphia foodie" »

At Foodie.fm we have been lucky enough to work with a group of wonderful food bloggers and recipe developers who have been contributing great content to our service over the past few months.

I recently had the chance to interview one of our bloggers, Samantha, or rather “fotographiafoodie” as she is known on our service. I hesitate to classify Samantha into any strict or confined category of expertise or “type”. She is a lover of food, photography and travel amongst other things and exudes a passion for life and fearless experimentation in her writing and cooking. I have had the pleasure to get to know Samantha through her seemingly effortless writing where she communicates with such a calmness and grace. It is always an enjoyable experience when speaking with Samantha and so wish to introduce her to all of you through a brief glimpse at our interview together. 

How long have you been cooking/baking for?

I have been seriously cooking for about 5 years now, though I have always been drawn to the art. I dabbled on and off before, learning staple recipes from my mother, though nothing really spectacular.

Do you have an early memory of you in the kitchen which you would like to share?

When I was in kindergarten, I saw my delightful mother cooking for me all the time from scratch. So, I wished to perform this amazing feat. I opened the bottom baking cupboard, which was conveniently at my height, and combined as many ingredients together as I could find. The quantities didn’t matter, and I just added water to make it in to, what appeared to be, a dough. I baked the ‘cake’, with my mother’s help of course, and brought it to kindergarten. The kids devoured it – I suppose it tasted similar to playdough – and the teacher conveniently slipped it in to her wastebasket (my mother many years later told me).

How did you learn to cook/bake?

I learned the basics from my mother. However, when that very same momma became sick with oral cancer about 5 years ago, and then later developed bone necrosis, I needed to learn how to modify recipes in both taste and texture. Her taste buds changed, and so my meals needed to as well. After she recovered, I continued to cook on instinct, according to what my guests desired. A golden lining from a difficult time.

What about cooking/baking do you love?

The creativity. I am also a photographer and used to do visual arts, and cooking to me is like painting with flavor. That, and I can also feed friends with my food canvas.

Do you prefer to cook or bake and why?

I prefer to cook. I am a scattered, act on instinct person and baking is too much of a science for me. The exact measurements involved with a baked good do not allow for a great deal of creativity, and my breads show me taking too much liberties – it is often flat and pudding-like.

Do you have a food or health motto you live by ?

I have high cholesterol, so I am literally what I eat. And while I often end up tasting my recipes, I do not usually consume them. I’ve never really associated cooking with a motto beyond building off of the cliché ‘you are what you eat’ one.

How long have you been blogging for?

I’ve been blogging for almost two years now, come this spring.

You keep a food, photography, and a travel blog; which of these do you think you are most passionate about?

My background is in International Development, and my undergraduate degree was in this field. Travel permeates my life. I would say that I am most passionate about going abroad, however, all three integrate together well. Photography is a way that I experience and document those travels, as well as my life. And wherever I go, I eat. Not in a Western, supposedly ‘safe’ restaurant, but in one where I can experience street food. I also attempt to take cooking lessons from locals on their standard, everyday cuisine, as it is such a big part of every culture around the world.

What is your favorite kitchen utensil? Why?

My 50mm lens. It is unusual, but it shows my steps and each simmering, stewing, spectacular moment.

Any kitchen secrets you would like to share?

Work on instinct. It may not be right, and may be rusty when you begin, but practicing this skill is key to becoming a marvelous cook.

Anything else about yourself or cooking you would like to share?

Nope. I love cooking, and I am blessed to be given the vehicle of the internet to share that with others.

Could you share with us a favourite recipe of yours?

I would say that my favorite is the Savory Orange Grilled Chicken on Grape Walnut Salad with Balsamic Reduction. I love salads – I have to adore salads due to my high-cholesterol.  And this one is not a regular salad, it is multifaceted in flavor and texture and mmmmmmm, is just so good.

Thank you Samantha for agreeing to this interview and sharing your beautiful stories and recipes with us. You can follow Samantha and her recipes on our service  and also by following her work and photography on her personal blogs.

 - Amy

If you would be interested in learning more about being one of Foodie.fm´s recipe writers like Samantha is, take a look at what we are looking for or you can be in contact with me directly at

amy (@) foodie.fm.