about the girl
I sing and dance while I move about the kitchen, and I’m known to burst into spontaneous giggles when I make food—anything from frying donuts or flipping pancakes to carving meat or cutting veggies. I spoil my neighbors with goodies so frequently that the little kids immediately flock to the door when they realize I’m the one knocking. People automatically assume it was me when a homemade baked treat or dessert shows up at work. And I spend more time preparing, photographing, and daydreaming about food than a typical restaurant chef. (Which I’m not.)
I’m Amy, just an average girl with a healthy appetite for any and every aspect of food. From grocery shopping to chopping to entertaining, I love it all. And now I’m opening up my little kitchen to you—eat, drink, and enjoy!
about the name
I cook because it brings me joy. Whether I’m having a bad day or already really happy, standing in the kitchen among my pots and pans always brightens my mood. It’s never a chore. I look forward to every moment, especially those weekend days where I have nothing else on my plate and I can spend countless hours mixing, mincing, and making creative meals.
So food doesn’t only fill my tummy, it fills my soul.
about the photographs
All photos are taken by me. Originally, I used a Canon digital point-and-shoot (PowerShot SD870 IS), but I was recently given a wonderful digital SLR as a gift—a Cannon EOS 60D—which I now use for all my shots.
Foods for the Soul 
Grma Jeanne replied:
Great blog. Easy to follow recipes and congrats on WordPress.com feature. We’ ll try it and get back to you.
January 26, 2011 at 12:44 pm. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
Thank you! I’m glad you’re enjoying the recipes. Let me know how they turn out for you!
January 26, 2011 at 7:17 pm. Permalink.
confectionchronicles replied:
Hey, awesome blog! I am starting on my own blogging endeavor, hopefully you could check it out sometime and tell me what you think! 🙂
December 14, 2011 at 8:02 pm. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
Thank you, and good luck!
December 15, 2011 at 2:16 pm. Permalink.
Andrew replied:
Your recipes are the best thing within a 100-mile radius and this blog is just making me salivate even more. If it hasn’t ever crossed your mind you should think about starting a catering business. =)
December 17, 2011 at 9:42 pm. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
You found me! :] And thank you so much! If my plans for next fall come through, I’ll keep the baking and catering plan as a very tempting back-up option.
December 17, 2011 at 10:12 pm. Permalink.
crazytraintotinkytown replied:
love the title – may your life continue to bring you joy
May 10, 2012 at 8:33 am. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
Thank you! I appreciate you stopping by.
May 10, 2012 at 1:32 pm. Permalink.
Sara Ann replied:
Hey I nominated you for the Inspiring Blog Award! If you want to participate, you can check out my post here and follow the steps! 🙂
http://actlikealadyeatlikeaman.com/2012/08/07/inspiring-blog-award/
August 8, 2012 at 11:11 am. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
Wow, thank you so much! I’m so touched that you would choose my blog out of the thousands out there. It means a lot!
August 8, 2012 at 2:07 pm. Permalink.
mmmarzipan replied:
Hello! I just wanted to let you know that, for all the reasons I love your blog, I have nominated you for a Liebster Award. See: http://missmarzipan.com/2012/11/20/1038/
Very best wishes to you!!! 🙂 x
November 20, 2012 at 7:06 am. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
You are too kind; thank you so much! I’m very touched and honored.
November 20, 2012 at 10:53 am. Permalink.
mmmarzipan replied:
You are so welcome- and deserving 🙂
November 20, 2012 at 11:42 am. Permalink.
Fae's Twist & Tango replied:
Beautiful blog with magnificent photography! 😀 Fae,
December 5, 2012 at 12:03 am. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
What a sweet compliment! Thank you; you’re so kind. :]
December 5, 2012 at 8:10 am. Permalink.
Fae's Twist & Tango replied:
Hello,
I have nominated you/your inspirational blog, for the Liebster Award!
Congratulations!
Please pick up your badge and information/rules on how to pass the torch at: http://faestwistandtango.wordpress.com/2012/12/08/liebster-award-3/
Wonderful Holiday Season to you and yours!
😀 Fae.
December 8, 2012 at 3:08 am. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
Oh my goodness, thank you! You’re so sweet to do so!
December 8, 2012 at 11:33 am. Permalink.
xoxbekxox replied:
Love your about me and can’t wait to read more of your posts 🙂 I love a woman who loves to eat, cook and enjoy life!
December 14, 2012 at 8:44 pm. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
You’re so sweet! Coming from you, whom I find so inspiring, that means a lot. Thank you!
December 14, 2012 at 9:33 pm. Permalink.
Heather replied:
Hello! I finally remembered to look at the sugar quantity for the Raspberry Vinegar. I made some more on the weekend – I changed the method slightly and it worked better, so here you go 🙂
You need 500g frozen raspberries, put them in a glass bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher. Then pour over 500ml of red or white wine vinegar, stir it a bit, then cover with cling wrap and let sit overnight.
Then the next day, pour it into a medium saucepan, add 2 cups of sugar (just regular sugar) and stir over a low heat until the sugar dissolves. Then just let it simmer gently for an hour.
Once it’s done, pour it into your sterilised bottles/jars and you’re done! I found some great recipes over the weekend using it, but it’s yummiest over vanilla ice cream.
Hope you found the paint you were after! 🙂
December 16, 2012 at 2:50 pm. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
Thanks for the recipe!! I’m really excited to try it. Now I just need to write a grocery list!
I still haven’t found that paint… It seems like I’ll have to order it online, but with Christmas fast approaching, I doubt it’ll arrive in time. Oh well, there’s always birthdays to celebrate too, right?
December 16, 2012 at 6:41 pm. Permalink.
Aunt Alicia replied:
If you make the bourbon balls, you will have to send some my way to try.
December 23, 2012 at 2:34 pm. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
I will! I’ll hide some from our household because otherwise, there wouldn’t be any left to send…
December 23, 2012 at 3:15 pm. Permalink.
mrswebbinthekitchen replied:
There she is!! Great picture pretty girl!
December 28, 2012 at 8:27 pm. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
Aww thank you! :] It took a while to find a picture of myself… Nearly every photo on my computer is related to food!!
December 28, 2012 at 9:30 pm. Permalink.
Lucy Cakes replied:
Hey Amy! I’m thinking about making the switch to an SLR camera because my iphone food pics just aren’t making the cut. Any advice for how to choose one? I know you got yours as a gift, but I figured I should ask in case you have any advice. I’m really digging your food pics.
Thanks!
January 3, 2013 at 7:30 pm. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
Hi Lucy! I’d definitely advise upgrading to a digital camera, even if it’s just a point-and-shoot, because it’ll make your photos even more juicy and delicious than they already are.
My dad thoroughly researched digital SLRs before buying mine, and he read through many Consumer Reports to compare different brands and models. He did tell me during this past Thanksgiving that my current camera, although 2+ years old, is still at the top of the rankings! I absolutely love it, so it’s one worth considering.
The lenses are generally the most expensive part of the camera, but it’s still important to ensure that the body feels comfortable in your hands, you can see through the eyepiece, etc. If you can, try visiting any store that stocks many camera, and try them out!
I know that’s pretty generic advice, but PLEASE feel free to ask any other questions! I may have some better ideas after mulling over it for a bit too.
January 3, 2013 at 8:42 pm. Permalink.
Lucy Cakes replied:
Not at all! I appreciate the advice. I think I’m going to try to take an intro to photography class and do some experimenting to see what I like best. It can all be a bit overwhelming, so I think I just have to start playing around and see what happens. I might have some follow up questions though so I’ll keep you posted 🙂
Thanks!!
January 4, 2013 at 9:26 am. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
Sounds great! I took two classes in high school, and they’ve helped me a lot with my food photography. While I really only remember the basics of composition from them (it’s been years!), setting up a great photo can be the hardest part.
Hmm, maybe I can do a little series on the basics of photography… Would that be interesting and beneficial?
January 4, 2013 at 4:32 pm. Permalink.
Lucy Cakes replied:
if you have the time i would ABSOLUTELY appreciate the assistance! I feel like I have a good eye for things, I just can’t translate what I want things to look like to the actual photo- you know what I mean?
January 4, 2013 at 5:18 pm. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
I know exactly what you mean. Until a few days ago, I felt like there was a big disconnect between what my brain had in mind and what I was actually seeing through the lens. But I promise, it does get easier with practice! It just takes a tiny bit of tweaking your usual imagination, that’s all.
January 4, 2013 at 5:41 pm. Permalink.
snati001 replied:
Hi!
Just wanted to tell you that I have enjoyed reading your blog and have nominated you for the Blog of the Year 2012 award! For rules and info, visit: http://foodflavorfascination.wordpress.com/2013/01/04/blog-of-the-year-2012-award/
It’s not mandatory, so you can participate if you would like. Hope you have a Happy New Year 🙂
January 4, 2013 at 1:06 pm. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
What an honor, thank you so much!! I would love to participate. Happy New Year to you too, and may it be full of blogging fun!
January 4, 2013 at 4:42 pm. Permalink.
Square One Notes replied:
What a clever blog! Love the pics and yummy posts. Thanks for sharing.
January 6, 2013 at 7:09 pm. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
Thank you, you’re really sweet!! It started out as a way to document my adventures in the kitchen, but somewhere along the way, I realized how much I love baking and photography. It’s a wonderful way to combine the two!
January 6, 2013 at 7:22 pm. Permalink.
Valerie replied:
I’m hosting a blog party in a few weeks that I’d love for you to be part of: http://atlantamomofthree.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/upcoming-blog-party/ Let me know! 😀
January 7, 2013 at 2:52 pm. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
Thanks for the invitation; that sounds like fun! I’ll have think about what to make as a decent dinner dish, but I’ll do my best!
January 7, 2013 at 3:47 pm. Permalink.
Valerie replied:
Wonderful! 😀
January 7, 2013 at 4:59 pm. Permalink.
Valerie replied:
Hi again. 🙂 I have nominated you for the Super Sweet Blog Award! To find out how to accept the award, please visit my blog: http://atlantamomofthree.wordpress.com/2013/01/08/super-sweet-blog-award/
January 8, 2013 at 3:47 am. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
You are too kind; thank you!! I’m touched and honored that you’d think of me.
January 8, 2013 at 10:14 am. Permalink.
Valerie replied:
You’re welcome!
January 8, 2013 at 12:26 pm. Permalink.
Mari replied:
Thank you for stopping by on my blog. Now I have found many good recipes on yours.
D e l i c i o u s blog!
January 8, 2013 at 10:38 am. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
My pleasure, and I hope you enjoy the recipes if you try them! I certainly have fun experimenting with them in my kitchen!
January 8, 2013 at 6:43 pm. Permalink.
Liebster Award and Recognition | Art of Nutrition replied:
[…] I must say I was truly honored when Amy of Foods for the Soul nominated me for a Liebster award. Being relatively new to blogging, I must admit I had to look up […]
January 18, 2013 at 8:44 am. Permalink.
Jill Nelson replied:
A Cannon EOS 60D is a very nice gift. You are very fortunate. I am still using a Sony Point and Shoot, at least for now. I kinda like the lightness and smallness of a point and shoot.
February 3, 2013 at 5:01 pm. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
Thank you! I am very lucky to have been given such a wonderful camera. I must admit, sometimes I do miss the small size and light weight of a point-and-shoot. But the photo quality is so much better with my DSLR that I put up with aching arms from holding my big camera all day. ;]
February 3, 2013 at 5:37 pm. Permalink.
Domestic Ingenuity replied:
Thanks for stopping by http://www.domesticingenuity.com! I hope you enjoyed what you read and I look forward to reading more of your articles as well!
From one foodie to another!
Chelsey
February 5, 2013 at 10:09 am. Permalink.
foods for the soul replied:
My pleasure, hopefully you found something you enjoyed!
February 5, 2013 at 10:54 am. Permalink.
another crack at quinoa kufta « the sensible scrap replied:
[…] great lunchtime leftovers when added to salad greens (use the yogurt sauce as dressing), or as one fellow blogger suggested, in a sandwich, falafel style. However you choose to serve it, you're going to want […]
February 8, 2013 at 4:38 pm. Permalink.