Challenge #1: cook, photograph, eat, repeat

Ready, set, blog! What defines me as a blogger? More specifically, what defines me as a food blogger? What sets me apart, and do I have what it takes to be the food blog star?

Allow me to take you on a photo journey to explain.

The seed that was Hail's Kitchen sprouted its head in the fall of 2008. This little grain had been germinating in my head for years, but a number of events in my personal life had to transpire before the bud could really flower. I sold my car. I used that money to buy a camera. I began taking photos with said camera. Photos like this:

and this gem:

Thus began my unyielding appreciation and quest for natural light.

Hail's Kitchen took a hiatus when I moved to the country where I contemplated selling my kidney to afford an internet connection. I decided in favor of the kidney.

I moved back to my home state of Idaho in the fall of 2009, and Hail's Kitchen was resurrected. Closer to my family, closer to the mountains and rivers I missed, but farther away from the food I loved, I learned to make my favorite dishes I craved so desperately from the big city. Can't order take out? Make your own:

My culinary repertoire has extended to include many of the ethnic favorites I left behind in Salt Lake City. However, I might give a kidney for a steaming bowl of pho right now.

Hail's Kitchen revolves around food. Cook, photograph, eat, repeat. That's the mantra. I am not a professionally trained chef, nor am I photographer with lots of fancy equipment and lighting tools. I am just a girl who enjoys sharing her meals via the world wide web with family and friends.

I am also a girl who is not afraid to admit and embrace her failures, usually failures of epic proportion. Mochi at home? Bad idea. Horrific, in fact. Or the foiled tortilla espanola that ended up looking more like scrambled eggs than Spanish tapas:

While food dominates the theme of Hail's Kitchen, my life creeps into most posts by default.

Work days on the farm:

Family vacations:

Field trips to local playgrounds:

And often, moments that take my breath away:

Hail’s Kitchen is a place for folks looking for a little mealtime inspiration. Hail’s Kitchen is often a place for folks looking for a good laugh. Hail’s Kitchen is always a place for folks looking for honest, approachable food that anyone can prepare. If I can successfully bake a six-layer, almond-flavored rainbow cake, you most certainly can too:

My kitchen is my respite. Feeding those I love sustains my soul. Hail’s Kitchen is my vehicle to feed those I love, near and far, with my photos and words. Borrowing one of my father's (AKA the Judge) favorite expressions, I hope this site leaves you “fat and happy.”

Cheers.