1.What was your inspiration to start your blog "Cook (Almost) Anything?"

"Cook (Almost) Anything" started as an offspring to my other site "Eat (Almost) Anything" - that blog deals with dining and travel.

Having come back from three months in Europe, I needed to find a way to release all the things I had seen and experienced during my time away. I found myself motivated to experiment more - it's easy to fall into routine especially when it comes to cooking. Starting the blog removed the ability to return to old habits; in a way it was there, encouraging and supporting me.

2. Most food and drink oriented bloggers focus on one genre of cooking. What made you focus on cooking anything?

While there are bloggers that orientate their sites for niche markets - from cupcakes to gluten-free, I think most bloggers take a broader approach to their sites. I don't want to be constrained by one type of food or one type of cuisine, and the blog reflects what I cook in the real world.

3. Out of the broad range of food types, which do you prefer the most? Why?

I don't know if I have a favorite food type. I tend to favor what is in season as it usually has the best flavor.

4. How do you come up with new and delicious recipes? What methods do you follow?

The start of any recipe must come from the ingredients - it's important to let the ingredients guide you. I take inspiration from my mother's cooking and our Italian roots, but I add to that what I've experienced from my travels and dining out. There are so many new ideas on combinations and presentation that you take on-board just from going out and seeing what chefs are doing.

5. What is your best cooking tip for a novice?

Don't be afraid of failing - sometimes recipes don't work out or don't work as we expect them to; that's not a reason to give up. Don't be afraid of flavors, different ingredients or different techniques. Keep your mind open and experiment. Don't be quick to write ingredients off - just because you didn't like them when you were three is no reason you won't like them now. Most of all, don't stress over it - relax and try to enjoy it. One of the best things you can give yourself is the ability to cook - this makes you self-sufficient.

6. What was your objective in having the farmers' market guide in your blog?

Most of my ingredients are sourced from regular or farmers' markets, and I thought this would be a positive way of publicizing these valuable commodities in our state. At the time I started the guide, there wasn't a unified organizing body that made tracking these markets easy. Compiling the list made it possible to find out in one place just when and where these markets were on.

7. Do you have any words of wisdom for others who are also passionate about cooking almost anything?

Never lose sight of your passion  - there's always something new to learn; there's always a new experience to enjoy.