1. What made you start your blog on great food recipes?

When I got married I didn't really know how to cook, and everyone in my family was so good at cooking; I kinda felt left out. Since my hubby too was fond of good food, I started feeling the need to cook good food for him and try out new things. So I started looking for recipes online. I found some recipe sites, but then I stumbled onto a few blogs. Back then, there were only a handful of food bloggers. When I saw the beautiful presentation of food and creative recipes, I knew that was what I should be doing too. And so that's how I started my own blog. To create, to share, to learn and have a platform to showcase what I can do.

2. How passionate are you about cooking?

Coming from a background of two great cooks - my mom and dad both, I think I probably had it in my genes, but I just didn't know it until I actually got down to doing it. We all love good food, and I cannot remember a time when the same food was repeated in our house. It had to be different cuisine and different dishes every time with only the favorites being made again. So growing up, having nothing but the best also trained me in always wanting and giving the best. And that's why I'm passionate about my food. I want it to be the best, at least the best I can do. I put my heart and soul into making my food. You see, my kitchen to me is like a canvas to an artist. It's where I can create what I feel comfortable and happy doing.

3. How did you learn a variety of great food recipes?

The want to always make new things and try out different food from different parts of the world is why I know a variety of cuisines. Also every time I travel with my husband, to any part of the world, we try the local cuisines, buy their sauces, spices, and key ingredients. Then we carry them back home and try to re create the food we ate. It's fun, challenging and at the end of it you've learned something new. Of course its also very helpful to just about Google anything you want to make. Go through a couple of recipes, see which one appeals most to you and go for it.

4. Out of all the different varieties of food recipes which you have showcased on your blog, which one is your favorite? Why?

Picking one is unfair. I think I'll have to do at least two. The first one is a moist fresh coconut tropical cake, with a papaya cheesecake frosting and topped with caramelized papayas - http://aapplemint.com/?p=63. And the second one is a fusion of two desserts - a traditional Indian sweet called Kaju Katli and a chocolate mousse - http://aapplemint.com/?p=80. Both of these dessert cakes are my favorites. They are unique and original. The second one was made for a very special occasion and the first one is simply wonderful.

5. How do you come up with different drink recipes? Did you learn this on your own or through other means?

Drinks are usually done with trial and error. I never really followed anyone's recipe, but just tried to figure them out myself. It's not difficult at all. Just taste as you go until you think you have achieved the taste you are looking for.

6. Do you focus on ethnic recipes like Indian? Which recipes do you think are your best?

Honestly I haven't featured many Indian recipes. Most of the times I've been blogging about desserts and cakes as that is my weakness. It's only post-pregnancy that the sugar craving has gone down a bit, and I now have a chance to showcase the other food that we are eating at home. The posts are mostly everyday food that we have. But out of the few I have put up I like:

Qeema paratha - http://aapplemint.com/?p=25

Gola Sherbet - http://aapplemint.com/?p=346

Dal Roti - http://aapplemint.com/?p=30 and

Mango Phirni - http://aapplemint.com/?p=26

7. What does the future hold for you and your blog?

Blogging has been such an integral part of my life in the past few years. It was a way for me to be creative, use my energy in the right direction and share what I know. I never expected anything in return from it, but yet a lot of opportunities have come my way since I've started blogging. Nominations for the best food blog, mention in newspapers, an offer to do a TV show, various other awards, a chance to work as a food stylist, and not to mention the wonderful emails from various readers telling me how I've helped them in some way or the other; all of these make me feel absolutely special and honored. As for the future, God only knows. All I know is that I shall keep blogging as best as I can.