I approach the kitchen: my happy place. Measuring cups, metal whisks, cutting boards, all insight. I mix a stick of butter with a heap of powdered sugar and a dash of vanilla, creating the base for the dessert I’m making that day. Next, I’m carefully chopping precise measurements of carrots and onions, gently adding them to my steel boiling pot of soup. I reach for my chopped thyme and authentic leaves of basil to finish my dish. With the pleasant aroma around me, I am at peace. The fragrance of flavorful oils and seasonal spices deeply intrigues me. Being able to craft ideas for recipes has allowed me to connect with different cultures worldwide. Whether it’s a traditional Indian, paneer biryani, or a tasty Mexican enchilada, I’ve learned a lot about other cultures and their ways of life. As a beginner, I’d strictly follow food bloggers’ recipes and would be frustrated if I was even a teaspoon over the intended measurement. Now, I create meals based on my own judgment and share recipes on a successful food blog. To me, presentation is key. I make sure to lay out colorful plates and strategically separate courses of food onto one plate. Crafting food is an art: an amalgamation of flavors and seasoning to create the perfect balance.