hey there!
Hey, I’m Laura!
I’m a passionate baker and food blogger focused on combining fresh ingredients, contrasting flavors, exotic spices and multiple cooking techniques from all over the world.
I have a background in graphic design and photography, plus I have completed the Rouxbe’s Professional Cook Certification and the University of California Davis’ Sensory Evaluation of Olive Oil Certificate Course.
What you will find here
- Reliable Recipes. I have been blogging since 2008 and all of these recipes have been developed and tested by me in my own kitchen. I share what I make with my friends and large family to insure that my creations are appetizing and enjoyed by all.
- Persian Recipes. Because of my Persian background, I have a large range of Persian recipes, from popular kebabs and stews, to unique family favorites. I break down the recipes so that anyone can recreate these amazing dishes in their own home.
- Camping Recipes. My kids grew up in scouting and we camped ALL THE TIME. So over the years, I have created lots of easy and fabulous campfire recipes for your cast iron Dutch oven or to simply cook over the campfire to insure your hungry campers are happy!
- Olive Oil Recipes. I love to bake! I have been baking with olive oil for over 15 years and have amassed a large variety of cake, cookie and scone recipes that use extra virgin olive oil. All of them are easy to recreate at home and taste amazing!
Top 10 Recipes
- How to Make a Barbie Cake
- Homemade Grape Jam – No Pectin
- Oven Dried Lemon Slices
- Persian Chicken Kebab (Jujeh Kabab)
- Vanilla Cake Recipe with Oil
- Crab and Shrimp Dip (Seafood Dip)
- Salad Olivieh (Persian Potato Salad with Chicken)
- Easy Oven Baked Meatballs
- Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta and Sun Dried Tomatoes
- The Best Kit Kat Ice Cream Cake
more about me….
Fun Facts
- I am the proud mom to three adult children and one grumpy dog. We live in mostly sunny San Diego and we love our life here!
- I am also half-Persian and learned how to cook Persian food from my mom, grandmother and uncle.
- I have been cooking since I was a kid. My idea of fun was to read my mom’s cookbooks and make a meal from scratch using recipes from Paul Prudhomme.
Learning to make Persian rice and tahdig is a must for anyone wanting to cook Persian food. I break down the directions and many of readers have been able to make this basic dish perfectly on their own.
My favorite Persian stew growing up was Ghormeh Sabzi. And it still is today! This aromatic herb stew is so unique and incredibly delicious. It tastes even better the next day!
One of my family’s favorite dishes is my baked version of jujeh kebab, chicken kabobs in oven. I use the dry rub chicken seasoning on my Persian chicken wings and oven baked salmon. Not only is it mouth-watering delicious, it is also super easy to make.
I have been baking birthday cakes for my children for over 20 years. I have made all kinds of cakes for them, from kool-aid cake to unicorn cake and everything in between. I even create all kinds of designs for my little nephew who is allergic to eggs and dairy using my vegan birthday cake recipe.
Affiliations
I am the current president of the San Diego Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier. We are a philanthropic organization of women leaders in the fields of food, beverage and hospitality. I have been an active member of this wonderful group since 2014.
My Cookbooks
camping cookbook
The Camp & Cabin Cookbook
I created and photographed 100 recipes that can be prepared over fire using various techniques: grilling, foil cooking, ash cooking, Dutch oven cooking — all following my cooking philosophy of using fresh ingredients to create beautiful and delicious food.
olive oil cookbook
Cooking Techniques with Olive Oil
I collaborated with fellow food blogger, Mary Platis to design, write and photograph Cooking Techniques with Olive Oil. We both took University of California Davis’ Sensory Evaluation of Olive Oil Certificate Course and became expert olive oil tasters.
Food photographer
My passion for photography began at a young age, way before digital photography. My father gave me my first camera, a Pentax, and he also gave me the photography bug. I took classes, joined my high school newspaper, developed my own film and photographs in the dark room, and began shooting sports events for my community newspaper.
In 1988, I was an intern at The Houston Chronicle where I learned all about photo-journalism. But my very science oriented family convinced me to not pursue a fine arts degree in college. I graduated from the University of Arizona with a business degree.
And here I am, some years later, doing what I still love the most: photography. But this time, food photography. I not only do all of the photography on my blog and my cookbooks, but I also do free-lance food photography for companies, too, like Sun-Maid Raisins, Abuelita Chocolate and Harris Ranch Beef. You can see my photography portfolio here.
My photos and recipes have been featured in a number of publications and cookbooks in the US an worldwide. I do NOT use AI or computer generated photographs.
My family and I were recently featured in Woman’s Day Magazine (March 2023) where I shared our nowruz traditions and recipes. My camping recipes have been featured in AAA and KOA.
For advertising and PR requests, you can learn more about working with me here or just email me at Laura AT familyspice DOT com.
Avid miniature lover
In 2021 I started a second blog, Life In Mini, where I share my love for miniatures. From making mini foods with polymer clay to rehabbing my dollhouse with popsicle stick flooring, I share my passion and dollhouse tutorials on dollhouse diy tutorials.
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