all about Ximena

I am originally from Chile, but I have been living abroad for the last 15 years. Living so far away from my home means I am constantly missing something or someone whether that is a family wedding, a local food festival or my best friend’s birthday. These things I can’t control they just seem to come with the territory of being an ex-pat. However, bringing pieces of my home and culture into my new life in Bristol is something that I can control, and this is where my love for cooking began. I found a lot of comfort in recreating some of the food I so dearly missed. Whenever I would feel a bit homesick I would bake, all the familiar aromas and tastes give me that slice of home I would often miss. Now I love being able to introduce all these rich flavours to my young children so they can grow up knowing and enjoying this important part of their heritage. I also enjoy sharing this little part of my culture with people who perhaps wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get to know it otherwise. Hope you enjoy having a little taste! 

about my food

I enjoy cooking all sorts of food but have a special place in my heart for baking. I find it fascinating how you can make a variety of cakes and sweet treats using the same four basic ingredients; flour, sugar, eggs and butter (five if you count chocolate!) Also, I have great memories growing up around my grandmother’s kitchen where there was always something in the oven. I remember being recruited to help crack the eggs, knead the dough and even lick the spoons! The base recipe I use for my lemon meringue pie I learnt from her, whilst adding my own twist, which I picked up at pastry school. I love to use Latin American ingredients, “dulce de leche” is a big favourite of mine: sweet condensed milk reduced slowly to gold deliciousness, there’s just nothing like it! I am looking forward to sharing my cakes with you and I am happy to answer any questions you might have!