My First Chef Crush
When I was young I thought I had life all figured out…really.
At the age of 12, I wanted to become the next greatest Rodeo Queen (clearly going through my cowgirl phase), and at the age of 16, I was going to be an international singing sensation.
Unh huh. As you can see that didn’t pan out so well.
There are lots of hilariously funny life stories, and some not so funny. But I’ll skip all the life drama and move on to the important stuff. Food.
Growing up in my family we had quite a few excellent home chefs, however I was much too busy becoming the next greatest sensation of “something” to learn how to cook.
I’ve always loved good food; that much is obvious when looking at my childhood photographs. I was always the plump child in the photo, standing next to my much thinner twin sister (who by the way is my very best friend in the world).
Slow Roasted Mexican Pork Tacos
I knew what good food tasted like, but I hadn’t a clue how to cook it. In 1999 my life took yet another hairpin turn. My new little gal developed chronic asthma, and I knew I couldn’t leave her to return to work.
So I dug my heels into domestic life and soon realized I couldn’t eat another bite of my cooking. Actually, I’m surprised my cooking didn’t cause someone a slow and painful death! Dinner was not my happy place.
Mexican Chocolate Sauce with Fresh Papaya and Chocolate Cake
So what’s a girl to do when she can’t cook? Enroll in culinary classes. As the first class began and I heard the Chef Instructor speak, emotion (and the sound of angels singing!) hit me like a huge Mack truck and I knew I had found my passion.
I’m an accidental chef, living an unexpected life… and loving every minute of it!
Live healthy,
Love completely,
Hug your kids every day,
Eat organic,
Support your local farmers,
Learn something new every day,
Be kind, it’s worth the effort,
And always eat dessert!
Delicious Wishes and Loads of Love,
Karista
Let me introduce you to The Bennett Crew:
Ranger Craig, my mountain man and resident tough guy with a big sweet heart (and chief taste tester!)
My two sassy gals, Tink and Suzie Q ~
Our big old Airedale, Elwood. Sadly, he passed this summer. He was completely adored by his family for 12 wonderful years. I just don’t have the heart to take down the picture.
Our little buddy Tank, the Cairn Terrier. He thinks he can drive 
For recipe questions, requests for information or information about my Personal Chef Service feel free to drop me an email at karistaskitchen@gmail.com
Life is full of surprises. I'm an accidental Chef living an unexpected life... and loving every minute of it! 
so nice to meet you – we have the same sentiments to life and yes, always eat dessert
Lovely to meet you too Tandy. Love your blog and I too love all things lavender. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week!
Hi! it’s always a good thing to know someone from a different part of the world
continue the positive look in life .., it’s contagious !
Thanks for the comment! Looking forward to checking out your blog.
Lovely blog, lovely family and lovely dogs – don´t take Elwood´s photo down. He may not be with you anymore but he was still a big part of the family. Am off to look at some of your gorgeous recipes!
Thank you so much for stopping by! Yep our big boy Elwood was a huge part of our family. And he was so darn cute. Thanks for your sweet comment Tanya!
i totally understand…. i have a HUGE love for dogs. they are just the best.
They are! We love our animal babies. My two daughters are dog fanatics I think. They’re always bringing home strays. Luckily we always find the owners.
Thanks for the sweet words Monica! Our big guy isn’t with us, sadly at 12 years old he passed in August.
He was the best dog! But we have our little guy, Tank, who is totally smothered in love by the girls.
elwood is so incredibly adorable! your family is beautiful!
Hey Karista Thanks so much for leaving such a nice comment on my blog! I love your about me page. I really feel you come alive in it. I look forward to seeing more of you and your cooking. Heather x
Heather, Thank you so much for the kind words! I love your blog and always look forward to what you’re posting next. Have a wonderful rest of the week!
Karista, this is such a lovely “about” description! Thanks for sharing
Thanks for commenting! It’s so hard to write an “about” page! When your my age (44), there’s so much life that’s already been lived, hard to put it into a few paragraphs. Hahaha! Have a fabulous rest of the week Alexandra!
Nice to hear your story.
Life is full of journey, right?
Happy cooking!
And the journey is the fun part!
Oh my gosh….you haven’t aged since you were 16! lol Great to see your face again..and congratulations on your wonderful success!
Ha ha ha!! Thank you for the sweet compliment! And you look fabulous yourself! Enjoy the recipes!
I just found your website…I’ve known you all these years and just found out? GADS! All of your recipes sound delicious and those that you’ve shared with us at IVE ARE delicious! You have inspired me back into the kitchen, at least for the summer….
Melissa, I’m so glad I’ve given you inspiration to get back into the kitchen. I’ll be posting several more grill recipes soon, and when the weather starts to turn cooler I’ll post some yummy fall recipes that I know you’ll love! Have a wonderful summer Melissa!
So glad to see you are pursuing this!
Cheers!
Suzanne
Thanks Suzanne! Here’s hoping my blog inspires all home chef’s to get back into the kitchen. Wishing you great health and great food!
Oh, finally, a place to go to be inspired when it comes to dinner! May my family benefit from your passion!
I’ll do my best! And don’t hesitate to make a few requests. I just posted a pasta recipe for a blogger who made a request. Happy Cooking! K
Karista–this so much fun! Chicken Marbella is on my menu this week, and I can’t wait to see what’s next! Heidi
Well, girlie, I am so proud of you! I can’t wait to see what you’re “serving” up for all of us and will be keeping an eye out for your new stuff! Glad to be back in touch with you, I have my own blog, not nearly as exciting as yours, but you can peruse at your leisure. Love you!!
http://www.debbie-somesplainin.blogspot.com