We’re talking with Betty Ann Quirino - an author, recipe developer and prolific blogger at AsianInAmericaMag.com whose thoughts and experiences on cooking has personally helped me develop confidence in my own cooking abilities - to become part of what keeps global Filipino food culture alive. This episode we talk about adapting Filipino recipes for modern kitchens, how our personal histories and experiences shape our relationship with food, and why you just need to pick up some groceries, get in the kitchen and start cooking. Can't promise we won't make you hungry! Show notes 04:25 "People paid attention to my stories?" 06:10 From writing ad copy to blogging & authoring 07:30 Moving to the US 09:35 Starting the blog 12:20 On food, family and cooking 13:35 Growing up on a farm in the Philippines 19:50 The story of mangoes in a jar 23:50 "Who cares?" 24:50 A lesson learned 28:20 Finding ingredients is a challenge 28:45 3 components to successful recipes 29:30 Substituting traditional Philippine ingredients 32:30 Remember the origins of a dish 34:45 A visit to the Ilocos region 46:25 Food traditions are priceless 48:50 Advice for home cooks Links for this episode Betty Ann's piece called Holiday Dishes with Ilocano Flavors on PositivelyFilipino.com FIND THE FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT HERE. SUBSCRIBE TO EXPLORING FILIPINO KITCHENS ON ITUNES AND SHARE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!