10 Questions with Lili of Pikelet And Pie

I am very happy to have the gorgeous Lili from Pikelet & Pie answer 10 Questions With A Food Blogger today. Based in Sydney, Australia Lili has a very interesting blog that is one of my favorite reads. She always has lovely pictures on her blog and a lot of recipes for those fighting for time after a hard day’s work. She also has some interesting stories to share today about food, work, youth and more importantly .. food.

Thank you for answering this fun feature for us Lili. It has been an absolute pleasure.

1. Your latest food discovery?
Pork chops. Who knew?! Certainly not me, but pork chops are so tender, and porkily delicious.

2. What cookbook has inspired you the most?
Stephanie Alexander’s A Cooks Companion. There are other books that are more outrageously interesting and beautiful, but this is my go-to book for everyday.

3. Your fondest food memory?
Oh, there are so many, but I’ll just share with you the one that came to me first. When I was 15 I came to Sydney for my requisite 2 weeks of work experience in year 10. Now I suppose by Sydney standards I was a pretty young 15 year old, and shy to boot. Anyway, I worked in two Sydney restaurants, owned and run by the same Chef, a French fine diner (now gone) and a french bistro (still around). After a hot service one night I was sitting down helping out with the usual list writing and the chef walked in with 3/4 of a tarte tatin and a a whole 4 litre bottle of cream. We sat down, one plate three forks and shared the entire thing. I think this very strongly influenced my decision to become a chef, yes, I am a glutton.

4. Your most trusty kitchen companion?
The radio I love having some audio company during my kitchen alone time. And oh yeah, a good chefs knives and sturdy chopping board are essential.

5. Quick, tell us 10 things that are in your fridge right now!
Lasagne, cauliflower, blue cheese and thyme soup, poached quince and quince custard, fennel haricot bean and parmesan soup, sugar syrup, bircher muesli, homemade yoghurt, a lovely syrah dolcetto and a box of deliciousness from Zumbo, drool. To explain, I have had a horribly busy time at work lately so I have been planning and pre-preparing a bunch of meals to just heat up during the week.

6. One ingredient that frightens you the most? Why?
Chestnuts. I bought and peeled a whole bunch and now they’re wallowing in the freezer, I have no idea what to make with them. I almost feel like their goading me from their chilly bed.

7. What are you doing food wise to be more ecologically responsible?
This year especially I have been making a conscious effort to not buy imported produce. Also, other than staples I vary rarely buy packaged goods – healthy and better for the environment.

8. Which celebrity chef would you invite to dinner? What would you cook for them?
I’m not really that into the celebrity chef deal, to be honest. Also, having a celebrity chef to dinner would scare the be-jesus out of me, seriously.

9. What vegetable are you?
Cucumber, as in cool as. Haha, no. I think I’d be more of a salad or vegetable stew, a lovely mixture

10. Comfort Food?
Chocolate ice cream, homemade apple crumble, avocado – not together, obviously. 
Thanks

Lili blogs at Pikelet & Pike, go check out her lovely food posts. You can also find her on Twitter.