Welcome!

I am absolutely thrilled to have you here! ¡Estoy encantada de tenerte aquí!

My name is Sara, and I’m an American by passport, Ecuadorian by birth, and a food addict by soul. I have a passion for cooking, trying new recipes, and sharing my culinary adventures with others.

The Story Behind the Blog

My culinary journey started in my childhood kitchen in Ecuador, where I learned the basics of cooking from my mother, who was raised by her grandmother. I got married and consequently moved to the United States, but  I carried this passion with me and continued exploring and learning new recipes and cooking techniques.

Raising two kids in the US, I became acutely aware of the dangers of processed food and determined to provide the best nutrition for my family, I dedicated myself to growing food and cooking at home. This commitment not only ensured healthier meals but also fostered a deep appreciation for fresh, whole foods.

Embracing Global and Local Ingredients

Our family’s journey towards seasonal and local eating began a few years ago and transformed our approach to food. Embracing the abundance of farmer’s markets and reducing our reliance on supermarkets, we discovered the numerous benefits of eating in harmony with nature’s cycles.

Since I have a southamerican background and my husband’s family is from India,  we, as a family, started exploring and incorporating produce and ingredients from other cultures and regions. One of the most profound influences on our eating habits also came from our several visits to Ecuador and other neighboring countries that share the amazing Andes mountains. 

The native people in Ecuador rely on fresh, unprocessed ingredients harvested from their surroundings, creating meals that are both nutritious and rich in flavor. This approach to eating has inspired me to incorporate a diverse range of global ingredients into our meals, combining the best of both worlds.

The Benefits of Seasonal and Global Eating

Seasonal eating is not only healthier but also more flavorful and economical. Produce harvested at its peak is packed with nutrients and offers unparalleled taste. For instance, biting into a sun-ripened summer tomato reveals a sweetness and juiciness that’s hard to find in out-of-season varieties. Similarly, exploring global ingredients has opened up a world of flavors and nutritional benefits that enhance our meals.

Supporting local farmers also means we’re contributing to the well-being of our community and the environment. By choosing local, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with importing goods from afar. It’s a small step towards a more sustainable lifestyle that we wholeheartedly embrace. At the same time, sourcing ingredients from different cultures adds variety to our diet and helps us appreciate the culinary traditions of various regions.

By integrating global ingredients and seasonal produce, we create meals that are not only diverse and exciting but also nutritious and environmentally friendly. This approach encourages creativity in the kitchen and helps us discover new flavors and cooking techniques.

What About the Healthy Part?

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned a lot about nutrition and healthy eating. While we strive to make healthy choices, we also believe in balance. Our philosophy is simple: as long as you eat healthily most of the time, indulging in occasional treats is perfectly fine.

Incorporating small changes, like substituting refined white sugar with coconut or brown sugar, and using whole wheat flour in place of white flour, has made a big difference. Greek yogurt has become a staple in our kitchen, often replacing mayonnaise for a healthier twist. Let’s not forget the kefir and its wonderful probiotic properties in a refreshing smoothie.

Of course, life with kids means that sometimes convenience wins. We’re no strangers to the occasional box of processed pasta for lunch. But by consistently offering healthy options and making nutritious food accessible, we’re instilling good habits in our children without stressing over perfection.

For example, starting the day with a cup of coffee and some instant oatmeal cookies, having muffin tin omelets for lunch, and ending with Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry perfectly justifies a few Chocolate Salami slices for dessert. It’s all about balance and enjoying the process.

A Few More Things You Need to Know About Me

– I have no formal culinary training. I believe that cooking should be fun, and you don’t have to worry about failures – I’ve had my fair share of them!

– Our family LOVES traveling! We always travel with kids because it’s fun and we believe that it’s very beneficial to them.

– I really LOVE dancing different types of music like cha cha, rumba, tango, salsa, etc.

– I LOVE TV series. My favorites are Velvet,Crown,Friends and a bunch of others.

– I can’t live without all kinds of sweet pastries but I try my best to limit them.

– My favorite kind of food is fish and seafood.

I hope you’ll enjoy browsing Yummy Addiction. If you test out a recipe, feel free to leave me a comment. I’d love to connect and keep in touch with you!

Connect with me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram or contact me at admin [at] yummyaddiction [dot] com or using the Contact Form. Thanks for visiting!