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Jas, the person behind the blog “All that’s Jas,” has written blog posts about her personal experiences. Jasmina shares her passion for cooking and how she has developed her culinary skills over the years.
She also talks about the inspiration behind her blog and how she enjoys sharing her recipes and travel experiences with her readers.
In an interview with CookingDetective.com, She shares her easy-to-make recipes that use simple ingredients, spices, and herbs to add flavor to a dish. She loves to use various kitchen gadgets like a chef’s knife, food processor, and immersion blender to make meal prep quicker and more efficient. Her favorite cuisine to cook is Balkan and Mediterranean cuisine.
Jasminka recommends using budget-friendly ingredients like onions, potatoes, rice, pasta, chickpeas, beans, cabbage, and tomatoes in various dishes.
She also advises aspiring cooks to practice regularly, watch cooking shows, try new ingredients, and cook with others.
Read our exclusive interview with Jas now!
What follows is an interesting interview with the Cooking influencer.
Please tell us a little about yourself and how you got into cooking
My full name is Jasminka, and I’m an international comfort food blogger, photographer, and cookbook author living in Indiana, USA.
I grew up in Bosnia, the beautiful land that used to be a part of Yugoslavia back in the day. Sadly, due to the Civil War, I had to leave my homeland and live in Germany for six years before finally finding a new home in the States.
Ah, the kitchen – growing up, it used to be a place of dreaded chores, worse than actually having to eat the food. I wasn’t just a picky eater – I despised all food. My appreciation for food grew alongside my love for cooking only after I became a mom. Oh, how far I’ve come!
What are your favorite types of recipes to create and share, and why?
I love recipes that are easy to make and use simple ingredients, healthy-ish yet comforting. Bonus if they’re versatile so that you can use them in different ways, such as a base for multiple dishes or a meal prep option that can be stored and reheated throughout the week.
What is your favorite ingredient to work with and why?
I am obsessed with spices and herbs! They can transform any dish into a culinary masterpiece and take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. Trust me, they are easily the most exciting and versatile ingredients in the kitchen.
What is your favorite kitchen tool or gadget and why?
Oh my gosh, I am absolutely obsessed with all things kitchen gadgets! I mean, how could I possibly choose just one favorite?!
Every tool has its unique purpose, brings flair to the cooking experience, and makes meal prep quicker and more efficient. I’m talking about everything from a high-quality chef’s knife, food processor, and immersion blender to a trusty stand mixer, air-fryer, and pressure cooker.
Let me tell you, my collection is seriously impressive, and I’m running out of places to store them, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Can you share any of your favorite cookbooks or online resources for recipe inspiration?
I absolutely love the Heirloom Kitchen cookbook! It celebrates the recipes and stories that have been passed down through generations of immigrant women.
As an immigrant myself, this book holds a special place in my heart. Every page is a delicious journey through different cultures and traditions.
I’m a big fan of celebrity chefs, especially Nigella Lawson and Martha Stewart. But if we’re talking about ultimate inspiration, Dennis the Prescott takes the cake (pun intended!). I’m constantly amazed by his stunning food creations and aspire to create just as visually stunning dishes when I grow up, hehe!
What is your favorite type of cuisine to cook and why?
Unsurprisingly, I gravitate toward the delicious flavors of Balkan and Mediterranean cuisine, probably because it was a big part of my childhood, even if I didn’t like to eat then. So I am happily making up for lost time now!
How do you balance nutrition and flavor in your recipes?
I admit – I don’t always balance nutrition and flavor, especially when I share authentic recipes, as it can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. “Everything in moderation,” goes the old line. It’s all about finding balance and not going too extreme in either direction.
I like to tweak a dish by using fresh ingredients, adding herbs and spices, incorporating healthy fats, and being mindful of cooking methods. And let’s not forget the portion sizes.
With some experimentation and practice, you can always create healthy and delicious recipes that will satisfy your taste buds and nutritional needs.
Can you walk us through the process of developing a recipe from start to finish?
Developing a recipe from start to finish requires creativity, research, testing, and refinement.
I am passionate about sharing traditional recipes from across the globe and making them easy to follow.
When creating a recipe, I first choose what kind of dish I want to make – a delicious breakfast, a mouth-watering dessert, a satisfying main course, or a tasty side. After that, I decide on the type of cuisine.
I always pick something that speaks to my taste buds but is also popular and searched for by others. Then I put my spin on recipes by researching and using locally-sourced ingredients while keeping the authentic flavors alive.
Next comes the testing of the recipe and making notes on any adjustments I need to make, such as changes to the cooking time, temperature, or ingredient amounts. If necessary, I refine and finalize it (sometimes multiple times).
Can you talk about any culinary experiences or travel that have influenced your cooking?
My mom had the most significant impact on me. Still, as I lived in Germany and traveled across Europe, my taste buds were introduced to exciting new flavors I had never experienced before.
Now, I am passionate about sharing this discovery with others.
Can you recommend some budget-friendly ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes?
Give me an onion and potatoes, and I’ll make you at least five delicious dishes. Other affordable and versatile staple ingredients in many cuisines are rice, pasta, chickpeas, beans, cabbage, and tomatoes (canned or fresh).
What advice would you give to someone who wants to improve their cooking skills?
Practice, practice, practice! Like anything else, the more you cook, the better you will become. So don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they can often be the best learning experiences.
Also, watch cooking shows, try new ingredients, and cook with others. Cooking with friends or family can be a fun way to learn new recipes and techniques.
What equipment do you use for your food photography, and do you have any tips for taking great food photos?
I use Canon 70D DSLR with various lenses (my favorite 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm). I also use softbox lighting as I can’t rely on natural light due to my unpredictable daily schedule.
If you want to take your photography up a notch, I suggest looking up free YouTube videos, especially Joanie Simon from The Bite Shot.
If cost isn’t an obstacle, invest in books or classes/courses. Plate to Pixel and From Snapshots to Great Shots food photography books helped me tremendously when I first started. Also, practice, practice, practice!
What do you hope people take away from your blog, and how do you want to inspire them in the kitchen?
I hope my recipes entice people to get more comfortable with trying new foods and experiencing new flavors.
Don’t be afraid to experiment in the kitchen because bringing international cuisine home is easier — and cheaper — than you think. Let’s broaden our taste buds together!
In conclusion, Jasmina offers advice to aspiring cooks, suggesting they practice regularly, watch cooking shows, try new ingredients, and cook with others. For those seeking recipe inspiration or an introduction to different types of cuisine, her blog is a great resource.
Jasmina ends by asking readers to share their favorite type of cuisine to cook in the comments.
So, Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, “All that’s Jas” is a great resource for recipe inspiration and culinary knowledge.
Where you can find me…
Website: https://www.all-thats-jas.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/all_thats_jas/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllThatsJas%20
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/allthatsjas/
