Author Name: Jaclyn Douma
Birth date: July 16, 1986
Where did you grow up?: My husband and I grew up in Chino, California just miles a part. We did not meet until I was in Jr. High when I went on a church youth activity. (He was the older brother that was old enough to drive us to the beach).
When were you married?: After my husband proposed in March of 2007 the wedding plans began. We were wed in September that same year at the church of my dreams. I was in elementary school when I first saw this church and I knew that would be the place I would marry my husband. My husbands 5 brothers, their wives, my family and friends were all in our wedding. I remember every moment of this special day in our lives as if it were yesterday. I have married the man of my dreams, he is my best friend and a man of the Lord.
Other than cooking what activities do you enjoy?: I have always enjoyed seeking out new restaurants, bakeries and coffee houses. Currently I have an entire list of places I would like to visit in my area, plus many that I plan to visit out-of-state (someday when I'm retired, traveling the country). I enjoy watching sports with my hubby (as long as I can make appetizers and goodies for his friends), blogging about my adventures of being a mother, volunteering at church, crafting, skimming through cooking magazines, sending cards to those I love, walking the aisles at gourmet grocery stores, sipping coffee while poolside watching the sun rise, camping (LOVE CAMPING), and of course trying new desserts.
Where did you get your cooking experience?: Well, I'm no culinary chef, by any means. I have not attended culinary school or taken any special classes teaching cooking/baking techniques. In my eyes, I was blessed to have been born into a family that loves FOOD! We love to cook. We love to watch our friends and family enjoy dishes that we have made. We love hosting fabulous parties making everyone feel at home. And from my family, I have fallen in love with the joys of cooking. I consider myself more as a cook than a baker. Which is ironic because I love baked goodies, but then again, I love home cooked meals too. Anyways, I love adding my own touch of spice and food presentation is something I pride myself on.
What is your favorite meal?: My favorite meal? That's a tough one. Hmm, I love cheese enchilada's. Quesadilla's filled with avocado, cilantro, salsa, cheese, black beans and more. Ravioli's, Fettuccine alfredo, Veggies on the bbq, Salmon, oh wow, I could go on for days. But I think if I had to choose just one meal that I love, one that you can always count on....I would have to choose a bowl filled with angel hair pasta topped with seasoned tomato sauce and a slice of garlic bread...YUM. (Oh and don't forget the parm).
Is there anything you haven't made yet that you would like to make?: I would love to make homemade ravioli's. I haven't made any type of noodle yet, but it is something I will be doing soon. (Currently I'm trying to perfect my homemade pizza recipe).
Why did you write Our First Year?: Cooking is such a fulfilling pleasure in my life and as I grew into my adult life I realized that many people really didn't know their way around the kitchen. I wanted to be able to provide a tool to those that desired to cook for the ones they love, but didn't know where to start. This book takes you back to the basics; easy recipes, useful tools and many other helpful hints for the life of two. Really it was a learning experience for me too. Growing up, my mom always made meals for an army, so cooking for two was a new challenge for me. My cookbook is by no means filled with exquisite recipes for those seeking to cook like the chefs on TV. It is simply written from one newlywed to another, taking you through the joys of our first year in the kitchen as husband and wife.
**Photo Taken By: Troeger Photography**
Birth date: July 16, 1986
Where did you grow up?: My husband and I grew up in Chino, California just miles a part. We did not meet until I was in Jr. High when I went on a church youth activity. (He was the older brother that was old enough to drive us to the beach).
When were you married?: After my husband proposed in March of 2007 the wedding plans began. We were wed in September that same year at the church of my dreams. I was in elementary school when I first saw this church and I knew that would be the place I would marry my husband. My husbands 5 brothers, their wives, my family and friends were all in our wedding. I remember every moment of this special day in our lives as if it were yesterday. I have married the man of my dreams, he is my best friend and a man of the Lord.
Other than cooking what activities do you enjoy?: I have always enjoyed seeking out new restaurants, bakeries and coffee houses. Currently I have an entire list of places I would like to visit in my area, plus many that I plan to visit out-of-state (someday when I'm retired, traveling the country). I enjoy watching sports with my hubby (as long as I can make appetizers and goodies for his friends), blogging about my adventures of being a mother, volunteering at church, crafting, skimming through cooking magazines, sending cards to those I love, walking the aisles at gourmet grocery stores, sipping coffee while poolside watching the sun rise, camping (LOVE CAMPING), and of course trying new desserts.
Where did you get your cooking experience?: Well, I'm no culinary chef, by any means. I have not attended culinary school or taken any special classes teaching cooking/baking techniques. In my eyes, I was blessed to have been born into a family that loves FOOD! We love to cook. We love to watch our friends and family enjoy dishes that we have made. We love hosting fabulous parties making everyone feel at home. And from my family, I have fallen in love with the joys of cooking. I consider myself more as a cook than a baker. Which is ironic because I love baked goodies, but then again, I love home cooked meals too. Anyways, I love adding my own touch of spice and food presentation is something I pride myself on.
What is your favorite meal?: My favorite meal? That's a tough one. Hmm, I love cheese enchilada's. Quesadilla's filled with avocado, cilantro, salsa, cheese, black beans and more. Ravioli's, Fettuccine alfredo, Veggies on the bbq, Salmon, oh wow, I could go on for days. But I think if I had to choose just one meal that I love, one that you can always count on....I would have to choose a bowl filled with angel hair pasta topped with seasoned tomato sauce and a slice of garlic bread...YUM. (Oh and don't forget the parm).
Is there anything you haven't made yet that you would like to make?: I would love to make homemade ravioli's. I haven't made any type of noodle yet, but it is something I will be doing soon. (Currently I'm trying to perfect my homemade pizza recipe).
Why did you write Our First Year?: Cooking is such a fulfilling pleasure in my life and as I grew into my adult life I realized that many people really didn't know their way around the kitchen. I wanted to be able to provide a tool to those that desired to cook for the ones they love, but didn't know where to start. This book takes you back to the basics; easy recipes, useful tools and many other helpful hints for the life of two. Really it was a learning experience for me too. Growing up, my mom always made meals for an army, so cooking for two was a new challenge for me. My cookbook is by no means filled with exquisite recipes for those seeking to cook like the chefs on TV. It is simply written from one newlywed to another, taking you through the joys of our first year in the kitchen as husband and wife.
**Photo Taken By: Troeger Photography**
