I met Debra of Bowl-Me-Over about two years ago online during a Facebook page exchange. We quickly discovered we are nearly neighbors, love cooking and writing. Debra’s heart is as generous as her cooking style. She often contributes time to causes that involves her love of animals and supports the cause of her friends and family. When I met her in person about a year ago, at a Christmas party, she was involved with her friend to donate clean washcloths and towels to St. Johns Program for Real Change, a women’s shelter. Before moving to Fresno, she was on the board of CCHAT, a school that helps deaf children to listen and talk, where she organized an annual wine tasting fundraiser for the school…and of course, she provided delicious food! In Fresno, she volunteers for Elder Paws Senior Rescue. Her commitment to community as well as great food are a natural part of her generous spirit.
Her recipes are an expression of her excitement about good tasting food. Her writing style brings her enthusiasm for tasty dishes alive on the page. Every dish has a story, a connection to friends or family. Often, they too are included her musings, as are some of her adventures through beautiful California.
1) What inspires your passion for cooking?
Cooking and sharing food makes me feel good inside. I love to cook and watch people enjoy a great meal. What inspires my passion for food – well I’d have to say it’s in my blood! My Grandparents – Maternal and Paternal were both fabulous cooks and I’d like to think I take after both those great women!
Food has brought me such passion in life – I’m from the Pacific Northwest and living in Oregon it was fresh fabulous seafood and delicious salmon. When I moved to Washington DC, soft-shelled crabs. Southern California brought a whole new cuisine and moving to the midwest was quite the experience. I moved from So Cal to Green Bay Wisconsin on Super Bowl Sunday, when I got on the plane it was 70 degrees, when I got off the plane 30 below zero! Whew!! But in Green Bay I learned tailgating and all of the wonderful food that went with that! Now here in California produce is abundant and we enjoy all that the Central Valley has to offer. Food to me is not just substance, but life and experiences! I share my love with food.
2) How long has cooking been a creative outlet for you?
Although I’ve been cooking for years, I’ve really only used it as a creative outlet for the last couple of years.
3) How did you decide to go from part time to full time food blogger? What else do you talk about on your blog?
I’m in a very good spot in life and I have the opportunity to grow my business from the ground up. My husband suggested that I devote my time to blogging full-time and really take the time to learn and grow my blog; I jumped at the chance!
I also talk a lot about family & friends. I think your support system is the most important thing in life and I like to share when applicable.
4) What are some of your other passions?
I love dogs and cats! My husband and I married just over two years ago -(matched up on eharmony). He had three dogs – I had three dogs and a cat (I’ve always secretly suspected that’s why they matched us, LOL!) So we are now the Brady bunch, except with dogs! I volunteer for Elder Paws Senior Dog Rescue in Fresno. Giving back to the community is important to me.
5) What do you bring to the food blogger community?
Lots of life experiences. I’ve lived all over the United States so lots of different types of food – funny how a story for me always relates back to food, LOL!
6) Do you have any advice to bloggers that want to make the jump from part time to full time blogging?
When you choose the focus for your blog it needs to be something you’re passionate about because it will show in your writing. Blogging isn’t easy, it’s something you really need to work at.
7) What are some of your favorite types of recipes to share with people?
As you may have guessed by by the name of my blog, Bowl Me Over – I share a lot of soups – especially during the winter months. As I like to say – Soup is good food!
8) Do you have any advice for the novice cook?
Yes! Try new recipes, the best recipes are simple ones and don’t be too hard on yourself – have fun with it!
9) What are your favorite recipes to cook?
Simple ones using fresh local ingredients.
10) What is your favorite all out no holding back meal?
Paella – with all kinds of wonderful meats & seafood; clams, crabs, shrimp, chicken & pork – so fabulous!
11) Where is one place that you would love to travel to?
In the United States New Orleans – my brother just visited and shared so many wonderful pictures of all the food – they ate their way from one side of the city to the other and outside the US – I’d love to take a food tour of Italy, that’s been a dream for years!
Check out four of Debra’s delicious recipes. Click the link below the pictures to see the recipes.
Welcome! My name is Debra and I love all things food! Known as the go-to girl in our family for years. I’ve catered weddings and anniversary parties and in the summer help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl-Me-Over! I strive for good health, but food has to be full of flavor. A calorie is a calorie, but it’s more satisfying to eat when the food is delicious.
Hello Everyone! I’m Susan: a Writer, Speaker, Coach and Creator.
Creativity and I have been friends since I was a kid. I was always involved in a creative project…from putting together neighborhood skits and plays, writing stories, dance, theater. I loved to play with my creative side from painting, photography, to writing... 