Mi nombre es Brenda. My friends call me B. And Bren is my stage and pen-name. I’m a single gal living alone in Atlanta for the time being. I’m a soulful chick. I have a passion for all things food. I sing and song-write on the side, but cooking is what pays my bills! I like to say I’m a pretty darn cook! I was raised in a very traditional Latin home, which meant everything happened(s) in the kitchen, literally! story-telling, crying, partying, fighting…oh yeah and cooking! My grandmother grew all her herbs in her front yard in Havana, which was nice (RIP). My mother taught me best by my sheer presence in the kitchen while she cooked. We were all graciously blessed with the best casera food a child could have. We were never shorted!

So, naturally, as a teenager and adult, I was always intrigued by food and how it made us all feel. I started cooking around 8 and haven’t stopped since. My mom still cooks every day and when I visit, I unashamedly eat like a fool! At home, I cook about 4 days a week and love it! I’ve cooked for boyfriends, all my dinner parties, friends, co-workers, etc… and it’s just great! I prepare old recipes I grew up on, new ones I am confident enough to try and every now and then will try dishes I’ve eaten abroad. I love to feed people. It’s what us Latin people do! Enter a Latin kitchen and you will be forced to eat.

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My inspiration for starting this blog was my love of writing. I’m a full-time personal chef and freelance food/travel writer, mainly world travel. I cover music on the great occasion. I didn’t study at a Culinary Institute; I simply love to cook and have been doing it for a looooong time (but who says I can’t be a pro!). I’m convinced that sometimes, home training is the best one can receive. And flan! What can I say about it!? My mother cooks the best darn flan, ever! No joke. So good, slices have to be rationed among the family. I love the different types of flan—all of which you’ll see here as I cook them. My fave is pumpkin, and thus this blog’s namesake! Well, a wordplay of sorts.

This is where I document my style in cooking Latin food as a young, single woman that mamà taught well. I thank her for it. I also want the blog to encourage other young women to cook…be relaxed, but sexy when doing it! A lot of my peers do not know how to cook and I’m always amazed by that notion. My guy friends always complain that their girlfriends or wives don’t cook! Girl, you got to feed your man! (not sure if it’s a value I should have inherited from my mother whom keeps my dad well satisfied every night). I invite you to learn how to cook, find joy in it! Have fun in the kitchen. It’s not a chore at all, I promise! I’ll express my whimsy in pressure cooking, or my craze in slicing truffles. I’ll offer my semi-professional (but non-paying) review of restaurants I patronize world wide. I’ll even share pictures of life in general, like my Bishon, Geisha after a fresh hair do.

Not so lastly, the style you’ll see won’t be just food, but fashion too! I am as shoe fanatic so don’t be surprised if on the occasion you see a picture of me cooking in some smokin’ pumps (or a hat) (or my mom’s jewelry–wink, wink)! I hope you enjoy everything I share here. It really does come from my heart and soul every time I turn on my gas stove. Buen apetito amigos!

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I was born in Cuba and raised in Virginia, right outside DC. Oh yeah and I don’t eat Cuban food at restaurants. It’s just one of those things. I can gladly be reached at bren (at) flanboyanteats (dot) com. I will update this occasionally as new and spicy news develops! Stop by when ever! I’d love your company.

PS: Dad y mami, you are my number one cheerleaders, always! Muah.

B-

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