Leah Rodrigues
My passion is food. I have studied culinary arts for the past 10 years, and have remained dedicated to food studies while I pursued a degree at UCLA. I earned a Bachelors of Arts in Spanish and Portuguese and Anthropology. My self study has given me background in culinary regions, international cuisine, trends in the food industry, chefs and cookbooks, and best of all−how to eat well. I attended the Professional Culinary Program at Westlake Culinary Institute where I learned proper food preparation techniques, and got an insiders’ view on the gourmet food world. I was awarded a Fulbright scholarship and have spent the last 9 months living in Spain, researching the Mediterranean diet and European culinary traditions. This has given me the opportunity to freelance for In Madrid, an English monthly publication. Also, I have spent time traveling to different European countries, documenting the different tastes and food culture of each place. I hope that my passion for food and cooking will inspire you to get into the kitchen and create. Read more on my blog at http://www.appetitedelight.blogspot.com/
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Posts by Leah Rodrigues
May 19, 2016
Oreo skillet brownies is a decadent dessert that you have to bake. Your favorite brownie recipe is doctored up with Oreo cookies and vanilla frosting to create a recipe you won't...
May 19, 2016
Every cook needs a go-to barbecue rub that they can use all summer long. This do-it-yourself seasoning blend is a sweet and smoky mix of paprika, cumin, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder and...
May 17, 2016
I recently had to try the new King's Hawaiian barbecue sauces. They released four different flavors including smoked bacon, sweet pineapple, Kona coffee and big island lava sauce....
May 17, 2016
Avocado can add a beautiful splash of color to any meal. Colette Dike, founder of Food Deco, has mastered the art of the shaved avocado and has made foodies envious of her ability ever since....
May 13, 2016
We have been on a rainbow food kick lately. If you stopped by the site yesterday, you would have noticed that I shared a recipe for rainbow grilled cheese. I can't get enough of...
May 12, 2016
Just when you thought you've seen every rainbow creation out there, a sweet and savory rainbow grilled cheese appears. This recipe is inspired by the internet famous Kala Toast in Hong...
May 10, 2016
For the days when you need a sweet pick me up, let me introduce you to the rainbow cherry surprise cake. This recipe transforms a simple everyday cake mix into a truly special dessert...
May 9, 2016
Caprese salad, the Italian dish that layers fresh mozzarella with tomatoes and basil, is the quintessential summer dish. It is light, refreshing and delicious. These burrata bowl is an...
May 8, 2016
A mother is someone who works hard everyday to take care of those she loves. On this special day, honor your mother or someone you consider to be like a mother by preparing this delicious...
May 5, 2016
Monkey bread is a classic brunch dish your Mother's Day meal cannot be without. No one (and I mean no one) can resist buttery balls of dough dipped into brown sugar and dusted with toasted...
May 4, 2016
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a homegrown taco party. This event does not have to be over the top, all you need is good food and good company (and obviously a margarita). These tacos...
May 4, 2016
The results are in and this year's James Beard restaurant and chef award winners have been announced. These chef and restaurateurs are masters of their craft and tonight have received the...
May 2, 2016
Winning a James Beard Award is the equivalent to winning an Oscar or Tony for a food writer or chef. This prestigious award recognizes the best and the brightest in the food industry. ...
May 1, 2016
Pavlova is a light and airy dessert that originated from New Zealand. Large disks of meringue are stacked high with whipped cream and topped with fresh berries. If you are preparing...
April 28, 2016
Brown butter asparagus with caramelized shallots is an amazing spring side dish that you will want to cook all season long. Bright green asparagus spears are roasted until just tender and...
April 27, 2016
Instead of the usual bouquet of flowers or box of chocolates, bake mom a batch of these beautiful rose meringue cookies. Many beginner bakers are intimidated by this cookie because it consists...
April 26, 2016
My first introduction to smoothie bowls was on the streets of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Throughout the city there are small stalls where they serve fresh juices and acai bowls. The bowls...
April 25, 2016
Barbecue season is almost here and this delicious seitan and mushroom barbecue sandwich is a recipe you won't be able to live without. This classic Southern dish has been modified for...
April 22, 2016
Earth Day is about taking a step back and reflecting on the impact we make on the world from the food we eat to the way we dispose of waste and how we use our natural resources. We must...
April 21, 2016
Since summer is creeping up, I'm beginning to fill my recipe rolodex with quick and easy frozen treats that I can whip up for my kids. I stumbled upon this copycat recipe for...
April 20, 2016
Pulled honey garlic chicken is a meal that cooks itself. You basically put all the ingredients in the pot and walk away (it is really that easy!). The good news is that you can pair this...
April 19, 2016
This Pizza Roll bundt cake is the kind of recipe that will blow your mind. It is convenience food taken to a whole new level by layering pizza on top of pizza. Pizza Rolls are a popular...
April 18, 2016
Black Bean Halloumi Burgers with Spiced Sweet Potato Wedges is a new way to enjoy the favorite burger and fries combination in a healthier way. This homemade meal will soon become a family...
April 14, 2016
Rhubarb is one of the first spring vegetables to appear at the market. Yes, you read that right - a vegetable. While those reddish green stalks are botanically classified as a...
April 13, 2016
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is as straightforward as it gets when it comes to "cooking." Two pieces of bread come together with two sticky spreads in sweet harmony. While this...
