Be Your Own Chef Author Karen Peek

Posted by Correen in Articles, Interviews | 2 comments

Thank you for contacting me about doing an interview Karen…it’s a small world after all, especially when we can connect and get to know each other online. Special cooks *kiss for gifting me with a copy of your in toto awesome Be Your Own Chef cookbook!

Your cookbook, Be Your Own Chef, is truly unique – especially because of the chef tips and alternatives offered on each recipe. Talk to us about how you came up with the design and concept. Who helped you bring the cookbook from a dream to print?

When I was diagnosed with a heart and adrenal condition, I was no longer able to practice the nursing career I loved. Even as I struggled with living with the disease, I started writing recipes and learned everything I could about cooking, but I wasn’t sure why. Before I got sick, I didn’t know how to cook and was scared to try, much less know how to write a recipe. When I finally accepted the reality of my condition, I developed a love for cooking and the ability to write and recreate recipes. God inspired me to use those recipes to write a cookbook. I wanted to be able to use my nursing background in some form or fashion in the book, but I wasn’t sure how. One afternoon, God provided the inspiration for the book title and the layout. I developed the vision for creating tips and alternatives for each recipe, as I realized that this was a unique concept that I would want in a cookbook. I also received feedback from other cooks who were interested in such a concept as well.

The book wouldn’t be what it is without the help of my sister, who put me in touch with the designer, and my husband, who spent many long hours typing out all the recipes. Also, my good friend Lisa spent hours and hours editing the book.

On your website, Inspired Art of Cooking, you talk about having Dysautonomia, along with the symptoms and long-term outlook. Did your diagnosis play a part in creating your cookbook? Tell us about your journey.

If I had never become sick, I likely would not have written the book. Sadly, my husband and I would still be eating boxed meals, and I would not have acquired cooking skills and the ability to write recipes. Without a doubt, I would still be working as a nurse until retirement. It was all I had ever wanted to do up until I could not work anymore.

When I was growing up, I managed to burn Jell-O on the stove and set a bagel on fire in the microwave. My cooking attempts turned into disasters. If I can go from a disastrous to an inspired cook, then I know anyone can. That’s one of the main messages I hope to convey in my cookbook.

Who is Karen Peek?

Prior to becoming sick, I was a true extovert and was always on-the-go. I played soccer, traveled around the world, hung out with friends, and took risks. Due to the disease, my personality has changed. I am still learning who I am as I discover my new “normal”.
I have been married 8 years. Due to my condition, children have not been an option thus far, but we have three cats who bring me much joy and unconditional love. Since we live at the beach, I love spending relaxing, summer days at the beach. In keeping with doctor’s orders, I work out 5-6 days per week. My goal in life has always been to make a difference in someone else’s life and to make people happy.

What are your time-tested tips to help people overcome health and or personal hurdles in life?

- Find something to do with your time so your focus is not on yourself and how bad you feel each day.
- Focus on the positive aspects of your life and what you have instead of on the negative and what you don’t have.
- Realize that there are always people going through more difficult circumstances than you are. It makes you realize that you can overcome whatever obstacles you face.
- Accept the reality of your circumstances, and aim to positively live each day to the fullest because you never know how your story might impact someone else’s journey.
- Don’t allow negative judgements from others to bring you down and prevent you from reaching your goals.
- No matter your illness or circumstance, never give up on your dreams. You can accomplish anything if you work hard and believe in yourself.

Of the thousands of herbs and spices to choose from what are your three favorites? Why do you keep them in your kitchen pantry?

Some of my favorite herbs include cilantro, basil, parsley, and green onions. You can use these herbs to add flavor and color to just about any meal. As far as spices go, it’s hard for me to pick a favorite. I have grown to love so many.

Inspired Art of Cooking is all about inspiring you to make cooking fun and to cook to your own tastes. Each of the unique recipes offers tips for saving money, food prepartion, and food storage. Recipe alternatives are listed for your dietary needs and preferences. The site also offers some tips that aren’t found in Be Your Own Chef and “Fun Food Facts”. In addition, be inspired by Karen’s “Inspirational Thoughts”, as she shares her personal journey and encourages you to overcome difficulties to achieve success and happniness in life.

♥ Tune in on Friday July 8th for a collaborative cookbook review from…CorreenMarija from Palachinka, along with a Be Your Own Chef cookbook (in PDF format) giveaway!