Amanda Getchel, Lafayette, IN

Food has always had a special place in my heart. I remember when I was younger I would always be in the kitchen watching my Mom and my Grandma cooking away. The smells that would come out of the pot were wonderful. My favorite part was getting to taste what they were making and sometimes give my input on whether it needed a little more of a certain spice or sauce.

As I got older, I was still in the kitchen, but this time I was helping my Mom and Grandma cook. I was learning from my Mom what my Grandma taught her as a child. There were times when I would make entire meals for my parents. My dinners mainly consisted of pork chops and macaroni or something simple like that, but it still felt good to be the “chef” for the evening. No matter how old I got, however, my favorite part was still testing the food while it was cooking. Now I am that age where I can make more sophisticated meals. About a month ago I made an apple stuffing pork loin roast that I learned how to make while watching Paula Dean on the Food Network.

When I lived with my cousin this summer, he loved watching the Food Network. My cousin is quite a good cook as well. I suppose it runs in the family because none of my family members have fixed something that did not taste good. Maybe I am biased because they are my family, but I think it is just that I like food too much to be picky about what to eat and what not to eat.

My Dad on the other hand is an extremely picky eater so oftentimes my food options were limited. One of my favorite parts of life is getting to try new foods. Of course, I have my staples, but the joy of trying a new flavor and smelling a new aroma makes me happy.

I am glad to be a part of Business Fellows and the partnership with Indiana Foodways Alliance. As a journalism student I think my skills as a reporter will help me get the “story” out about the various foods Indiana has to offer. Not everybody has the opportunity to enjoy the delicacies of certain foods. Through the stories, I learn from experts, business owners and other food lovers like myself. I can, in turn, have a better appreciation for food than I do now. I hope my stories will allow those reading them to have a chance to experience the foods I love so much.