Ten on Tuesday

This week's questions from Chelsea have a foodie theme to them!!

1. What is a food that you never thought you would try, but then tried and liked? I never thought I would like sushi. Then my brother talked me into trying it when I moved to Minneapolis and it's now one of my favorite foods. I could seriously eat sushi every day - and I crave it!!

2. Do you subscribe to any foodie publications? If so, which ones? Nope! I only subscribe to Runner's World and I rarely read that these days!

3. What ingredient do you find yourself reaching for the most when you cook? Crushed red pepper or cumin! Interestingly enough, I think these are 2 ingredients that my mom probably did not use much when we were growing up so it's kind of interesting that they are my 'go to' spices as an adult!

4. Are there any foods that you hated as a child, but then learned to like as an adult? I didn't really love mushrooms when I was a kid - now I adore them!

5. What do you like to eat that others may consider weird? Tortilla chips w/ pickles and macaroni with ketchup are 2 things that come to mind!

6. What is the weirdest ingredient you’ve ever cooked with? I think parsnips are odd because they tend to come in wax and that just sort of threw me for a loop initially.

7. Do you have any major food allergies? I have a gluten intolerance - which is technically NOT an allergy, but people tend to think gluten intolerance = allergy. I don't eat dairy right now as it appears to impact my complexion but I wouldn't classify that as an allergy or intolerance...

8. Is there an ingredient that you would like to cook with, but are intimidated to try? I am sort of intimidated by fresh fish. I am worried that I will either over cook it... or under cook it... and that my condo will smell of fish for days after cooking.

9. Do you bake? Rarely. Like once every 3 months and the only thing I bake is gluten free banana bread. I think gluten free baking is super tricky/finicky, and I don't deal well w/ recipe failures, so, besides this fantastic banana bread recipe that I have, I just sort of avoid baking in general!

10. If you could go on any “foodie” show to compete, which one would it be, and why? Top Chef because then I could meet Tom Colicchio. I sort of have a crush on him - I love his facial expressions. Random thing to like, but I love how his facial expressions really indicate how he feels - especially when he is talking to the chefs as they prepare for a challenge. And the guy is super talented.