By Bobbi Miller-Moro
Annette Leeds is an epicurean chef of creative proportions and recently published "Hey! You Got Balls" in the summer of 2009.
Right before she finished her second cookbook,
"It's Corny!" which will be published just in time
for Thanksgiving. She is in the process of writing her third one to
go into her series of Savorylicious Cookbooks.
Her creativity and ideas are endless, I quickly discovered
as I uncovered her zest and uniqueness that her persona carries;
from writing cookbooks, to novels, screen plays and designing an
entire line of cute 'BunnyWear' clothing. If she could
climb mount Everest she would.
Her following is growing as we conversed over a cappuccino in a trendy coffee house in the San Fernando Valley in California, I discovered she loves to entertain her guests to tantalizing dishes including Eggplant Parmesan, and Twice Baked Southern Corn Balls to name a few. Annette walks in and demands the attention of the room as a tall, beautiful woman with a bright smile and infectious laugh. Her twinkle in her ice blue eyes warns you there is going to be a joke or your in for a treat with her hilarious stories.
The youngest of six children, she was raised in a family
where having a voice was important, just as much as staying fit
& healthy. Including in her innovative recipes, which are
vegetarian and low carb, healthy dishes that will appeal to the
most discerning taste. And with it, you can't help to think of
her witty stories and charismatic personality while you are cooking
her beginner to professional cuisine.
Annette could easily have her own cooking show, her on
screen presence really captures your attention. I
wanted to know what makes Annette tick and how did she come up with
the title of her tasty cookbook: 'Hey! You Got Balls", so
I found out.
Q: How old were you when you knew you wanted to cook?
I was about 10 years old. I remember I used to watch my mom cook and the confidence she had while cooking. There was a time when I thought, "what is she doing?" But at the end, I noticed whatever she was creating would result in a new innovative meal for dinner, which was a product of her sensing what was missing at the moment.
Q: What person would you watch growing up that influenced you?
My sister Kathie. She was so 'together'. Her presence demanded the rooms attention always, and has always been so funny that her demands are always met. She keeps her audience guessing her next move, but you can't truly put a finger on it. She's very clever.
Q: What does your family think about your cooking?
They always look forward to meals that I prepare... The excitement is compared to being surprised.
Q: What was your first major success as a cook?
Having a celebrity, as a guest for dinner with my cooking as the main attraction.
Q: Where did you grow up?
Southern California.
My home-made sauce, I must say is to die for. I love Italian food. I could really live off of just eating Italian food. Whether it's at night or a cold winter morning. My son searches the house if he knows I've made it and did not tell him. That's when I knew I was famous.
Q: Tell us about when you knew you wanted to be an entertainment chef?
Actually that was not the goal...but I found that people are extremely intimidated at the thought of cooking-- so standing and showing them how to cook grew into the entertainment aspect.
Q: What are your favorite type of dishes to cook?
I don't think I really have a favorite dish, so much as, what kind of food I am in the mood for. But, if I had to choose, probably eggplant Parmesan.
Q: What was your cooking secret that set you apart from anyone else?
Developing dishes with ingredients that my guests as individuals preferred the most.
Q: What difficulties did you have in your life that you have overcome?
I think rejection is always the hardest thing to deal with, especially when you are being creative. I wrote a psychological drama about five years ago, and I thought the publishers would be knocking down my door. Didn't happen. But, that book had special meaning to me and still does. So, if you can build your strength as you grow that is the best. I feel I can look at a situation and always learn or take something of value from it.
Q: What daily practices do you apply inside of cooking?
I constantly combine recipes in my head. Especially when I am driving. I think of all sorts of good stuff that I want to make.
It just happened organically by having guests over for meals....It was never the goal. But I think when you love something enough, it just comes out of you with ease.
Q: What was one of the first things you discovered as a chef?
You are the creator of whatever you are making, and there is no hard and fast rule on what goes in any recipe. I am always in control of what I develop and make. Sometimes they don't turn out, so I just have to laugh. Most importantly, all people love food, and no matter what mood someone is in you can always cheer them up by making their favorite dish.
Q: Why did you decide to make these cookbooks?
I found that since most people are extremely intimidated at the thought of cooking, creating "theme foods" would draw their interest and show them that cooking can be fun.
Q: Was it easy for you, to come up with these fabulous recipes?
No,... it took time to make them healthy and make sure all the ingredients were easily accessible for first time cooks.
Q: How did you come up with the title of your new cookbook?
It always gets a laugh out of you doesn't it? One night at a dinner party, I had made Italian meatballs and also my famous Arrancini balls. One of the guests asked if there were any more meatballs. Being the good host, I served my guest an Italian meatball. The guest replied, "Oh, I already had two of those meatballs, I wanted the other ball." That night "Hey, You got Balls" cookbook title was born.
Q: What is your long term future plans with cooking?
To keep developing unique dishes with different tastes and appearances.
Easy.. we have common views on most things, and so with cooking we play off one another, we feed off each other.
Q: What type of show would you like?
I think an entertainment cooking show. Interactive with guests, and showing your viewers that anyone can be a part of their kitchen. Plus having a few laughs to me is everything, so cooking and sharing the kitchen is so much fun.
Q: What are you currently doing now?
Getting ready for the release of my first book, while editing my 2nd book and developing recipes for my 3rd book.
Q: What is your goal for this upcoming year?
My goal is to share my cooking ideas with the world. To be associated in every conversation throughout the world with cooking as a result of my contribution.
Q: How do you have fun and relax?
I love the beach, it is so powerful, yet beautiful at the same time. Yoga is my new thing, too. My niece took me to Kundalini yoga. What an experience. I laughed at first, but, when the session was over, I felt so amazing.
Q: Tell us about your hobbies?
Working at the church, feeding the homeless and helping my mother in her church kitchen commitment at weekly events. I also love to write. I have written a few television sitcoms and they are funny. When I go back and read them I enjoy each word.
Q: Do you have any special thanks to give anyone in your life?
My parents and my family. My kids think I can do no wrong. They are always wondering what might be coming next from me. That makes me thankful. The smile on their faces when they are surprised or in awe is the best feeling ever.
Q: What message would you give people who think they can’t cook?
Try it.....you'll love it.
You can find her:
http://savorylicious.com
