Living in Chile is one of the best things I have done in my life. One of the great things about it is being able to experience new things, like food. Nowadays I am more or less used to the diet, but I still find that I have some run-ins with some challenges when it comes to cooking chilean style.
For me, cooking here in Chile is an adventure every time. I have to look up a recipe, convert the measurements into metric units, translate all of the ingredients, and then see if they have what I need in the supermarket, or if I can afford it. (Some things that are super common in the US are not here, therefore: pricey!!) The way I was raised, we pretty much cooked with most of our ingredients coming out of cans. Canned corn, chili, sauce, etc. Here, I don’t think I have ever seen a can opener. Things are made from scratch on a regular basis.
Alright, I can handle that. I’ve cooked from scratch from time to time. The problem is that every time I think of something I really want to make, it is a project. Between finding a recipe that makes everything from scratch, translation, shopping, preparation, and the fact that I usually have to cook for 6 people or more…I am not the one who ends up cooking very often.
It’s a bummer for me because when I was living in the US, I cooked all of my meals. Granted, most of them came from packages and the freezer, but at least I felt like I was doing something. Cooking every single thing from scratch has been hard for a freshly graduated college kid that lived off of frozen pizza and packaged dinners, but I am growing more accustomed to it every day. As I practice and people gain confidence in my cooking, I am progressively allowed into the kitchen more often to experiment. The AllRecipes website has been my best friend. They magically convert the measurements for you into metric and calculate the recipe for however many servings you need.
Recently, I have had quite a few trials in cooking, and they have inspired me. I have decided to do a series on the Chilean food culture. There are a lot of major differences from most Latin American countries in what is consumed, and even in how things are prepared. They also have some pretty interesting products and snacks that deserve a little spotlight. I will be going over culture, vocabulary, recipes, the whole nine yards.
Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks as I delve into the Chilean Kitchen.
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A Rant, A Rave, and a Little Bit of Everyday Life 
April 2, 2013 at 17:45
Hey! I don’t know if you remember me, we studied abroad with ISA together (although I attended Adolfo Ibanez in Vina). I just want to say that your story is so amazing and I love reading your blog and reminiscing about Chile. I also dated my Chilean host brother and we had every intention of me returning in December after graduation and getting married soon afterward. And here I was thinking I was the only one in that situation while we were studying abroad 😛 Unfortunately, the difficulties of a long distance relationship ultimately drew my man and I apart- though when I first saw your story I actually cried (not meaning to sound like a creeper, I promise!) because it is so inspiring and I am so, so, SO happy for you. I completely understand how hard long distance is, and the fact that you and your husband not only overcame that, but you also moved to Chile right after graduation, got married and are starting your life there… words don’t express how commendable that is. I just thought I’d let you know that has been on my mind, and I hope you are having an incredible time in Chile with your other half 🙂
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April 2, 2013 at 20:05
This is the sweetest comment I have received 🙂 It made me tear up reading it! Thank you so much, and yes, I do remember you. I never saw you cause you were at the other school, but I knew you were dating a Chilean. I’m sorry you guys didn’t work out. To be honest, I didn’t know if Felipe and I would work out at times either. 6,000 miles is just too much, and a year apart is way too long. I could never be an army wife, that’s for sure. It was surprising to find out when I started this blog how many other people were doing the same thing though….not just international relationships in general, but with Chileans! I kind of wish I had started blogging sooner to have a support group. Most people just don’t understand what you’re going through in a long distance relationship. It’s a day by day process. I was really lonely last year, but it’s been worth it. I hope you’re doing great!
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April 28, 2013 at 03:50
Hello, I just stumbled upon your blog and was drawn to it because I also met my fiance while living in Chile. I wanted to clarify that if you did want to eventually bring your husband to the USA it is not a US visa requirement that you be living in the USA. My fiance and I did his visa while I was living in Chile and I even got to go to the Embassy interview with him. So if you ever do want to bring him back, you can be with him in Chile the whole time and fly together, etc. 🙂 Regards and good luck on your journey!!
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June 14, 2013 at 17:21
Really? That interests me. I know that for a while there was a different kind of visa that you could do from within the country. My understanding, however is that it was taken away in the last 5 years. If we could eventually do that, it would be wonderful. I am praying that with the news that Chile is becoming one of the new countries that will not have to pay extra for a tourist visa to the States, the process for residency for them will get a little easier too. Thank you for visiting my blog! 🙂
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September 13, 2013 at 23:18
I am currently studying in Vina del Mar and I just wanted to let you know how wonderful your blog is! I think that it is amazing that you fell in love and moved to Chile after graduation, and I absolutely adore all of the food posts. Every week I try to make something new for my host family and I am constantly driving the struggle bus as I attempt to bake in Celsius, as well as convert and find all of the ingredients necessary for the foods that I want to cook or bake (who knew sour cream wasn’t consumed everywhere in the world?). Everything you write about is so true to the Chilean culture and I just thought that you deserved some praise 🙂
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September 14, 2013 at 23:42
Thank you very much! I am glad to know my writing is helping someone 🙂 What gets me about cooking here is the gas ovens/stoves instead of electric…let’s just say that there have been many things burnt/melted by accident, haha. If you need any advice or help, feel free to let me know via the Facebook page or shoot me a comment.
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