Hey.
Welcome to my blog where I share my thoughts about food. Here is some information about me, so you know what kind of recipes and texts you’ll find on here.
I’m Rebekka, 27 years old and from Germany. My last name is Küchler (Kuechler without umlaut). That’s why this blog is called kuechlein. It’s a minimization of my last name and at the same time it means “little cake” in German. I love cake, so it’s the perfect title for my blog.
I turned my passion into profession: I´m a food technologist and I work in product development. I like to do sports, to read good books, to play the piano, to listen to music, to explore new places, to take photographs, to be outside, to write, to meet my friends, to meet new people, to go out, to stay at home. I like to roam through supermarkets in foreign countries, tos troll through cities in the evening, I like summer rain and summer nights, I like cosy winter days, I like little arthouse cinemas, I like cozy Sundays, I like cheery evenings with friends, I like hikes and animal documentaries.
And I love food.
I love to buy, to prepare, to cook, to look at, to muse, read and talk about it.
And to eat it.
I was neither a Vegetarian nor a Vegan when I started the blog – I became a Vegetarian in the meantime. And I try to cut down on dairy products. There are various reasons for that:
Firstly, livestock production takes up a lot of energy and is climate-damaging. Animals are fed with plants we could use as food straightaway. And they need a lot of those plants to reach the weight perfect for slaughtering. This does not mean people shouldn’t eat meat, dairy or eggs – but if everyone ate less we could save a lot of energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions: meat production causes about one-fifth of global greenhouse gases. It pollutes water in a big way. And not to forget: Meat production is not only often a cruel thing for livestock but also for employees. In Germany, most people working in slaughterhouses have to suffer from unbearable working conditions. I can’t see positive aspects of eating meat at the moment, so I’d rather stick to chickpeas.
Secondly, I want animals to have a life which does not include cramped stables, sickness and injuries but the possibilty to be outside, to breathe fresh air and to actually move. I am not a animal fanatic and I know that it is hard or even impossible for farmers to meet the huge demand for animal products, to break even and to give the animals the life they deserve at the same time. But there are many examples that it can work. The result are more expensive products. Because it takes more time until a “normal” chicken reaches the weight for slaughtering compared to a special breed with super-fast growing genes or genes for massive breast parts. But it’s also able to scuttle around without having to sit down every few moments due to pain because of unproportional body parts. This is only one aspect and I know there is loads more to consider. But I believe that if we, the consumers, change our attitude towards food prices and eat less animal products it would be possible to guarantee animals a worthy life. So I try to eat little animal products and try to pay attention to the origin of animal products I buy.
Thirdly, I find it really exciting to experiment with recipes and to veganize some. It’s possible to bake a really tasty marble cake without eggs and milk but with sparkling water – that’s magic! And in some cases also cheaper. So, why not eat vegan from time to time?
I also try to eat seasonal. You won’t find blueberries for a super-healthy, fancy smoothie-bowl in my fridge in January. Or February. Or… But in August. Growing fruit or veg which is not in season uses up loads of energy and resources. Not necessary – there is a lot to work with in every season. Winter can be a bit boring foodwise, so from time to time I use frozen berries, spinach, peas and so on. I know, freezing takes up energy as well – but frozen products are easy to portion and keep longer. Ideal for a single cook.
Regional is another good thing. Whenever I can get food which was grown or produced close by I will go for it. Of course, some plants can’t be grown in certain regions. Bananas for example will simply refuse to grow in Germany. But strawberries are ok with the great climate here. Therefore it makes sense to buy the locally grown strawberries rather than the strawberries from Spain.
Last point: eating healthy. First of all: what exactly does ‘eating healthy’ mean? Ask five people – you’ll end up with five different answers. From what I’ve learned from my studies: generally you can eat everything – the quantity is the crucial point. A whole bar of chocolate every day is not so healthy. And so aren’t meals three times a day containing exclusively carbs from noddles, rice or bread without any veggies. Or having beer every evening. And so on. All a matter of quantity and frequency. Because there might occur situations in life – either bad or good – when a whole chocolate bar is absolutely appropriate and necessary. And therefore healthy. A life without exceptions and flexibilty isn’t, though.
Conclusion: Being aware and thinking of what and how much from it I eat are my essential food rules. And to be not too consistent about those rules is another one. Because food is life. And “either you live or you are consistent” (Erich Kästner).
I love food.
I love to buy, to prepare, to buy, to look at, to muse, read, talk about it and to eat it.
Food is tasty, nourishing, it brings people together, it means tradition, it tells stories, it makes happy.
Food is also disgusting, challening, annoying, reason for crime and jealousy, it separates, it makes sick.
Food is life.
kuechlein 