Magzoid Magazine - Luxury Magazine in the Creative Space | November 2023 |

What inspired you to start Golden Ribbons chocolate, and
how do your personal experiences influence the chocolate making
process and product offerings in your company?
I was brought into this project by my husband, who had always
dreamt of opening a boutique selling high-quality products. He
was particularly inspired by the chocolate I made during my time
at culinary school in Dubai, and he wanted to feature it in our shop.
This project allowed me to bring elements of my rural upbringing in
northern Ohio into our venture. I grew up on an island surrounded
by vineyards and fruit trees, where fresh, homemade food was the
norm. We rarely relied on supermarkets, as we sourced much of
our food locally through gardening, fishing, and relationships with
nearby farmers. This upbringing greatly influenced my approach
to cooking and nutrition. I prioritize fresh, unprocessed ingredients
and aim to keep sugar levels low in my recipes. I believe in the
importance of nurturing your body with nutritious foods, and this
philosophy extends to my cooking and baking. Some may argue
that fresh cooking is time-consuming and impractical, but I’ve found
that once you start providing your body with wholesome, delicious
foods, it craves them. Just a few minutes of chopping and sautéing
fresh vegetables can result in a far healthier and more satisfying
meal than ordering fried or processed foods from outside. I’m passionate
about encouraging people to embrace fresh, homemade
food for its numerous health and taste benefits.
What advice would you give to individuals who face dietary
restrictions and aspire to pursue a career in the culinary industry?
Celiac disease is not something to be taken lightly. People often
misunderstand it, thinking it’s a dietary trend. But for those like me
with severe allergies, even a small amount of gluten can send us to
the hospital. It’s similar to a nut allergy in seriousness. However, dietary
restrictions shouldn’t discourage you from pursuing a culinary
career. I, for instance, focus on gluten-free recipes for safety and
enjoy the process.
For aspiring chefs, start by collecting recipes and networking
with peers in the industry. Extensive research is key, understanding
ingredient interactions and cooking science. Knowing these fundamentals,
like the reaction between baking soda and vinegar, is
crucial, especially in gluten-free cooking, where leavening agents
might need creative substitutes.
Culinary careers require dedication and passion. It’s my hobby; I
explore recipes and ingredients, constantly learning. If you’re genuinely
interested in the culinary world, it becomes a way of life. Most
chefs share this enthusiasm, allowing us to persevere despite life’s
challenges.
Could you share some of your favorite gluten free ingredients
or subsidies that you frequently use in your creations and
do these substitutes necessarily impact the taste and texture of
your product?
Being in a kitchen, especially as aspiring chefs, comes with significant
pressure. You’re constantly under pressure to deliver dishes
in a small space, working with other chefs who have their own personalities
and egos. This can be even more challenging for women
in the industry. However, these challenges should not deter you. It’s
essential to maintain professionalism, keep your workspace clean,
and expect the same from your colleagues.
When it comes to gluten-free cooking, there are various ingredients
at play. Rice flour, particularly white rice flour, serves as the
foundation for many gluten-free recipes. Brown rice flour can provide
additional binding and structure to your dishes. Potato starch
aids in leavening and lightening the texture of your creations. Each
gluten-free flour serves a specific purpose in different recipes.
For gluten-free bread, golden loaf is a preferred choice, and their
pizza rounds have received acclaim from gluten-free and non-gluten-free
individuals alike. Various stores in the UAE, such as Spinneys,
Marks and Spencer, and Gibsons, offer an array of gluten-free
products and flours, making it easier for those with gluten sensitivities
to enjoy diverse and delicious foods. Dubai and the UAE are fortunate
in this regard, with a wealth of options for gluten-free dining
and cooking compared to some other regions like the United States.
As someone who has triumphed over personal health challenges,
what message and advice would you like to share with
that audience?
It’s crucial, especially for women dealing with breast cancer, to
prioritize self-care. If you’re not feeling well or have suspicions about
your health, don’t delay – consult a doctor and get regular checkups.
Your well-being is not only important to you but also to your
family, children, spouse, parents, and everyone who relies on you.
Sometimes, we treat our cars better than our health. If your car
breaks down on the highway, you immediately get it fixed. But when
it comes to health issues, people often ignore or hope they’ll disappear.
With breast cancer, early detection is everything for survival
rates. Take it seriously; it can be the difference between minimal,
manageable treatment and a terminal diagnosis where there’s little
that can be done.
I encourage all women to invest some time in self-care. Whether
it’s watching a sunset, pursuing your passions, or simply taking a
moment for yourself, these small acts of self-care can make a significant
difference.
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