Story Behind this Food Blog
Welcome to Camila Made! My name is Camila Benitez. Here, I share our family's favorite recipes, all tried and loved, from holiday feasts and appetizers to everyday family meals and plenty of baked goods! 🍪😜
Cooking has been my passion since childhood, and it continues to be so even more. With over 20 years of experience, I bring that passion to Camila Made. As a wife and mother of five energetic boys, I know the importance of delicious, accessible meals.
Many of my recipes draw inspiration from my Paraguayan roots, featuring traditional dishes like the hearty Sopa Paraguaya and cheesy Chipa. But that's not all!
You'll also find a range of international flavors, including melt-in-your-mouth Chinese BBQ ribs and addictive Brazilian Pão de Queijo, among many others.
My recipes are designed to be approachable and simple to prepare, using ingredients readily available at any local supermarket.
Each recipe on this site has been tested multiple times and approved by my trusty taste-testers—my husband and kids.🥰
My goal is to provide you with clear instructions that will help you create delicious dishes that will become family favorites in your home, too.😉
FAQS
Who are you?
I am originally from Paraguay and have been passionate about cooking and baking for as long as I can remember. Since a young age, I have always been in the kitchen, constantly experimenting with flavors.
At the age of 11, my family and I moved to the United States. While attending school, I worked in various restaurants, gaining invaluable experience. Although I pursued a degree in Medical Assisting, which seemed like a good choice at the time, it wasn't what I truly wanted.
I believe it was God who led me back to my true passion. Today, I’m extremely blessed to say that I am happily married to the love of my life, blessed with five amazing boys, and doing what I truly love – cooking for my wonderful family and sharing our favorite, tried-and-true recipes with you here.😊
What kind of recipes can I find here?
At "Camila Made," I share a diverse array of recipes that span both traditional and international cuisines. Here's what you can expect to find on my blog:
- Traditional Paraguayan Dishes: I offer recipes inspired by my Paraguayan heritage, such as Sopa Paraguaya, Chipa Guazu, Chipa Almidon, Chipa Mestizo, Chipa Piru, and more.
- International Flavors: My blog also features recipes from around the world, such as Chinese BBQ ribs, Brazilian Pão de Queijo, Salvadoran Pan con Pollo, and much more.
- Family Favorites: My recipes reflect my life. As a mother of five boys, I focus on easy family-size meals the whole family will enjoy, ranging from holiday feasts and appetizers to everyday dishes. Heads up—we love 🌶️spicy food! However, you can always adjust the recipes to your preferences. After all, that's the beauty of cooking!
- Baked Goods: Got a sweet tooth?🦷😏 You've hit the jackpot! Because what I have the most on my site are desserts. What can I say? My love for sweets outweighs my willpower, and it shows! 🥹 🤤From irresistible cookies to dreamy cakes to flaky pastries and decadent brownies and oh-so-much more (seriously, it's a dessert wonderland!).🤭 While most are healthy, some are just downright decadent. 🍪🍰
Where do you get your recipes?
I develop most of my recipes. However, occasionally, I adapt recipes from other sources or share my favorites from my cookbook collection. Whenever I do so, I ensure that I cite these sources within the recipe post.
Additionally, each recipe on this site has been tested multiple times and perfected by me in my home kitchen with the help of my husband and kids.
What are some unique ingredients used in Paraguayan cooking?
Paraguayan cuisine is known for its diverse agricultural products and rich cultural heritage. Two staple ingredients are Queso Paraguay, a fresh white cheese essential to local recipes, and Harina Paraguaya, a finely ground corn flour that adds a distinctive texture and flavor to traditional dishes.
However, finding these authentic ingredients outside Paraguay can be challenging. To make Paraguayan flavors accessible, I use my expertise and understanding of Paraguayan culinary traditions to adapt these flavors with accessible alternatives.
For instance, I might substitute Mexican Queso Panela for Queso Paraguay since it has a similar mild and salty profile and offers an excellent replacement. Similarly, I use Quaker yellow cornmeal instead of Harina de Maiz Paraguaya.
Although coarser, it successfully mimics the original flour's effects in recipes. This approach allows me to share the essence of Paraguayan cuisine, making it accessible and straightforward for anyone to try.
How many times do you test a recipe before posting it?
I test a recipe multiple times to ensure it's clear, delicious and works as expected.
Can I republish your recipes from this blog?
Sure, please provide attribution and a link to the original recipe.
How can I Subscribe to Camila Made?
Submit your email using the subscription box below.
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my website!
📌P.S. And hey, for all the anime fans out there, one of my sons is an incredibly talented artist with a passion for manga! If you'd like to see his work, you can find him at critindrawns.com 😉
MOST RECENT RECIPES
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21