Motivation Monday Student Spotlight - Khushboo Aggarwal

Khushboo Aggarwal - Class of 2018
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Hi Khushboo!  We heard that you like to cook and bake when you have time!  What got you interested in cooking?
I used to hate cooking, My mum would try to teach me when I was growing up in England, but I would always find an excuse not to learn. Eventually, she tricked me into making chappatis (Indian flatbreads) one summer, and I nearly burned the kitchen down. After that I gave up cooking and relied on my Mum to do all the cooking. She’s an amazing cook, who loves trying new things. But unfortunately I never took the opportunity to learn. Then, I moved to the U.S. I really didn’t think I would miss home cooked food.  The first few weeks were great, eating out at those restaurants that I would enjoy so much as a kid when I would visit the U.S.  Being a vegan when I moved here, I really struggled with finding food I could eat. Indian food didn’t taste the same as home, and I quickly realized I needed to learn! I remember once I was so home sick so I phoned my mum at 8pm which is 2am in London and desperately asked her for the recipe to my favorite Indian dish. From that, I began to learn and became so interested in cooking, flavors and ingredients. I don’t eat eggs so I had to learn to bake cakes too. Tried and tested many recipes until I found the one that tasted the best!
 
So we see that you like to travel. Where have you visited and what has the food been like there?
I love love love to travel. Going to new places, seeing different cultures and eating different foods is amazing. I have been fortunate enough to travel to many different countries and continents. My favorites have to be: India, because I love learning about my culture, the food is so delicious and the shopping is awesome; Australia, because the sights are so beautiful and Tanzania because it is such a scenic place and it’s where my husband proposed to me, in a safari park.
As a kid, I used to visit America a lot. I have family in most places, but primarily in Chicago. When I moved here, my husband had already visited 50 states before the age of 30, so now it’s my feat to try to do the same. I’m 29 and I’m at 37 states. Hoping to complete the rest before I turn 30 next year!
 
We know you are originally from England.  What has been your favorite part of being in the USA? (besides meeting your husband!)
Oh I have loved so many things. The people! Southern people are so nice. Everyone has been friendly and helpful! I have enjoyed travelling! Each state is so different from each other. I have appreciated all the different cultures and the fact that I am such a foodie, I have thoroughly enjoyed the food and flavors!
 
Do you have any tips for beginner chefs and bakers?
Try and try again. Don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t turn out the way you imagined or visioned. The best chefs have tried and tested various methods until they got it right. Ask family and friends for recipes of food you’ve enjoyed and then experiment with flavors. With my cakes, I learned to get the basics right, like a basic vanilla sponge before I began experimenting out. I love getting feedback from friends and family. Especially my husband, he’s my biggest fan and critic. 

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