About Me

Hello! Welcome to Saffron and Semper Fi!

I hope that you enjoy reading my blog and trying some recipes. Thank you for stopping by.

Who Am I?
My name Sarah, but for blogging purposes I go by SAB. I am a twenty-something year-old who has been happily married since 2007. I grew up in the wonderful state of Minnesota and lived there until I was 22. I graduated college in MN and then 'moved' to North Carolina for a small chunk of time to be with my Hubby before we made the big move. My Hubby and I are currently, as of October 2010, living in the wonderful land that is Okinawa Japan.

I do not work. It's hard moving from place to place. My heart is still searching for what it yearns for. I have a good feeling it is going to find something here! Right not I cook, back, clean, craft, and repeat, in no particular order. My maid job right now is to help make things easier for my Hubby during his job transition.

My other half is Hubby. I love him to death! He is my best friend, my mentor, my guide, my rock. He keeps me grounded and he keeps me relaxed. He helps me see the important things in life. He guides me and pushes me to be my best. He has taught me so much since I have known him. I have learned so much as well! Our fun little fact: We have been married since 2007 and, until recently, we had spent more time living apart than living together! This was because of two things; one, I was still in school, and two, he has been on two 7 month deployments. Regardless of this, we make it work. We always have and always will! (I'm waiting for him to leave again...it's his calling, who am I to say no?)

What's with the name?
Okay, here is where I explain the name. Saffron and Semper Fi. First, the literal translations.
1. Saffron is a spice that comes from the Saffron Crocus flower. It takes a lot of work to harvest, pulling the 'stigmas' from the plant, each plant only giving up 3 of these stigmas. They are then dried and used for cooking. Saffron is the most expensive spice by weight due to the extensive harvesting and amount needed to achieve an adequate flavor complex.
2. Semper Fi is short for the latin phrase "Semper Fidelis" meaning "Always Faithful". It is the motto of the the U.S. Marine Corps. My Hubby is a Marine. I live by this motto. I will always be faithful. Faithful to my friends, family, Hubby, and to myself. I know that Hubby lives by this motto as well. We are also Christians who have faith. We are not perfect, we falter, but God had been good, and we strive to serve him every day in the best way possible.
Phew! Who knew a name could mean so much! This is what is behind the name Saffron & Semper Fi. Another fun fact: Both of our names start with 'S' so, I am Saffron = rare, and my Hubby is Semper Fi = faith, which then leads us to "Rarity and Faith in the Kitchen", my little catch phrase.

Why do I love to cook?
Did I mention I love to cook and bake? Oh yea, and EAT! I love to cook and bake because I like to create. I like to experiment. I like to take a recipe as inspiration and mold and shape it into something that both my Hubby and I like. I like the traditions and history and abound in cooking, like old family recipes that my grandmother used to make for my mother, and she than made for me. I also like experimenting with new ingredients, local ingredients inspired by where I happen to be living.

I also like serving other people in this way. I love to see people enjoying what I have made. I like making things look good and appetizing, as well as taste good, because I believe that all people deserve the best. Food is such a mundane thing that can mean so much. I feel a calling in this area of my life. Right now my Hubby is reaping the benefits of this, and I LOVE cooking for him!

Favorite thing to cook/bake?
Bring it on! I love to cook about anything...at least once. I am the master of chicken and most meat. But, If I had to chose, I would have to say that I like cooking eggs the best. I can make a mean omelet that Hubby loves, awesome breakfast sandwiches and burritos, fried eggs, scrambled, you name it, with one exception. I have yet to master the poached egg. I will, soon, this is my achilles heal so to say, and I WILL conquer it!

Cookies are my favorite thing to bake. As well as decorate. I like making them look professional no matter how much work it is! My favorite cookie is one with m&m's or a soft sugar cookie. This would be my dessert of choice. I also like baking cakes....more to just decorate them than anything else, but they must, and will, taste good.

Future dreams relating to cooking/baking?
I would someday like to own my own business. I have had this dream for a long time. I cannot decide if I want it to be a restaurant, bakery, hand-made store, craft store, art gallery or what. Maybe I will just combine them all into one place? (No copying...hehe) I would like to give my talents and time to others, make, bake, and cook things for them. In a perfect world, I would do these things for free, but alas, an income of some sort would be nice, but not necessary. I am just getting started in this wonderful journey!
Any tips?

It's scary taking such a big step, I am intimidated by it...by failing...I need help getting over that fear. This blog is a small step in helping me along. It is a constant in my life, between the moves, deployments, and other 'bumps' that life may bring. I know I will always will be able to cook, bake, and serve!

Have any questions? Feel free to ask! Just comment or e-mail!

ENJOY!