Sean Seshadri

Sean Seshadri HobbyJam

Sean Seshadri is a tech blogger and computer programmer based in Seattle, Washington. His broad experience in the technology sector, as well as his love of teaching, makes his blog required reading for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of today’s market.

He attended Central Washington University, where he received a degree in Computer Science. In college, Seshadri frequently helped others with their computer science coursework through his work as a teaching assistant. His experience with explaining complex topics to a variety of students of all ability levels has enhanced his blog.

Sean Seshadri is an avid traveler who frequently attends tech conferences around the world. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with a wide variety of people, and he constantly adds to his skill set by interacting with others in his field. He believes in enhancing the travel experience through the newest apps and gadgets. Using travel apps, he can find the best hotels, restaurants, and activities in his destination cities.

Outside of work, Seshadri spends time with his wife and two daughters as well as their two rescue dogs. He is involved in volunteering for an animal shelter with his family. He plays the guitar and is an avid amateur chef.

What is your hobby?

My hobby is cooking. I enjoy making new and exciting dishes for my family and friends. It can be challenging to find new dishes that my girls will eat, and I’ve taken that on as a personal challenge.

How did you get started with this hobby? What inspired you?

I’ve always been interested in food and cooking. When I was a kid, I used to watch Julia Child on PBS. My mother wasn’t much of a cook, and she was amused that I spent so much time watching food shows. As I got a little older, I became interested in experimenting in the kitchen. I made a lot of messes and made some bad food before I started to learn what I was doing.

Tell us what you love about it.

I love introducing my friends and family to new flavors. I am constantly looking up new recipes to try. I love to entertain, and I am happiest in the kitchen with friends around me. It’s so satisfying to see someone enjoying one of your dishes. If I find a new dish that my girls enjoy, I’m especially proud of myself. They can be picky eaters.

Are there any groups you’re a part of or events that you attend related to your hobby?

Not as such where cooking is concerned, but my wife and I are members of a rotating supper club that moves between members’ homes. I’ve picked up ideas for exciting new dishes from the supper club.

Have you had to invest in equipment and if so, please share some of the things you’ve bought.

I have an entire kitchen full of equipment. My wife is constantly complaining that we have no more storage space and that I should stop buying things for the kitchen. Recently I bought a large mortar and pestle to grind spices by hand. I also recently purchased a new chef’s knife. A good chef’s knife is the cook’s best friend in the kitchen.

Where do you buy most of your supplies?

I buy many things at Williams Sonoma. They have an amazing variety of baking and cooking equipment, appliances, and serving ware. The store at our local mall knows me by name. I also buy things through Amazon, especially the smaller and less expensive gadgets.

Recently I bought a food dehydrator, and I intend to make healthy homemade jerky for a travel snack. My daughters are excited about making dried fruit. Another recent purchase is a sous vide machine. This cooks food in a warm water bath which brings the food to an exact temperature so that it is always fresh and moist.

Are there any good books for beginners?

There are so many great books out there for beginners. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it might be wise to start from scratch with the basics. My favorite beginner level cookbooks are I’m Just Here for the Food by Alton Brown and How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman. I turn to the Bittman cookbook frequently when I’m looking for recipes to adapt.

How has this changed your life?

Cooking has enhanced my life since I was a teenager. I truly enjoy feeding people and giving them exciting new dishes to try. My wife claims that my food convinced her to go out with me, so it has had true life-changing effects.

What advice do you have for others starting out with this hobby?

Don’t be afraid, just jump in. Follow a simple recipe at first. Be sure that you have all of your ingredients and equipment ready before you cook – this is called a mise en place in French. One of the biggest beginner mistakes is to crash around the kitchen doing prep while things are cooking.

Are there any other hobbies you have?

I also love playing the guitar – though I’m not very good at it – and spending time with our dogs. Taking the dogs for long walks and hikes is so relaxing.

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