Meet Carmen
Hello, and welcome to Spoons & Sparks!
My name is Carmen, and I’m a passionate home cook, animal lover, and dedicated mom to my amazing daughter.
I created this blog to make everyday cooking feel easier, more enjoyable, and a little more special. Here you’ll find delicious homemade recipes for family dinners, casual get-togethers, festive occasions, and those moments when you simply want something comforting and beautiful on the table.
Every recipe is made with clear instructions, practical tips, and step-by-step photos, so you can cook with more confidence and less stress — whether you’re planning a quick weeknight meal, trying something new, or preparing a dish worth sharing.
So grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and join me here at Spoons & Sparks. I’m so glad you’re here.
A Little More About Me
I’m a single mom to my wonderful 17-year-old daughter, Alexis, and we share our home with Madame Sheeba, our very loved, very particular cat.
When I’m not cooking, photographing recipes, or working on the blog, I love roaming around the city with my daughter, discovering cozy cafés, enjoying a good meal, and slowing down over a great cup of coffee.
Before becoming a food blogger, I worked for many years as a legal translator. Moving into food blogging has given me the joy of doing something creative, personal, and completely my own — and I truly love that.
After graduating from university, I also spent a few years working at Disney Cruise Line in Florida. Yes, Mickey Mouse really was my boss — and a wonderful one at that. I still cherish that chapter of my life: the beautiful people I met, the guests and colleagues from all over the world, and the memories I created there.
My Disney Cruise Line years aboard the Disney Magic
After leaving Disney, I followed my love for food and hospitality to Montreux, Switzerland, where I studied Culinary Arts and Hospitality at Glion Institute of Higher Education. Living and studying there deepened my appreciation for food, service, travel, and the way a beautiful meal can bring people together.
Glion Institute of Higher Education, Lake Geneva, Switzerland
Over the years, I’ve visited more than 40 countries and immersed myself in many different cultures, but a few places will always stay closest to my heart: Paris, Monte Carlo, Lake Como, Tuscany, and the sun-soaked charm of Key West.
I’m a true food lover at heart, with a soft spot for oozy, cheesy lasagna with a crisp Parmesan topping, garlicky buttery escargot, crispy Camembert with marinara, hot BBQ chicken wings with blue cheese dressing, creamy garlic shrimp fettuccine, and decadent cheesecake with sour cream topping. And yes, I could absolutely keep going.
That love of food is what I bring to Spoons & Sparks: recipes that feel comforting, generous, a little special, and worth sharing with the people you love.
A relaxed Sunday coffee in Montreux, Switzerland
Madame Sheeba, our very particular little princess
I hope this little corner of the internet makes you feel welcome, inspired, and excited to cook something delicious.
