Story Behind this Food Blog
Welcome to Camila Made!
Hi! 🙃 I’m Camila, a Paraguayan-American mom, wife, and self-taught home cook and baker with over 20 years of experience in the kitchen. My love for cooking began when I was a little girl, experimenting with ingredients I found in the kitchen while my parents were working.
What started as a curiosity quickly turned into a passion, transforming simple meals into creative dishes and discovering exciting new flavors along the way. Cooking became my way of expressing myself and has shaped who I am today.
Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to perfecting dishes that reflect my Paraguayan heritage and love for international cuisine. The inspiration behind Camila Made came from my desire to pass down these traditions to my children.
Food is an important part of our culture, and I want them to feel connected to their roots through the same dishes my husband and I enjoyed. Beyond that, I hope to inspire others to discover the joy of homemade cooking—because it’s more than just preparing a meal; it’s an expression of love, a way to create lasting memories, and one of the most meaningful gifts you can give.
Time is one of God’s greatest gifts, and the moments we spend cooking homemade food for the people we love are moments we can never reclaim. While takeout may be quick and convenient, it simply doesn’t compare to the love, care, and effort that go into creating a home-cooked meal.
It’s this personal touch that makes homemade food truly special! Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy takeout from time to time, but nothing beats a dish made from scratch.
That's why I believe homemade food is the purest expression of love, which is reflected in my slogan: HOMEMADE FOOD IS TRUE LOVE MADE EDIBLE. And a little fun motto I live by? “Don’t wait until tomorrow to eat what you can eat today! 😜 (Just kidding… but seriously, don’t wait!)"🙂
On my blog, Camila Made, I share our family's favorite recipes, all tried and loved, from holiday feasts and appetizers to everyday family meals and plenty of desserts (🍪 cookies are my weakness!🤤). Whether you're looking for a special occasion showstopper or a quick and easy weeknight meal, you'll find something here.
Many of my recipes draw inspiration from Paraguayan (Guarani) Heritage, featuring traditional dishes like Sopa Paraguaya, Chipa Guazu, Chipa Almidon, Chipa Mestizo, Chipa So'o, and Mbejú, among others.
But that’s not all—as I’ve mentioned before, I also love cooking dishes from around the world. So, you can expect to find a wide variety of international recipes here because I don't limit myself to just Paraguayan cuisine or desserts—I do it all!
My recipes are designed to be approachable, budget-friendly, and simple to prepare, using ingredients that are easy to find 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.😉
X,
𝓒𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓪 ♡
💡The Importance of Accurate Measurements Across Countries
Did you know that dry measuring cups, spoons, and even liquid measuring cups can vary between countries? While these slight differences might not affect savory dishes as much, they can significantly impact baking—especially with cookies, cakes, and delicate desserts.
In my experience, using grams or ounces is the most accurate way to ensure consistent results. For this reason, I've started including these measurements in all my recipes, so they turn out perfectly no matter where you're cooking from!
FAQS
Who are you?
I was born and raised in Paraguay, and at the age of 11, my family and I moved to the United States, where I now reside. My passion for cooking and baking has been a constant in my life. Since I was a little girl, I’ve loved being in the kitchen and experimenting with flavors.
While I was in school, I gained experience working in various restaurants. Although I pursued a degree in Medical Assisting, I soon realized that my heart truly belonged to cooking. I believe God guided me back to my true passion.
Today, I’m blessed to be happily married to the love of my life, raising five amazing sons, and doing what I love most—cooking for my family and sharing our tried-and-true recipes, all tested and perfected around our dinner table.
What kind of recipes can I find here?
At "Camila Made," I share a delicious variety of recipes, from traditional and modern Paraguayan dishes to international favorites and mouthwatering baked goods!
Here's what you can expect to find on my blog:
- Traditional Paraguayan Dishes: I offer recipes inspired by my Paraguayan roots, such as Sopa Paraguaya, Chipa Guazu, Chipa Almidon, Chipa Mestizo, Chipa Piru, and much more.
- International Flavors: My blog also features a wide array of delicious international dishes, such as Chinese BBQ ribs, Brazilian Pão de Queijo, Salvadoran Pan con Pollo, and others. I don’t limit myself to just Paraguayan cuisine or desserts—I do it all!
- Family Favorites: My recipes reflect my life. 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.
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my website! 😉
