About - Camila Made

Story Behind this Food Blog

Hello, I'm Camila Benitez-a mom, wife, and self-taught cook and baker with a passion for homemade cooking.

I was born and raised in Paraguay, near the Brazilian border, surrounded by the rich flavors of both cultures.

When I was 11 years old, my family moved to the United States, where I have lived ever since.

I have always loved cooking and baking. It has been my way to unwind, express creativity, and show love and gratitude to the people God has placed in my life.

When I started my own family, cooking became a meaningful way for me to share my background and culture with my children.

As I tried to recreate the dishes I grew up with, I realized something was missing - I didn't have written family heirloom recipes to rely on, and I felt the weight of that absence more than I expected.

It wasn't because my parents didn't cook - they did, and they are wonderful cooks - but simply because those recipes were never preserved.

That realization sparked a desire in me to learn, practice, and perfect the dishes from my roots, along with other recipes I've grown to love. I didn't want my children to miss out on those family treasures.

This journey led me to create Camila Made: a place to document our family recipes so they can stay connected to their roots and be passed down for generations.

My recipes reflect everything that has shaped me over the years - from Paraguayan and Brazilian gastronomy to the diverse cuisines and techniques I've discovered while living in the United States.

This blend of cultures gave me a strong foundation. That's why my cooking ranges from traditional to modern, from Latin American favorites to dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world.

Beyond preserving my family's traditions, my goal is to inspire others to enjoy home cooking. Because it is so much more than preparing a meal - it is a way to care for others, show love, and reflect God's heart in the simplest and most meaningful way.

The Best Sopa Paraguaya 2 — (My Perfected Sopa Paraguaya, pictured above)

💞1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace."

What You'll Find Here

On my website, Camila Made, I share our family's favorite recipes-each one tried, tested, and loved from comforting holiday feasts and irresistible appetizers to easy everyday meals and plenty of desserts (cookies are my weakness!🍪).

Mbeju Traditional Paraguayan Food 9 — (My perfected Mbeju, pictured above)

💞Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..."

Many of my recipes are inspired by my Paraguayan (Guarani) roots, featuring traditional dishes like Sopa Paraguaya, Chipa Guazu, Chipa Almidon, Chipa Mestizo, Chipa So'o, and Mbejú- along with many other favorites.

But my love for cooking goes far beyond a single cuisine. While I'm passionate about sharing Paraguayan classics, I also love exploring flavors from around the world.

You'll also find a tempting variety of international recipes, from Brazilian pão de Queijo and Mexican arroz rojo to Middle Eastern Fatay and so much more.

My goal is to make home cooking easy, accessible, budget-friendly, and stress-free by sharing reliable, family-style recipes made with ingredients you can find at any supermarket.

I strive to provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions so anyone can enjoy cooking at home. Every recipe on Camila Made has been tested multiple times and given the ultimate seal of approval by my trusty taste testers-my husband and kids. 🥰

Whether you're searching for authentic Paraguayan recipes or quick, easy international dishes, you'll find family-friendly recipes here that are delicious, simple to make, and perfect for any occasion.💞

💞Romans 10:14 - "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

The Importance of Accurate Measurements Across Countries

Did you know that dry measuring cups, spoons, and even liquid measuring cups can vary in size and capacity between countries?

While these slight differences may not significantly affect savory dishes, they can substantially affect baking, particularly for 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!

Traditional Chipa Mestizo Recipe Cheese Bread — (My Perfected Chipa Mestizo, pictured above)

Frequently Asked Questions

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, including Sopa Paraguaya, Chipa Guazu, Chipa Almidon, Chipa Mestizo, Chipa Piru, and many more.

International Flavors: My blog also features a diverse array of delicious international dishes, including Chinese BBQ ribs, Brazilian Pão de Queijo, Salvadoran Pan con Pollo, and more. 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 cite these sources in the recipe post.

Additionally, each recipe on this site has been tested multiple times and perfected in my home kitchen by me, with help from 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 them into accessible alternatives.

For instance, I might substitute Mexican Queso Panela for Queso Paraguay, as it has a similar mild, salty profile and is 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.