Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Palos
Hi Karla, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Cooking has always been more than just a skill or a hobby for me—it’s a way of connecting to something deeper, a bridge to memories and emotions. My love for food began in my mother’s kitchen, where the scent of her dishes filled the air and wrapped me in a sense of warmth and belonging. She was not just cooking; she was creating something soulful, a tangible expression of love, care, and tradition. Every dish was a story, every flavor a memory. Watching her, I learned that cooking is an art that binds the past to the present, and with each meal, I feel a part of something much greater. Through my own cooking, I hope to carry forward that same spirit—infusing each dish with the same passion, intention, and connection that my mother imparted to me. It’s not just about nourishing the body; it’s about nourishing the soul, honoring history, and sharing a piece of yourself with those you love.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a mother is a beautiful, all-consuming journey, one that often requires sacrifices, especially when it comes to the things that once brought me joy, like cooking. There are days when the demands of motherhood seem endless—managing the household, tending to my children’s needs, and maintaining some semblance of balance. On top of that, the challenge of being unwell, whether physically or emotionally, adds another layer of complexity. When I’m not feeling my best, cooking becomes an act of sheer willpower. The kitchen, once a place of creativity and comfort, can feel like an overwhelming task, and it’s easy to let those old passions slip into the background.
But even in these moments, I carry my mother’s lessons with me. She showed me that food is more than just a set of ingredients; it’s an act of love, and sometimes that love looks different. It might mean a simple meal made with what little energy I have, but the care and intention are still there. Despite the exhaustion or the sickness, I try to remind myself that the essence of cooking is still alive in me, in the small moments, in the quiet choices. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard, and continuing the legacy my mother gave me—of feeding not just the body, but the spirit, no matter the challenges life throws my way.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I don’t have a single specialty when it comes to cooking—there’s no one dish or style that defines me. Instead, I simply love to cook, to explore, and to create. For me, cooking is an expression of creativity, much like the work of an artist who plays with color, form, and texture to bring a vision to life. Every meal is an opportunity to experiment, to let inspiration guide me, and to bring a little bit of art into the everyday. The beauty of it lies in the variety and freedom—the joy of starting with simple ingredients and turning them into something that feels both personal and meaningful.
What sets me apart is the way I approach cooking: I don’t follow rigid rules or stick to specific cuisines. I draw on the energy and creativity I have as an artist, which allows me to see cooking as a canvas. I might blend flavors in unexpected ways, or take inspiration from the seasons, memories, or even my own moods. But I want to make sure that I’m not setting myself apart to compete, but rather to honor the unique beauty of how others cook as well. There are countless ways to approach a home-cooked meal—some pour love into every carefully measured step, while others may let spontaneity guide them. Each method, in its own way, brings something special to the table. My cooking is just one expression of that beautiful diversity—an exploration of both art and nourishment that feels authentic to me, just as others find their own unique ways to cook and create from the heart.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
My journey with cooking began when I was a little girl in Mexico, watching my mother in the kitchen. She had a way of moving effortlessly, knowing exactly how much of everything to add, blending ingredients with a sense of purpose and grace that seemed almost magical to me. I would stand by her side, my eyes wide with curiosity, absorbing every little detail—the way she chopped, stirred, and seasoned—each action steeped in tradition and love. It was there, in the warmth of her kitchen, that my love for cooking first took root.
One particular memory stands out, a moment that truly marked my first step toward independence in the kitchen. I was maybe 10 years old, and my mother had to travel an hour away to buy groceries. We were out of just about everything, but I was determined to make something on my own. I remembered her making soup many times before, the comforting scent filling our home, so I decided I would try to recreate it by myself.
With no one around to guide me, I took a deep breath and gathered what little we had left in the pantry. There was no recipe to follow—just the memories of watching my mother. I grabbed some leftover vegetables, a bit of pasta, and whatever seasonings I could find. I didn’t even have a full pot, just a small pan, but I was determined. I added everything in, tasting as I went along, trying to balance the flavors. I wasn’t sure if it was going to work, but when it was done, the soup was surprisingly delicious. That moment was a small triumph, and while I didn’t realize it at the time, it sparked something deep inside me—the confidence that I could create, even if I was on my own.
That first experience taught me that cooking isn’t about perfection; it’s about intuition, trial and error, and the love you pour into it. And even now, as I cook for my own family, I think back to that day—how, even at such a young age, I learned to trust my instincts, just as my mother had taught me without saying a word.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @In_my_dona_karl_era
