Angie Spuzak was born in Poland and grew up in Kalisz, one of the oldest cities in the country. Some of her favorite childhood memories are of visiting the farmers market every other day with her family, filling baskets with seasonal fruits, vegetables, fresh cheese and fragrant herbs, and canning and pickling together. Those experiences shaped the way she cooks and how she sees food today.
Spuzak has called southwest Longmont home for many years. She is a personal chef, holistic nutrition consultant, food blogger, food photographer, food stylist and product photographer. Through her blog, The Tastes of Life, she shares nourishing recipes inspired by her Polish roots, seasonal ingredients and her passion for helping women over 40 feel their best through real food. She believes cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.
Personal chef Angie Spuzak prepares a dish at her Longmont home in November. (Matthew Jonas/Staff Photographer)
Personal chef Angie Spuzak prepares a dish at her Longmont home in November. (Matthew Jonas/Staff Photographer)
Personal chef Angie Spuzak prepares a dish at her Longmont home in November. (Matthew Jonas/Staff Photographer)
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Personal chef Angie Spuzak prepares a dish at her Longmont home in November. (Matthew Jonas/Staff Photographer)
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When she’s not in the kitchen, Spuzak can be found behind a camera capturing food, people and nature, hiking Colorado’s trails, hanging out with her dogs, or planning her next trip. Traveling has taught her that every culture has something wonderful to share around the table, and she loves bringing those flavors and stories back home.
What’s one lesson about food you learned growing up in Poland that you still use every day?
Fresh food is medicine. Growing up in Poland, we ate with the seasons because that’s simply what was available. We shopped at farmers markets, cooked from scratch, and vegetables were the foundation of nearly every meal. I learned that when you start with fresh, high-quality ingredients, you don’t need much else. That lesson still guides everything I do as a chef and nutrition consultant. Real food nourishes our bodies in ways processed foods never can.
What’s the most common cooking mistake you see people make in their own kitchens?
People often make cooking much more complicated than it needs to be. They think every recipe needs 20 ingredients or special techniques, and before long it feels overwhelming. The truth is, some of the best meals are made with just a handful of quality ingredients. Simple cooking is approachable, less stressful and something you’ll actually want to do again.
What’s one staple ingredient you think everyone should always have on hand?
A good bottle of extra virgin olive oil. It’s incredibly versatile, adds wonderful flavor, and is packed with heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. I use it almost every day for roasting vegetables, making salad dressings, finishing soups or simply dipping fresh bread.
What’s your favorite meal to cook when you’re not cooking for someone else?
Mole. I fell in love with it while traveling through Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s a beautiful reminder that great food is about patience and tradition. Every batch tells a story through layers of spices, chiles, chocolate, nuts and seeds. It’s comforting, deeply flavorful and one of those dishes that brings people together around the table.
What’s one piece of cooking advice you hope everyone in Longmont remembers?
Support our local farmers and eat real food. We have amazing farmers markets filled with beautiful Colorado produce, and it’s one of the easiest ways to nourish yourself while supporting our community. Don’t get caught up chasing the latest powders, supplements or trendy foods. Start with fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, quality proteins and healthy fats. Real food has always been the original superfood.
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Dining and Cooking