Editor’s Note: The Following is an abridged version of a story written as part of a collaboration with The Globe and Mail. The story originally appeared on January 8, 2016.

As a kid, I loved to cook.

My parents made me a deal. I was able to get out of doing the dishes if I cooked dinner. It wasn’t a very difficult decision for me!

I loved cooking anything from Madhur Jaffrey’s cookbook. She used to have an Indian cooking show every Saturday, and I watched it all the time. Before long, I became obsessed with Indian food.

Thanks to Emily for sharing her story. Click here to learn more about her work at 8-80 Cities!

Hogtown Stories is a project by Jeremy Korn. Follow Hogtown Stories on Facebook and Instagram!