Growing up surrounded by great food, it’s no wonder Karla Krassin would surround her adult life with the flavors and ingredients she lovingly remembers being around while cooking with her mother and grandmothers. “I have always loved to cook,” recalls Karla. “I remember my mom gave me a few cooking lessons and I just loved it.” Baking was especially her forte. “I remember when I was young, I used to love baking special desserts for my boyfriends and they loved eating them! I still love to bake. I just find it comforting and I love to decorate desserts to make each one unique and special.”
Born and raised in Mexico with her 4 siblings, Karla always wanted to experience all the world had to offer. After attending high school on the West Coast and living in Italy for a few years, Karla found herself back in the United States to raise her now 13 year old son. But after living in Fairfield County for over 20 years, Karla was missing the tastes of home. “I found myself really craving the traditional and original flavors of authentic Mexican food, which is very different from what you typically find here.” This inspired her finally open Tümü.
Karla has always loved the cooking process. To her, entertaining was more than just having people over. She enjoyed crafting a menu several days before and experimenting with table decor, creating the perfect atmosphere for her friends. This ethos is at the center of Tümü, a natural expansion of what she has always loved. Whether for take-out or catering, her dishes are inspired by her home and childhood. Since she loves to surround herself with beautiful things, Tümü also offers exquisite home goods from Mexico which honors and compliments that distinct vibe. “I wanted to share the beauty and culture of my Mexico and of course the fresh delicious food with our local community.”
Her pride in preparing authentic, healthy dishes can be tasted in every delicious bite. She lovingly uses her vast library of family recipes yet also appreciates variety. Karla nimbly changes her daily offerings, always keeping the menu fresh and original with only high-quality ingredients. For catering, her personal approach focuses on her client’s overall creative vision and customizing the menu to deliver the ultimate experience “I want the food to be an extension of them and to deliver the ambiance they are seeking.” That tailor-made philosophy carries over as many customers have come in to ask her to prepare special dishes or help fulfill a certain craving which gets that added special Tümü flair. And the locals love it!
Karla beams, “Hands down the most rewarding and fulfilling thing for me is when someone loves my food. I have received so many calls from customers who just call to tell me how much they enjoyed the meal or how good they felt after eating my food.” She fondly remembers receiving that very first compliment shortly after opening. “They proceeded to say, ‘I just wanted you to know how wonderful the meal was’. Wow what an amazing feeling! “ Being recognized and acknowledged about the taste, quality and her attention to detail- all the things Karla values, is greatly appreciated. “This never ever gets old and motivates me like you have no idea.
The community has been unbelievably welcoming, and I am really enjoying meeting new people every day!”
Karla’s advice to home cooks is to always have some great staples in your pantry. She recommends a good olive oil, sea salt, fresh garlic, spices and lots of fresh herbs. She also suggests not to get too worried about making mistakes in the kitchen. With practice comes confidence. And just as her mother taught her, Karla now offers group cooking classes to help cooks of all levels prepare great food. Here Karla shares a simple yet flavor packed recipe, perfect for a Sunday meal by the pool or as a great party appetizer.
Cocktail de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail)
Ingredients
* 1 lb of small uncooked, shrimp (cleaned and peeled)
* 1 1/4 cups of ketchup (I like to use Primal Ketchup)
* 1 bottle tomato juice
* 2 cucumbers diced
* 2 jalapeńos minced (change to serranois if you want it spicy)
* 3 plum tomatoes diced
* 1/2 onion finely diced
* chopped cilantro
* 1 avocado
* juice of 3 or 4 lemons
* salt and pepper to taste
* hot sauce (my favorite is Cholula)
- tostadas or saltines
Instructions:
1) To cook the shrimp - add water to a pot, once it boils add the shrimp and salt. Cook until the shrimp turns pink. Drain and transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.
2) In a large serving bowl, add the shrimp, onion, tomato, cucumber, jalapeńos, cilantro and mix well. Next, add the tomato juice, lemon juice, ketchup, salt and pepper. Mix well then add the hot sauce to your liking and finish with avocado.
3) Enjoy with saltines or tostadas
After making this mouth watering Mexican Shrimp Cocktail for family and friends, be sure to tag us and Karla on Instagram @tumubykarlakrassin