About Me

I've crammed a lot of different things into four decades: florist, waitress, SCUBA divemaster, stock photo agency manager, stroller fitness teacher, writer, editor, and au pair. I lived and worked in Rome for 13 months. That's where I learned to cook, visiting the markets, talking to farmers and fishmongers, and pestering them on how to prepare this and that.

If I had to distill who I am, today, I would say, "I am a tree-hugging, veggie-crunching mean mommy who loves to cook but hates to clean." Thankfully my husband, Jake, cleans like a champ. He's even been known to join the fun and games.

I freelance - both writing and photographing; I review cookbooks for various publishers, testing out recipes for my willing tasters. So, if I'm not reading, writing, or out on a hike with my three boys, I'm usually in the kitchen. 

My parenting goal from the get-go: grow conscientious, creative kids with fearless palates! 

Over the years they have gone from my little Kitchen Elves to confident cooks in their own right. And we all love to adventure by tabletop.

They have even worked themselves into a job of making Friday night dinners!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you are inspired to head into your kitchen!