F.A.Q.

Hello again! Thank you for all of your questions and comments! Connecting with you is one of my favorite things. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that I get here:

Why did you choose food?

Really it chose me. But I fell in love with the art, the science, the people. Pastry chefs are a rare breed — badass recipe nerds, clean freaks, meticulous technique junkies — things that spoke to my soul. Add to that the fact the food connects people and my love for making people smile…it was inevitable.

WHY DID YOU GET YOUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACHING CERTIFICATION FROM THE INSTITUTE OF INTEGRATIVE NUTRITION?

While I’ve always loved living a healthy lifestyle, there were a lot of things compounding in my life that made me realize the need to bring more balance to my food and life. I wanted a better understanding of which foods work for my body, as well as a more comprehensive guide for nutrition, the mind + body connection, and overall wellness, and I love sharing the knowledge with others. As a chef and health coach now, my mission is to help others give their bodies what they need to restore wildly greater health and create a nourish, joyful life.

Where do you get the inspiration for your recipes?

Inspiration can strike from anywhere! I’ll often feel inspired by nature and what’s in season, spending time doing things outside of the kitchen, my friends and family, other chefs, restaurants, my food cravings.

What’s your favorite thing to make?

That is the most difficult question to answer! I love making so many things, I can’t choose just one! But I really like to look for the familiar in the unfamiliar, try new and intriguing ingredients, and strive to highlight their natural beauty in a familiar way.

Do you have any cookbook or kitchen appliance recommendations?

I am a cookbook junkie and my kitchen tool supply is endless. You can visit my Amazon store for my favorite cookbooks and kitchen gadgets.

Do you work with brands for sponsored posts?

Yup! I am happy to promote brands and products that I like and that are a good fit for here and my other social media platforms. If you are looking for a brand partnership, fill out a contact form and I will get back to you shortly.

Can I use your photo or recipe on my website or blog?

Thank you for asking. I work really hard to provide unique content and do not allow republication of my recipes without prior consent. But please feel free to email me and we can chat! If you want to share an image, please use one imagine and link back to the post directly.

I want to cook professionally, do you have any advice?

Absolutely! Find a chef you admire and work up the courage to ask them if you can stage. When you are there, maintain a positive attitude, watch everything, ask thoughtful questions, show your enthusiasm and eagerness to try new things, carry a notebook to take detailed notes and recipes, have your own tools, keep you knives sharp and tools organized, work clean and efficiently.

What was the first thing you cooked?

Pillsbury sugar cookie dough, and I probably ate more than I actually baked. 

What was the worst thing you cooked?

Oh geez, there were so many according to my father. I experimented way too much before I truly should have. To his testament, it would be the tiny vanilla cake from my tiny oven that I served him when I was maybe 10. 

Do you follow a particular diet?

I have Celiac disease and must eat a gluten free diet. I try to limit my dairy intake, as it doesn’t make me feel amazing, but I also love cheese and ice cream too much to give it up entirely.

Do you only make gluten free foods?

While I spent my career up until this point making (but not eating) everything, I am focusing this next chapter only gluten free foods for the purpose of this website. However, I do know how to work with all ingredients should a need arise for a special event.

What is your philosophy on food?

Food is connection and love, it brings people together. With food, we can share and communicate emotion and our stories in ways words can’t always convey. When I cook for others, I feel joy. Simple, delicious, honest food is where you can really taste the soul.

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! Remember to say hello — I would love to learn about you!