I started cooking when I was about 10 years-old with my grandma in her kitchen. We would go over to my grandparents’ house every Sunday for burgers, fries and hot fudge sundaes. I remember watching her stir the hot fudge over the stove for too long and being so impatient for it to be done. But, it was always worth it because it was such a treat! I also remember the feeling of how happy cooking made everyone around me. That is why I pride myself in finding the best ingredients and making the best food I can to make everyone around me happy. It’s the whole reason behind my cooking.
After my grandma passed away, I finished high school and decided to take up cooking professionally so I went to culinary school. After culinary school, I worked at a few different places and did catering, cooking, baking and serving. I also had the opportunity to do some traveling to Barcelona, Paris, and Rome to get inspired. What an amazing experience! I moved to Minnesota after college and have worked in a couple fine dining restaurants around the twin cities, as Sous Chef at United Health Care and then moved on to cooking for the executives at 3M. Currently I’m staying home with my 3 year-old, Louie, and 1 year-old Finely. Our growing family couldn’t be more exciting! I enjoy getting the boys in the kitchen and cooking and baking through their eyes. It makes it so much more fun! Lou loves measuring, stirring, smelling and tasting, and loves watching everything come out of the oven! While Finley is my taste tester!
Now, living in West St. Paul, I’m right near the farmer’s market so I’m constantly looking for new, seasonal ingredients to incorporate into my cooking. I go to the market with an open mind and a hungry stomach to see what inspires me. I’m very passionate about farm-to-table cooking and I try not to use many processed foods. We also have a little garden in the backyard that we pick from in the growing seasons. If I can make it from scratch, I will.
I’m excited to see where this blog will go! If anyone has any questions or comments, I would love to hear them! Can’t wait to start cooking with you all!
“When you acknowledge, as you must, that there is no such thing as perfect food, only the idea of it, then the real purpose of striving toward perfection becomes clear:
To Make People Happy.
That is what cooking is all about.”
– Thomas Keller –
They always say ” In order to get to a Man’s heart is through his stomach” I have had the pleasure of eating and enjoying most of your dishes at home and at many restaurants and I am hear to say the food is always gourmet and always delicious with a wonderful presentation.
I love your new site very much ( GREAT PICTURES) and wish you many happy years of fun with it and healthy eating,
Hugs with Love
Hey Kristin
How great is this! Cooking for Friends & Family is so rewarding. It is a source of gratification for what you do and a source of pride for friends and family who feel great about who you are. Taking that talent to another level and sharing it globally on this blog…. well there are folks you have never met who are going to be thrilled to share your cooking with their Friends & Family. Is the book is next?
L8R
Rick
Your grandma is smiling!!! I remember those Sundays at her house so well! I always look forward to your meals!!! I am excited to try more recipes and let my friends know!!!