My earliest memories are centered around food: the distinct smell of my
grandma’s house that took on the sautéed garlic and basil she added to
her famous marinara; waking up to the sizzling sound of red-skinned
potatoes frying on Sunday morning as my dad prepared our hearty Irish
breakfast; serving ice cream sundaes on hot summer days at my Aunt’s
restaurant (and, of course, treating myself to helpings afterward).
There is no doubt in my mind that food is one of life’s greatest pleasures. It is something to be shared, something to be celebrated.
My love of food has been, and continues to be, influenced by my loved ones. My grandma was born during the Great Depression on the outskirts of New York City.
One of the lessons she learned, and passed on to me, was how to cook on a
limited budget without compromising a bit of taste. Her wonderful
dishes really came from love. I think of Nanny often while cooking.
I’m a home cook, lover of good food and wine, and a dietitian by trade.
Although I’m originally from the Jersey Shore (which is nothing like
what you see on TV, thanks MTV), I’m now living in the beautiful San
Francisco Bay Area. My love of food is also inspired by nature. I try to keep most of my recipes fresh and simple. I like to use real foods from ingredients that are minimally processed. Having a great affection for nature, I try to use seasonal and locally grown foods. While many of my dishes are plant-based, I am a big believer in balance, which is why I must indulge (guilt-free) from time to time. Some
recipes are my creations and some are adaptations from friends, family
and my favorite cookbooks.
