Where My Love for Cooking Began
The kitchen has always been my favorite place in the world. Growing up in a cozy Minnesota town, I had the best teachers anyone could ask for: my grandmother Sofia, who had this magical way of transforming simple garden vegetables into the most soul-warming soups, and my mother Maria, whose fresh-baked bread made our entire house smell like heaven every Sunday morning. Spending time with them taught me something important—cooking isn't really about following directions perfectly. It's about pouring love into what you make and creating those special moments that stick with you forever.
Adventures That Changed Everything
My whole perspective on food changed when I decided to take a leap and spend five years exploring kitchens across Europe and Asia. I worked alongside incredible cooks in tiny local restaurants and family-run cafes, learning something new everywhere I went. There was this amazing Italian grandmother in Tuscany who taught me to make pasta from scratch, and a family in Hong Kong who showed me the delicate art of folding perfect dim sum. But what really struck me wasn't just the techniques—it was how food brings people together, no matter where you're from or what language you speak. Those experiences completely transformed how I think about cooking: it should feel real, be doable for anyone, and always have a story behind it.
Building Recipe By Me
Now, through Recipe By Me, I get to share so much more than just ingredient lists and cooking steps—I share the pure joy of creating meals that people will remember. Every recipe I develop combines the treasured traditions I learned from my family with all the amazing techniques I picked up during my travels, but I make sure they work for real life and busy schedules. Whether you're throwing together a quick stir-fry on a Tuesday night or taking your time with a comforting Sunday roast, I want you to feel excited and confident every time you step into your kitchen. I truly believe that the most precious memories happen around the dinner table, where good food and even better company come together. Let's turn every meal into an opportunity to create something beautiful and meaningful.