When did you first get in to cooking and do you remember the first recipe you tried?
The first item I remember making solo (but with parental guidance) was what my family called "Roly Polies" - scraps of pie crust which are then brushed liberally with melty butter and dusted with cinnamon and sugar, rolled up, and baked. Fat tasty little things.
What's your kitchen like and how do you keep organized when cooking?
I read the recipe first so I know what's coming and get out the appropriate ingredients. Beyond that though, I'm highly disorganized and extremely messy. I have, over the years, convinced myself that the mess I leave in the kitchen is "artistic" and "charming".
What tips would you give to someone wanting to become a better cook?
Cook and bake often, and enthusiastically. You WILL mess up, but please, don't look at it as failure. The cookies that are too crispy are just perfect for crushing over ice cream; the cake that fell will be SWELL when mashed up in a milkshake. Shift your thinking and everything you try can be fun, an adventure.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party and what would you cook for them?
David Lynch. We'd have a tea party using a children's tea set, be surrounded by circus people, and stare at each other intensely from behind our unicorn masks, talking backwards and eating cake. Not strange or creepy. Not at all.
Do you do any other crafts and what are your hobbies?
I'm a collector of all things unicorn (images, clothing, stories), I love urban hiking, taking photos of quirky or clever things; I'm a writer and illustrator, primarily on the subject of cakes and sweets.
Which cooking blogs do you love to read?
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
We all have to believe in something. And right now, I believe I will have another slice of cake. --Oh wait, I should also say, if you think I'm great, please buy my books. I have two. You can buy them here.
Cakes
Pasta
