When did you first get in to cooking and do you remember the first recipe you tried?
I didn't really start cooking until I was living on my own, and I think I was a bit obsessed with making meat loaf. Which is funny considering my current vegan tendencies.
What's your kitchen like and how do you keep organized when cooking?
My kitchen is small by most people's standards but "normal" for New York. The most interesting thing about it is the deep blue floor, which is made of a material called Marmoleum. In terms of keeping organized, it's all about timing. When I'm having a dinner party I make a detailed calendar of my tasks so I'm not having a nervous breakdown when people arrive. It works....usually.
What tips would you give to someone wanting to become a better cook?
Pay attention to recipes – I see so many people who don't measure accurately and then wonder why their recipes don't turn out well. (Hint: spoon the flour into the measuring cup, don't scoop!) Once you've mastered a recipe, then you can start experimenting and adding your own touches. But it's good to get the basics down first.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party and what would you cook for them?
A random combination of some of my favorite people...Laura Dern, Patti Smith and the Coen brothers would be pretty interesting. Maybe I'd go back to my roots and make meatloaf. Along with a vegetarian version, of course. And apple-cranberry pie with my famous healthy crust.
Do you do any other crafts and what are your hobbies?
Most of my hobbies are cooking/blogging related, such as photography and gardening. I grow more kale than you can imagine, and lots of different kinds of peppers and heirloom tomatoes.
Which cooking blogs do you love to read?
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Well, I would like to encourage your readers to eat a heart-healthy diet, so they don't find out the hard way (like I did) why it's so important!
Cakes
Dessert
