ABOUT THIS COOK:

I'm a vegetarian San Francisco cook working at a west coast magazine as recipe tester and proofreader, thus combining my two primary interests -- eating, and being persnickety about typos. I also love quilting, reading, and urban hiking.

• What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
  In general, I try to avoid eating things that are strange. But that's very subjective.

• What do you cook when home alone?
  Everything! I love cooking most when I'm alone so no one can interrupt me.

• Your most treasured kitchen possession:
  My vast cookbook collection.

• The ideal number of guests for a dinner party is:
  6 adults.