Originally from Illinois, I moved to Ireland 10 years ago, thinking I'd stay for a year. I married the man I moved over to be with and now have my own business as a freelance editor, a house in the countryside, and two wonderful little Irish kids. I just started a cooking blog this past summer, www.dinnerdujour.org, where my co-author, Kelly, and I post complete dinner menus.

1. What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?

   Pickled cactus

2. What do you cook when home alone?

   Pasta, always

3. Your most treasured kitchen possession:

   My Baby Gaggia espresso machine

4. The ideal number of guests for a dinner party is:

   6