ABOUT THIS COOK:

I love to cook and eat fresh food, then write all about it on my blog Fresh Tart and for the Dara & Co. blog at Minnesota Monthly magazine. My husband and I often entertain, but my true love is the daily ritual of preparing simple, healthy meals for my family - and myself!

• What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
  wild boar testicles

• What do you cook when home alone?
  polenta with mushrooms

• Your most treasured kitchen possession:
  sharp knives!

• The ideal number of guests for a dinner party is:
  four (six total)