ABOUT THIS COOK:

I am a journalist with more than 25 years experience and an emphasis on feature writing, including food features. I was the Food editor at The Post-Standard in Syracuse, NY, and continue on a part-time basis, writing food features for The Good Life Central New York Magazine.

• What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
  alligator, in New Orleans

• What do you cook when home alone?
  omelets, paninis, pasta with spicy hot tomato oil

• Your most treasured kitchen possession:
  A vintage Juice-O-Mat, among other things

• The ideal number of guests for a dinner party is:
  6 or 8