ABOUT THIS COOK:

My most vivid childhood memories have to do with family and food. As a kid, I had the good fortune of having a mom who always encouraged trying new things, and two grandmothers who invited me into their kitchens at a young age. I enjoy cooking for the joy it brings me - sharing food with loved ones - and as a stress release. I turn to it equally during good times and bad. Now that I have two young children, I try to be conscientious about what we cook and eat. Right about the time I joined food52 last year, I planted my first raised bed garden and joined a CSA; between the two I try to cook as sustainably and organically as I can. Although I'm usually cooking alone, my children are my favorite kitchen companions and I love cooking with them. I hope when they are grown they will look back fondly at our time spent in the kitchen, as they teach their loved ones about food-love.

• What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
  Okinawan cold pig's ear salad

• What do you cook when home alone?
  Eggs with greens; bread and cheese with fruit

• Your most treasured kitchen possession:
  Set of nesting glass mixing bowls because I use them multiple times a day...and my paternal Grandmother's apron. Using it keeps her spirit alive in my kitchen - she was an amazing cook.

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