ABOUT THIS COOK:

Tara Mataraza Desmond cooks, eats and writes for a living and for the fun of it in life. Mataraza Desmond is co-author of Almost Meatless: Recipes That Are Better for Your Health and the Planet (Ten Speed Press 2009). She has contributed to several other cookbooks, including recipe development for Philadelphia restaurants Fork and Vetri. She freelances regularly with Food Network's kitchens and productions and writes for regional and national publications. She wards off the repercussions of her work with running and has completed the Philadelphia and Chicago Marathons.

• What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
  Chocolate ganache covered foie gras

• What do you cook when home alone?
  Anything from PB&J to whole roasted chicken and homemade gnocchi

• Your most treasured kitchen possession:
  Ceramica serving dish

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