ABOUT THIS COOK:

I grew up on the north shore in Minnesota - right on Lake Superior. My family owns a resort, so having people around all the time is nothing new to me. My mom would entertain all summer long with our good family friends, and she still does. She is my inspiration - her and her damn fine Caesar salad dressing. I've been food blogging for about 3 years now - off and on - over at Pip's Plate dot com. Pip is my bowling name and the blog name just sort of fell into place. I love cooking, I love food, I love hanging out in the kitchen. Because after all, it's the only place in the house that people want to be in together.

• What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
  cuttlefish and sea urchin with a quali egg on top (delicious)

• What do you cook when home alone?
  usually tacos - and anything with garlic

• Your most treasured kitchen possession:
  chef's knife

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