ABOUT THIS COOK:

I am a self-taught home cook and former illustrator for Gourmet and other publications. I designed engagement calendars, posters and cards for many years. Some of the most fun I ever had was when I was part of the team that cataloged Julia Child's kitchen at the Smithsonian. I am challenged each day as I prepare food for a teenager who adores boxed mac and cheese and won't touch eggplant, as well as a spouse who would eat seafood at every meal. I have learned so much from the members of this community. Whenever I am not sure what to put on our table, I know where to turn. Thank you all!

• What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
  Barbecued woodchuck

• What do you cook when home alone?
  Baked potato with butter, salt and pepper, and a dollop of plain yogurt and blue plum chutney or almost anything piled on top of a sprouted corn tortilla

• Your most treasured kitchen possession:
  Ceramic baking dishes, batter bowls and popover pans made by my mother

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