ABOUT THIS COOK:

Originally from Illinois, I moved to Ireland 10 years ago, thinking I'd stay for a year. I married the man I moved over to be with and now have my own business as a freelance editor, a house in the countryside, and two wonderful little Irish kids. I just started a cooking blog this past summer, www.dinnerdujour.org, where my co-author, Kelly, and I post complete dinner menus.

• What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
  Pickled cactus

• What do you cook when home alone?
  Pasta, always

• Your most treasured kitchen possession:
  My Baby Gaggia espresso machine

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