ABOUT THIS COOK:

I am a self-trained vegan chef and baker. I like to use organic, local/seasonal ingredients and think up new ways to use them. I am drawn to the exotic and love to use those ingredients in food inspired by the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Latin America (I'm half Colombian), Japan and the Mediterranean, among other places. I vend at many of the local food markets like the Vegan Shop-Up, and I supply vegan donuts, cakes and goodies to Brooklyn shops and cafes. My whole life revolves around food. If I am not working, menu consulting, teaching or baking, I'm cooking for my hubby or friends, on foodpickle checking out questions, or reading food blogs. Some girls love to shop for clothes, but I prefer a trip to the Strand to pick out secondhand cookbooks, or a train ride out to one of NYC's many ethnic neighborhoods in search of cool new ingredients.

• What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
  Natto.

• What do you cook when home alone?
  Popcorn.

• Your most treasured kitchen possession:
  Anything passed down from Grandma.

• The ideal number of guests for a dinner party is:
  Who cares? Have fun.