ABOUT THIS COOK:

I'm a full-time office worker by day, and an avid chef by night. I run a small jam and pickle business called Urban Preserves, selling at the San Francisco Underground Farmer's Markets. If it involves culinary exploration, I've probably tried it--from cheese-making to curing to kombucha... I love to cook for friends, and have studied Thai and French cooking extensively. I recently started to blog about inspired solo cooking at kitchensolo.wordpress.com, and will post my recipes here as well!

• What do you cook when home alone?
  Quick foods--pasta, quinoa, soups

• Your most treasured kitchen possession:
  knives!

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