About me

I'm a home cook who strives to learn how to make all things from scratch-- while balancing my busy life as a working wife and mom. I try to buy (and grow) the freshest ingredients possible. My culinary skills are an ever-evolving process of trial and error. I love to cook and bake, equally. Many of my recipes are influenced from my mother's Southern German background, and my dad's Mexican heritage. I have a list of things new recipes and dishes I still want to learn how to make. I enjoy sharing my self-taught lessons with a photo tutorial. Come join me, in my kitchen.

Cooking Influences

Definitely my mom. She owned a German Deli, and I endured wearing Lederhosen or Dirndls as a young teenager. Little did I know that, years later, my mom taught me to be a business woman and a pretty organized cook. My "Nana" (dad's side) could make some seriously good Mexican food. I watch a lot of cooking shows. Even if I wouldn't make the recipe, I'm learning new tips and techniques.
I live in the Salinas Valley of California, where I can buy organic and fresh produce year-round. My commute to the Monterey Bay is right past the Fisherman's Wharf, where I can buy fresh seafood and we have plenty of free-range cattle ranches, too. I'm very lucky in that respect.
My husband and adult son are my biggest inspirations in trying out new recipes and they give me honest feedback. They loves and appreciate what I make-- oh, and they also do dishes!