I have always loved to cook; some of my favorite memories revolve around being a toddler in the kitchen “helping” my mother bake holiday treats, such as fruitcake or preparing stove-top puddings which, while standing on a stool, I got to stir. So when I was provided the opportunity to write a cookbook almost 20 years ago, in many ways it seemed like coming home. Writing cookbooks fully utilizes my skills, abilities and interests in one package. I love every aspect of cookbook writing, from researching ingredients, preparations and techniques, to developing and testing recipes, and, finally, sharing my discoveries with you . Few things give me greater pleasure than receiving a note from someone telling me how much they enjoyed a dish. I feel honored when someone tells me that a one of my recipes has been welcomed into their family as part of a festive meal.
The recipes have been organized in traditional cookbook chapter fashion — appetizers through desserts — to help you easily find what you are looking for. However, because of some personal dietary interests, I have added two additional categories, vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free, which may be helpful if you are searching for recipes in these categories.
Vegetarian
While I am not a vegetarian (I do eat pasture-raised meat and wild-caught or sustainably farmed fish) over the years I have introduced more and more fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds into my diet because I strongly believe that the range of nutrients these foods provide play an important role in helping me to stay well. Plant foods are unique sources of fiber and phytonutrients, in addition to macro and micronutrients. That’s why I have highlighted recipes that qualify as vegetarian/vegan.
Gluten Free
Moreover, I have been eating gluten-free for about ten years. I had experienced stomach problems virtually all my life and decided to eliminate wheat from my diet. Surprisingly, my symptoms abated. I subsequently discovered through testing that I am gluten intolerant. Eating gluten-free has become a permanent part of my life and it has dramatically improved my health and well-being.
