What's Cooking in your World?: About Me

What's Cooking in Your World began as a challenge from my son Tim to cook a meal from each of the world's 193(ish) countries one night a week.Twenty six months later, I've successfully cooked my way around each of those beautiful countries. I have learned more about geography, culture and the world through this project than anything I ever "learned" in school. I've also connected with a whole group of foodies, friends and awesome supporters from all over the world which is exactly what I hoped for when I posted my first Afghani meal in April, 2010. Global diversity is what makes this big, colorful planet sweet and spicy.

Professional Training: I have absolutely no professional training as a chef, but I've been passionate about good food and cooking since I was old enough to climb a stool to reach the kitchen counter. All the photographs you see in this blog I take while cooking. I like virtually everything (except Vegemite/Marmite) and will try anything at least once. I was mentored by my mother, the strongest, badass woman I know.

Who am I? If asked to describe myself, I'd say I am the fearless (to a big, big fault), impulsive and risk-taking personality type in most everything I do. I don't have any phobias or neuroses and nothing except losing my kids scares me. I love surprises and obstacles. And since this is starting to sound like a personals ad...

I'm a Pisces
My favorite color is orange
I am happiest when I'm near the ocean
I grew up in Cambridge, MA (a.k.a., The Peoples' Republic)
My 2 teenage sons and husband are my in-house culinary guinea pigs and loves of my life <3
My favorite music is: funk, soul, neo-soul, blues, garage rock, indie/alt rock and alt country (Jeff Tweedy -- call me, I'll seriously cook for you)
My least favorite music is: Techno - hands down, h-a-t-e the stuff - followed by screamo and white supremacist thrasher metal
My favorite books are John Irving's A Prayer of Owen Meany and Until I Find You as well as old school American detective novels (Chandler, Spillane and Hammett); plus too many to name
I love to cook, eat, garden, read, write, photograph sexy food, horse back ride, swim, bike and run (actually really don't love running, but I make my thighs do it)
I have a B.A. in English and an M.Ed. in Education and Counseling
I love perfume, high heels, cowboy boots and all things girly
I don't mind insects, reptiles or rodents and I love animals (especially my dog, Buddy Boy)
I don't mind getting dirty, wet or smelly and I like working hard
I could NEVER, repeat, NEVER work a 9-5 desk job because I can't sit still for more than 5 minutes
I have no tolerance for ignorance or mean people

My Paying Job: When I'm not cooking or working on this blog, I co-own a special education advocacy practice, Metrowest Educational Advocates. Together with families whose children have special needs, we work to ensure their children receive the educational services they are entitled to by federal and state laws.

It's About Balance: Several years ago, I got into Sprint Triathlons via a friend who encouraged me to go for it. It turns out to be a great way to focus on a goal, and balance good physical and mental health with the copious quantities of food and accompanying libations I love to cook and consume.

**Photographs and Recipes: All photographs on What's Cooking in Your World were taken by me. If you'd like to use one of my photographs, please include a link back to the blog entry from which the photo was taken. If you'd like to use a recipe, the same is true.

3 Things I Love