About me

I grew up on a farm in ID; I learned to cook at a very young age knowing from start to finish along with all the things in between about food preparation. There were not many grocery stores in close proximity so I was taught to be what I refer to as a “scratch chef”. The most significant thing I discovered about cooking & food is that it brings people together and is “truly comfort to the soul”! MY motto & sign that hangs in my kitchen is “COOKING WITH LOVE”. It is the best gift (and boost to my ego) when my kids tell me I am” the best cooker ever” (my 4&10 yr olds) it also helps when I attain praise from my guests in addition. While my husband Joe was moved from duty station to duty station I was introduced to many different people and cuisine as well as came to have a new enthusiasm and passion towards cooking. My incentive to become more serious about my “labor of love” came when some of Joe's younger shipmates couldn’t make it home for the holidays I had him invite them to dinner never knowing the extraordinary “food path” this would send me down!

After that first dinner party I hosted Joe was often asked for invitations to various holiday meals or dinner party’s I planned. Apparently the combination of the welcoming relaxed atmosphere of my home and food were sought after to offer a much needed break and relaxation that they only could get from MOM and HOME. One year Joe had duty on Christmas day I was asked to come to the ship to help prepare the holiday meal for all of the crew that had to work that day along with their families. Some were so impressed they came to me to say thank you for such a tasty dinner it made having to work that day more bearable. While my taste in cuisine varies from ordinary to exotic or foreign I simply enjoy trying and cooking new things. Anytime I enter my domain to begin my “labor of love” no matter the occasion I am reminded that “COOKING WITH LOVE” is “truly comfort to the soul”!