About Me / Partner With Me

Hi, Welcome to my Blog!

Welcome to my site! Whether you are looking for plant-forward recipes to explore a flexitarian or plant-based lifestyle, or new recipes to spark joy on your menus, I am glad you stopped by! Here is some information about me and my website. 

I am a chef, recipe creator, cookbook author, food safety instructor, consultant, and culinary instructor that has been teaching and practicing the culinary arts for over four decades. I have written two books and have been a columnist for numerous periodicals over the past 25 years.

My students sometimes call me the Dalai Mama of cooking!  My approach is more Zen-like than most chefs, but I have found my relaxed style of teaching is more engaging for my students because it demystifies the tricks of the trade. I started this blog and website so I could share my experiences with healthy satisfying eating and inspire and motivate others along the way to get in the kitchen and cook!

What you will find on my blog

I am from Cajun country in Louisiana originally and I now live in the deep North woods of the upper Midwest. My ingredients and techniques are influenced by my travels to over 19 countries. Pretty much a melting pot of culinary influence.  My cooking style is plant-forward- what the heck is that you are wondering? Here is the official definition determined by the Culinary Institute of America-

“A style of cooking and eating that emphasizes and celebrates, but is not limited to, plant-based foods- including Fruits and Vegetables (produce) whole grains; beans, other legumes (pulses) and soy foods- nuts and seeds; plant oils; and herbs and spices- and reflects evidence-based principles of health and sustainability”

Yep, that describes my style of cooking. Just like Michael Pollan, the American author says, “Eat food, not too much and mostly plants” I eat a plant-forward diet, but I am not vegan. My choice to eat a plant-forward diet is motivated by health. I eat whole, fresh real food and occasionally eat seafood and dairy, but I strive for balance and no judgment of food choices of anyone. I subscribe to the 80/20 rule of moderation to enjoy a flavorful menu of food that is good for my mind, body, and spirit.

Most of my recipes featured on my blog are inspired by nature’s seasonal bounty. I enjoy teaching more skills than a recipe so my students can see the many ways to prepare a dish. Lots of time my cooking falls under the “You don’t need a recipe category" because of my casual style but I guarantee you this, the master fails, many more times than the student tries...

If you have a plant-forward business, contact me and we can discuss ways to work together to spread the word of good cooking.

I am a regular contributor to Fox21 News in Duluth and the local PBS affiliate there. I also teach live and virtual cooking classes in Minneapolis, Duluth, MN and Marquette, MI. I love to hear from my readers, email me, or leave a comment anytime!

Cheers to your health!

Partner with Me

Thanks for your interest in partnering with me for Consumer products and Restaurant and Institutional brands.

I love partnering with the brands, businesses, and products I am passionate about and use on a regular basis. I want to share more about these brands with my readers while helping the brand reach its market. If you think your brand or product would be a good fit for me, I would love to hear from you.