Why I Cook
The cookbook author and former culinary director for Williams-sonoma may have years of experience in the food world, but she learned to cook the way many of us do—out of necessity. She shares how her love of eating led to a career in cooking, and how a di
When did your love of cooking begin?
My family jokes that I was born to eat. I’d ask “What’s for dinner?” as soon as I was done with lunch. When I went to college and got an apartment with friends, I figured someone should learn how to cook for us, so I went for it. I started making my favorite recipes handwritten by my grandma, and it evolved from there.
What kick-star ted your culinary career?
After graduating, I started working for Williamssonoma and took cooking classes at night. After seven years, I found the nerve to quit and go to cooking school, which I believe is the best decision that I ever made. I started out with recipe testing and developing for cookbooks, then after that, I became lucky enough to start writing my own. Everything came full circle when I eventually returned to Williams-sonoma as its culinary director—truly a dream job! Now I write my own cookbooks while developing food products and fun video projects.
What is your cooking philosophy?
My belief is that cooking doesn’t have to be hard, time-consuming or expensive. Learning basic techniques and using great ingredients is key.
How did you become interested in healthy cooking?
I learned I was gluten intolerant years ago, and it was making me really sick. Once I removed gluten from my diet, my health improved so rapidly that a light went on for me; I realized that food can be a healing tool, or it can work against you. I decided to create recipes that were so delicious people wouldn’t notice they were good for you, and I share what I’ve learned in the process in my cookbooks.
What does cooking mean to you?
I cook because it grounds me. I have a ton of energy, and cooking allows me to settle into my own thoughts and express my creativity. It’s also what I consider my greatest expression of love, so it brings me undeniable happiness to cook for my family and friends. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to cook every day of my life!
“AN EASY WAY TO ADD A BURST OF FLAVOR TO FISH TACOS.”