About

My Story

My name is Brianna, a 20-Something (for a few more years) native New Englander and a classroom-less teacher. I am a big fan of country music, cowboy boots, photography and my herb garden.I grew up in a growing Connecticut town close enough to the coast to enjoy good seafood as well as the heartier northeastern dishes in the colder months.

Cooking was not a natural progression for me, I remember childhood meals of Hamburger Helper or hot dogs burnt by my Dad when Mom was working. I have heard rumors that my mom used to make home-made pasta and breads, but that must have taken place prior to my memory. I do remember meatloaf with peas embedded in it so that my younger brother and I would eat our veggies, and she is famous for her New York style cheesecake! 

So when I began to have a desire to cook, it took me somewhat by surprise. I am sure I was somewhat influenced by my uncle, who was an amazing Italian chef, early holidays were spent in his Hartford restaurant and big family meals were amazing, but I really got into my cooking groove when I met my boyfriend "J" almost a year ago.(Now over a year)

Prior to him, I liked to cook but living on my own, there was nobody to appreciate it with me. More often than not, I reheated frozen meatballs and threw them into some pasta with Franks Sauce...

I must throw in a shameless plug for my Uncle Frank...who makes the BEST sauce in all the land! My personal favorites are Fra Diavlo and the Basil and Roasted Garlic. J eats the sauce out of the jar with a spoon. Franks Marinara Sauce can be found in a grocery store near you (if you are in MA or CT). So the next time you are strolling the aisles in Big Y pick some up! It is the only brand I ever use!

Back to my saga...I told J that I was a pretty good cook and offered to make him dinner...I made ribs in the crock pot that didn't seem as tender as they should when I packed them up and carted them over to his place. While he was polite, and even asked for seconds, the truth later came out that these were the "worst ribs" he had ever had. After this episode, I was determined to prove myself in the kitchen. For the past year, I have been a cooking machine, making my way through cookbook after cookbook and I am addicted to my Cuisine at Home magazine!

I have found cooking to be therapeutic, it takes concentration, imagination and patience.

Because my cooking has been something that I like to share, a blog seemed the best way to share my experiences with those outside of my kitchen. As my gardens get planted for the summer, I hope to cook with what I grow and share my love of photography as I chronicle my kitchen experiences.

7/12/12

Much has happened since the onset of this blogging project of mine... J and I now live together, so that bright yellow kitchen that is the backdrop to many a food photos is now officially my kitchen...or shall I say "our"kitchen, even though J really only uses it to eat and throw his dishes in the sink (sigh). I have recently un-closeted my DIY-ness and will be adding my projects to the site as well.  Stay tuned for a new chapter in my life, and in my blog!