I’m Dahn Boquist, the writer and recipe developer behind Savor the Best, where I share approachable, made-from-scratch recipes that make everyday meals special.
My love for cooking started young, and over the years, I’ve developed a cooking philosophy that’s all about balancing whole foods with a dash of convenience and creativity.
As a retired cardiac nurse, I’ve traded the hospital for the kitchen, where I now focus on experimenting with whole grains, fresh flavors, and a bit of old-fashioned inspiration.
My love for cooking started in childhood, helping my mom prepare meals and spending cozy afternoons with my grandmother, baking cookies or making dandelion tea with freshly picked flowers.
The influence of these two incredible women shaped my kitchen approach….simple, heartwarming, and full of memories.
Resourceful Beginnings
As a young mom, budgeting was essential, so creativity became my best tool. I made it a goal to keep fresh fruits and vegetables on the table, experimenting with flavors and techniques to bring variety and balance to our meals without breaking the bank.
This spirit of experimentation is still at the heart of my cooking today.
My Cooking Philosophy
My cooking style doesn’t fit neatly into one word. I’d say I’m an experimenter at heart. I love trying new flavors, techniques, and ingredients, always finding ways to give traditional recipes a fresh twist.
I’m not a classically trained chef or baker; I’m simply someone who loves learning, exploring, and making food that brings people together. And if I can do it, so can you!
Whole foods and less-processed ingredients are my go-to, though I don’t follow strict rules. Creating from scratch feels more fulfilling, but I’m not averse to taking a shortcut with an occasional packaged food item.
And there’s still plenty of room for desserts in our home, ice cream being my personal kryptonite. Balance is key, and some days, fruit serves as the “dessert” to keep things light.
Specialties and Favorite Recipes
Choosing a favorite recipe is nearly impossible! But I can say I have a real soft spot for seafood, especially Mom’s bourbon glazed salmon.
And when it comes to sweets, my brown butter ice cream might just be my ultimate indulgence. I love working with unique ingredients, too.
Einkorn, spelt, and sprouted wheat flour have all found their way into my baking experiments, challenging me in the best ways.
The Blog Journey with Mom
When my mom and I started this blog together, it felt like we were capturing our kitchen adventures, turning them into an online journal to preserve our recipes and share what we love with others.
We’ve taken on projects we never anticipated, like making recipe videos and even writing a soup cookbook. It’s been a journey of learning and laughter, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
A Few Fun Facts
If I had to choose just five ingredients for the rest of my life, I’d pick salt, flour, butter, eggs, and cheese.
These staples are the foundation for so much….. pasta, sourdough, and even a simple brown butter sauce. And if I could add one more, it would have to be chocolate! I mean, who doesn’t need a little chocolate?
As a retired cardiac nurse, I spent 32 years in a career I loved, and now I enjoy having more time to focus on my family and this blog.
When I’m not in the kitchen, you’ll find me with a good book, soft music playing, or participating in a Bible study.
Looking Forward
Through this blog, I hope to bring joy and inspiration to our readers. I want to show that home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, and there’s always room for a little creativity.
So, whether you’re here for the desserts or the dinners, I hope you find something that brings you back to the kitchen.
You can read more about us here.
