About Pat

Growing up as the fourth of six children, I was no stranger to a busy kitchen. My mother’s cooking was practical and budget-conscious, a necessity with a large family.

It wasn’t until junior high that I got a true taste of kitchen independence when my sister and I were tasked with having dinner ready by the time our mom returned from work. Together, we learned the basics, shared laughter, and maybe strayed a bit from Mom’s expectations, but every meal was a memorable adventure.

Later, with a family of my own, my interest in food deepened. Thanks to a subscription to the Time-Life cookbooks, I ventured into world cuisine.

Each new cookbook sparked excitement; with my two oldest kids, I explored Germany’s Sauerbraten and Sweden’s yellow pea soup, bringing the flavors and cultures of distant places into our home. I believe this early exposure to diverse foods is why my children grew up open to new tastes, a gift I treasure.

Cooking Philosophy: Fresh, Simple, and Full of Heart

Over the past decade, my approach to cooking has evolved significantly. Where I once relied on convenience ingredients, I’ve since shifted to cooking with fresh, whole foods, avoiding additives whenever possible.

I still love traditional techniques like oven braising and stovetop simmering, even with modern tools available. My slow cooker and rice kettle are the few modern additions I truly enjoy, but I hope classic cooking methods will never go out of style.

Favorite Recipes & Signature Dishes

If I had to pick a family favorite, it would be my braised Greek lamb shank, a wonderful recipe with several versions on the blog. And while I love experimenting with new ingredients, a few things don’t make it onto my shopping list often (sorry, cauliflower and eggplant!).

Desserts hold a special place in my heart, with my chocolate amaretto mousse topping the list for its creamy, fluffy decadence. I enjoy a bit of everything, and each dish feels special in its way.

Embracing the Blogging Journey

When Dahn first suggested we start a blog, I was hesitant. But once I took the plunge, I found a new passion. My head was soon filled with recipes, photo ideas, and ways to share food with others.

Blogging allowed me to share my love for cooking in ways I never imagined, and it became something more than a hobby…. it was an outlet for creativity and connection. Working on projects together, from a soup cookbook to festive holiday recipes, has created countless memorable moments.

A Few Fun Facts

If I could only cook with five ingredients for the rest of my life, I’d pick fresh fruits, vegetables, fish or shellfish, bread, and a good butter. They’re simple but satisfying.

And for fun: yes, I’m 84 years young and still going strong! When I’m not in the kitchen, I enjoy time with my husband of 60 years, who has been the most patient taste-tester I could ask for.

I also gather twice a month with dear friends from church, a time to connect, study the Bible, and share a homemade treat (or two).

Looking Ahead

I hope our readers savor every recipe, embracing each one with joy. Though I may take a step back in the years to come, the creativity and connection I’ve found through blogging will always be a part of me. And as long as there are new recipes to try, I’ll be here, adding my own twist to each one.