When I was growing up, our home seemed to always be the place friends would gather.  Perhaps this was because I was one of five energetic daughters whose parents valued living life in community, or maybe it was because my mom always had the best snacks!  Regardless, I learned to appreciate the value of a table that always had room for an unexpected guest, and a home which was a safe place to share life together.

Today, these values are expressed in how I choose to spend my time.  Professionally, I am a Realtor, and experience tremendous joy in helping a client move on to their next chapter.  My husband and I are privileged to have a home that’s a refuge, a place where friends can gather for a simple meal.

Why the blog?  I have a collection of old copper pots that remind me of the ageless beauty of a hearty meal shared with loved ones, and thought it would be fun to tell a few of their stories.

Here are a few of my favorite things to have around the kitchen:

• salt & pepper mills
• cloth napkins
• aluminum trays
• extra-wide, heavy duty foil
• parchment paper
• I sharpen my knives every other week
• fun apron
• variety of homemade stock in pint containers in the deep freeze
• olive oil, and extra virgin olive oil on stand-by next to the range
• large stack of kitchen towels

Things I can do without:

• olives (honestly, I’ve TRIED to like them!)
• I’ll let you know when I come across something else

Biggest influences, in order of appearance

• Alton Brown – because of his food science. Who else could do a whole show about something as simple as milk??
• Molly Stevens – because my husband likes her food so much, it’s good for my sex life.
• Cooks Illustrated – because I’m a gear girl and I like my equipment and recipes tested
• Julia Child – because she influenced all of the people who influenced me (and she grew up in my neighborhood here in Pasadena)
• Thomas Keller – even though it takes at least 2 days to make any of his recipes!
• Food & Wine magazine – love their innovative recipes
• Honorable mentions … Anthony Bourdain, Nigella Lawson, Bobby Flay, David Tanis, Julee Rosso, A16 restaurant, Julienne’s restaurant, and Epicurious.com

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