I love food. 

And not just a little bit. But A LOT. 

I mean, I love food in a big way. 

I once considered leaving my boyfriend for a Whole Foods dark chocolate pecan pie. 

Having been raised in a homegrown, rooster worshiping, strawberry picking, sod-growing, churchgoing town in Central Florida, I’m no stranger to good cooking. One of my grandmothers is Martha-esque, firmly rooted and proficient in classics like made-from-scratch chicken pot pie, mashed potatoes, and gravy. My other grandmother is a little bit more like Julia, eclectic and unique – all the while attempting to teach me French words. My mom taught me how to cook with what we had, sometimes a lot, sometimes a little. 

Now in my mid-twenties, I realize it might be in my genes. Maybe it’s just an acquired passion. Perhaps it’s direction. 

But honestly, I. Love. Food. 

The first cookbook I ever bought for myself was Tyler Florence’s “The Ultimate” (2006, Potter). And the first thing I ever cooked out of it was Spaghetti Carbonara. Much to my dismay, I didn’t ruin it. Made for 5 of my friends, paired with lemon-steamed asparagus, and finished off with Vanilla Pots de Creme, I knew I was onto something. Fast forward a few years later, and here we are. 

Now, in General Norman Schwarzkopf’s old kitchen (not even joking, my bedroom closet is fireproof and has two locks on it!), living with 4 other girls in DC, working through graduate school, with a full-time job, the best friends I could ask for, and the most handsome, loyal, and honest taste tester in the world, I’m starting a new project – Sugar & Butter.