I grew up in Harrisburg, Pa in a loving family. My parents owned a bakery when I was young. My mom always cooked well balanced home cooked meals and we sat as a family at the dinner table every night. My mother also entertains and cooks delicious food for people to enjoy and is always up for making a meal (or a pie - her specialty) for anyone in need. I lived in Philadelphia for 8 years and was exposed to a whole wonderful world of exceptional food that really kick started my passion to experiment. These things are what I consider the basis of where my love of food started. I love to feed people and see them get that warm fuzzy feeling inside. CUPCAKES! I also love making cookies. and pies. I really love to bake but love cooking too. I just love the nostalgia of it all and creating new memories with great people and great food. I especially love the comfort of soup or a warm meal on a cold winter day. Cooking with fresh, local, in season ingredients is important to me. My favorite is as simple as a fresh pot of pop corn made on the stove by the best grandma in the world (mine, of coarse) during a Friday or Saturday night sleep over. Thanksgiving (love the warm feelings and togetherness)! Of coarse the Christmas cookie baking and decorating. I love that my mom always makes something special for EVERY holiday - weather its a huge holiday dinner or a green pistachio bunt cake for St Patricks day.