I’m a self-taught cook who enjoys cooking for my family and friends. I’m the daughter of a Swedish-German Mom who was raised on a farm and was a simple cook. However, she was never afraid to try a new recipe she found in a magazine.

I started cooking in my early 20s and have always enjoyed being adventurous with flavors and different cuisines, but I will admit that Italian is my absolute favorite. Lucky for me my brother married a girl who is 100% Italian and I’ve learned some tricks by watching her cook.

I have cooked for our family, friends, and strangers for all of my adult life. The recipes I create are based on what tastes good to me and what my family likes. I typically give options for switching out flavors or ingredients to make a dish your own.

At home now it’s just “Handy” and me so I have many recipes that are cooking for two and/or cooking a recipe that we can freeze half for a later ‘ready to eat’ meal.

I dream that this space will be a place for new cooks to learn new things and experienced cooks to find inspiration and cook along with me.

Small Secret: I don’t bake much at all. You have to be precise to bake well and that’s just not my style. However, I’m not afraid to learn so we can learn together as I try my hand at baking in my Small House Kitchen.