1. What’s the story behind your cooking journey?
My journey to a healthy place with food was a challenging one, and I had to literally become a professional chef in order to unpack the mystery of healthy eating. Most people don’t need culinary school to improve their relationship with food on their own health and wellness journeys, but many folks would be well-advised to get outside their comfort zones with cooking so that they can enjoy the benefits of better understanding what they are putting into their bodies, and understanding that the ultimate answer to healthy living is to have a positive diet rather than viewing food as the enemy.
2. What’s the essence of your cooking?
My cooking is fundamentally based around letting high quality ingredients do their job in each dish.
I’m a bit of a culinary adventurer, so I don’t associate my cooking with any particular style of food. I have been trained in a variety of styles, and I’m always picking up new techniques and recipes. However, across virtually all cuisines, I find that you can cook cleaner, more delicious food if you really focus on the quality of each constituent ingredient to let it shine in the meal.
Once I nail down the high quality ingredients, I’m about matching the meal to the occasion. Warm and hearty meals on a cold winter day…. Fresh and bright foods for a spring BBQ…
3. Which is your most cooked dish?
My answer to this question depends on when you ask me and where you ask me! Because of my focus on high quality ingredients, I start planning my menus with what ingredients are in season and what the occasion is.
In summer, I love a simple heirloom tomato salad and grilling outside, preferably over a fire. In the winter, I tend to make lots of soups and curries.
4. What are your goals for the videos ?
To understand my goals, I need to give you the quick background of my own culinary journey. I was such a stereotype of a young model. I had a horrible relationship with food and body image… I knew virtually nothing about nutrition and I was so intimidated by cooking, so I made all the wrong choices. I had no idea how to get control of even my own healthy eating. I ran directly at my fear by getting two culinary degrees and becoming a professional chef.
So now I really want to help other people break down their fears of cooking, and to feel comfortable cooking. It’s so important for health, self-confidence, fiscal planning, etc. My videos are designed to be fun and accessible so that people can build up their own cooking skills from the comfort of their homes.
5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
I’ve always loved how Richard Simmons was for the people. His positive energy and uniqueness to be himself, has always inspired me. Anyone can be too cool, but it takes bravery to be yourself.
6. Last meal?
Sushi. While I like to cook for myself, I occasionally deserve a break too!
7. Your must have ingredient in your fridge/pantry.
High quality oils and spices.
8. A dish that brings you to your childhood.
I didn’t come from a household based around food, which is one of the reasons my culinary journey was so challenging. Maybe not the most elegant answer, but probably ice cream…
9. What’s the perfect pair to olive oil?
A great vinegar or great salt. That’s the foundation for so many amazing dishes.
10. How would you describe Psyche Organic Olive oil in one word?
Pure