CHILDHOOD
Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around food: large family dinners in celebration of holidays, birthdays, and life in general; walking into my Bubbie and Zaidy’s (Grandparents) home and being greeted by freshly baked sugar cookies; and most importantly, cooking with my Grandparents.
My Maternal Grandparents fled with family from Poland in the Second World War. They brought their traditions, culture, and love of food with them. Growing up, I was immersed in Ashkenazi food traditions by my Mother’s side of the family, and fed hearty German food by my Father.
LATER YEARS
As a teenager, I grew up working at an Italian cultural centre and fitness facility, and soon developed a love of all things carb filled and Italian.
Later, after I graduated law school and met my husband, my Sri Lankan Mother in Law introduced me to her amazing curries: I knew I had to add them to my repertoire as well!
TRAVEL
I haven’t had the opportunity to travel nearly as much as I’d like, but I have had the privilege of visiting a number of countries outside of Canada. My favourite trip has to have been our honeymoon in Italy. It was two weeks of amazing history, culture, and food. We ate constantly, and from the phenomenal cappuccinos, biscotti, and gelato, to the beautiful pastas, pizza, and wine, I was in heaven!!
I’ve also had the opportunity to picnic under the Eiffel tower with one of my dearest friends, her husband and mine, sample tapas in Barcelona, amazing steak in Chicago, seafood chowder with fresh lobster at my best friend’s wedding weekend in PEI, and amazing Sri Lankan curries with my children, husband, and his extended family during our three week trip. As you can tell, my vacations always revolve around food.
BUSY LIFE AND FOOD
Like many of you, I lead a busy life. Some nights I cook up an elaborate meal with freshly made pasta, and a long simmering sauce, while other nights I grab a box of De Cecco from the cupboard and defrost some homemade bolognese. I believe that food doesn’t need to take hours to taste delicious. I love feeding family and friends as much as I enjoy eating, and I rejoice whenever a new recipe meets with approval. To me, cooking is a form of self expression, and food is love. I hope when you recreate my recipes, you will feel the same!
QUICK FACTS
FAVOURITE CUISINE
My favourite cuisine above all else is Italian. Whenever there is an occasion to celebrate, I always choose one of my favourite local Italian eateries: Seven Numbers, Piano Piano, or Gusto 101. My husband and I had our first date at an Italian restaurant, and our honeymoon was in Italy.
FAVOURITE FOODS
My favourite foods are pasta, fresh bread, and cheese (although I’ve never developed a taste for blue cheese). My favourite desserts are made with dark chocolate, and some day I hope to master homemade pain au chocolate and French macarons.
FAVOURITE COOK BOOKS
My favourite cookbooks are Eataly, Bobbette and Belle: Classic Recipes From the Celebrated Pastry Shop, and anything by David Rocco.
FAVOURITE TV SHOWS
My favourite tv shows are science fiction, fantasy, and period dramas. Some of my recent favourites have been Peaky Blinders, Altered Carbon, and Away. I also love Star Trek and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. My favourite show in a long time has been Schitt’s Creek.
FAVOURITE MOVIES
My favourite movies are the same genres as my favourite shows. I love all the movies in the Marvel Universe, the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice (with Colin Firth, of course!), and the Harry Potter series to name a few.
MY FAMILY
My family is the most important thing to me. I have two amazing kids and a great husband and we’re all in this blog together. I’m the cook in the family, of course, but my husband handles almost all of the photography, editing, and website tasks. Though, I must admit, the photography side is growing on me as well! My children are my harshest food critics, and they won’t hesitate to say if they don’t like something. Thankfully, my son is a great eater and will at least try most foods. My daughter…. not so much. I promise you that if a meal makes it to the blog, it has passed the family food test so you know it’s good!
MY VISION
I chose the site name Cooking with Carbs because I love Carbs! That should be no surprise. On this site you will certainly find some of my favourite carb filled dishes, including various desserts, pastries and home made pasta. But beyond that, I include anything I make and enjoy.
I hope you enjoy my recipes. Please let me know if you make something, and leave feedback in the post comments!