Hello, Internet.

I am in my 4th year of college and my 2nd year of marriage. I've been studying music and cello performance in Wisconsin and I am almost done (yay!). Halfway through school I met my husband, Ben, and we were married 5 months later, no pregnancy involved. He's a very willing and hungry test-subject.

I decided to write this blog mostly as a way to share recipes with family and friends.
I've been finding that when people ask me how I am or what I've been doing, I talk about food. I like to tell people that I made wild mushroom pizza with a fontina-truffle sauce last night or share a recipe that I'm proud of. I like to tell people what they should be eating. By day, I'm a music student, but at 5:00 pm I am henceforth a CHEF. I love most any activity that involves me putting my hands into something sticky and messy and making something perfect from it. Cooking allows me to create something from start to finish every day, and the resulting sense of accomplishment is good for me.

Here are some things you should know about me:

I am very frightened of beans.
They're grainy. They're shiny. They have skin. I hate them.

Hard cheeses make my mouth itch, but I love them anyway.

I detest nuts in my baked goods.
I can't even tell you how many beautiful fudge brownies and carrot bars I've mutilated trying to pick those darn walnuts out.

I am suspicious of all leftovers.
I like the idea of leftovers. But regardless of how delicious something is the night I made it,
it's repulsive to me the next day. I have no idea why.

My recipes will ALWAYS allow for generous portions.
No worries, I'm here for you.

I am having a love affair with Steak. (Don't tell Ben.)
I recently came across a screamin' deal on whole beef tenderloins at my local grocery store. I bought three. Since then, I've been making steak once a week. I'm living the dream.

There are many combinations that can be made with butter, cream, and flour.
...And I love them all. Because of that, I will probably always be just a little bit fat,
but I'm okay with it. Real cooking is about making peace with yourself.

I am currently 10 days away from the end of the semester, and I can almost see the whites of exam-week's eyes. Recipes will follow.

Love,
Kirsten.