Embarking on this culinary journey together, I’d like to share a bit of my story and the flavorful path that has led me to these pages. I’m not just a cook; I’m a wife and a mother of two teenage girls. My husband and I hail from the heart of Alabama in the deep south, but our lives took an unexpected turn in our early twenties when we decided to make the majestic mountains of Colorado our home for over a decade.
My journey into the world of cooking began in college, and let me tell you, there were plenty of mishaps along the way. From culinary catastrophes to resounding successes, it was a learning curve that ultimately forged my love for the kitchen. Over the years, with patience and experience, I’ve crafted a diverse collection of recipes designed to tickle various taste buds.
Growing up, my dad was an incredible cook, and one of the most cherished gifts he and my step mother ever bestowed upon me was a personalized cookbook filled with their favorite recipes. Many of these gems will find their way onto the pages of this blog, connecting us through the magic of shared family traditions.
When we made the move to Colorado, we found ourselves fortunate to have a dear friend, Bruce Ganoung, a trained chef, who shared the art of cooking with me. His mentorship was an invaluable gift, providing me with a treasure trove of techniques and styles that have continued to shape my culinary adventures.
Before parenthood, one of my favorite pastimes was hosting dinner parties. These weren’t your uptight, formal gatherings, but rather themed potlucks that encouraged exploration. Our friends introduced us to various diets, foods, and traditions that were entirely outside of our comfort zones. With friends ranging from vegetarians to those with food intolerances of all kinds, we were determined to ensure everyone felt welcome at our table. Adapting our dishes to meet these needs became a rewarding challenge.
In a twist of fate, I recently discovered that I, too, have some gluten issues. Many of my favorite recipes are pasta-based or include sauces thickened with flour. Fortunately, the world of gluten-free options is vast. I’ve turned to all-purpose gluten-free flour to create my roux, and there’s a wide selection of gluten-free pasta that has even won over my discerning children.
Yet, as any parent knows, when kids enter the picture, experimenting with flavors and ingredients often gives way to a few trusted, go-to recipes that everyone will happily devour without a fuss. This status quo endured for some time until, about a year ago, I decided it was high time to rekindle my culinary curiosity. I introduced concepts like “Meatless Mondays” and the thrill of trying a brand-new recipe every week. Admittedly, not every dish was a triumph, but this new approach breathed life back into our meals. The kids embraced new flavors, and our family started eating healthier as a result.
As you flip through the recipes in this book, you’ll find a wide spectrum of flavors and dishes. From soul-satisfying slow cooker recipes to the delicate nuances of Italian, French, Asian, and Southern cuisine, there’s something here to delight every palate. My hope is that you derive as much pleasure from experimenting with these recipes as I have in creating them. Thank you for taking the time to explore my blog, and welcome to the culinary adventure!
Grateful Grits 