Why I Cook the Way I Do

Why I Cook the Way I Do

A deep love for good food was planted early. I grew up surrounded by the rhythms of growing, preserving, and preparing food—thanks to my grandmother, who canned, pickled, and cooked from her garden as far back as I can remember.

Later, living in Europe as a young adult, that early connection blossomed into a passion. I fell in love with high-quality ingredients, the joy of cooking for others, and the creativity of combining textures, flavors, and colors.

When I shifted to a vegan lifestyle, I had to relearn much of what I knew in order to nourish myself well. What began as a personal health decision has since evolved into a deeper commitment to animal welfare and environmental care. Today, plant-based cooking isn’t just about what’s on the plate, it’s about purpose, creativity, and believing that if more of us embraced plants, the world would be a better place.