And so it begins…

I thought it would be nice to share a little about myself and what brought me to this project. Let's start with the great food. Always a good place to begin I think.

My most vivid memories as a child, a young adult and then as a mother, are the ones that are connected to a moment in time created through the preparation and sharing of a meal.

When I was a little girl, cooking was magical. From my spot on the kitchen counter, I was instantly drawn to the transformation of ingredients as they became the meal my father would prepare for our family. Over the years he was to impart much wisdom to me through the art of the meal, drawing from what he learned when cooking for himself as a student on a Fulbright scholarship in Montpelier, France,

I am now much like my father was in many ways. I am a self-taught cook and enthusiastic foodie. My three daughters have spent many hours in the kitchen with me watching, helping and tasting. Today, while we are still creating new culinary memories each time we are together, they have become the authors of their own beautiful, unique food stories.

Now, let's talk about wine. Yay! As with my love of good food, my interest in wine grew out of many experiences traveling and of course, cooking and sharing bottles with friends and family. While researching and enjoying a good bottle of wine is not new for me, I am now fully on the path to becoming a certified wine educator and consultant through WSET, the Wine and Spirits Education Trust out of London. I have progressed through the various levels and will begin the final Diploma level this fall.

It is here at Andrea’s Kitchen and Garden that I am excited to share what I know, continue to learn and love about food and wine and creating wonderful memories and moments with all the best people.

Enjoy three of my favorite recipes this week! Wine Braised Chicken, Bacon, Cheddar and Onion Quiche and Summer Tomato, Basil and Brie Pasta Sauce.

Cheers!