from: https://cocoaandlavender.com/abou

Originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I have also lived in Upstate New York, and Southern Maine; my current home is Tucson, Arizona, in the beautiful Sonoran Desert. I love to travel – whether instate, across the United States or around the globe – and eating local foods in regional styles as I travel is de rigueur.

My love of food goes back to my childhood and my mother’s amazing cooking. I was very fortunate to grow up in a home where good food – truly great food – was an everyday experience, though never taken for granted. I remember my mother subscribing to Gourmet Magazine in the 70s and we would sit down together and decide what sounded good – something “we” would like to try.
By education, I am a musician – a classical bassist who once played in a professional symphony orchestra. My love of food combined with my frugal musician’s budget was a great way to learn how to cook well once I was on my own – and to continue eating like I did at home. I am of the firm belief that sharing a meal with friends around the table is one of life’s greatest pleasures.