About the Author

One of my favorite authors, Henry Miller, once described his love for food in The Tropic of Cancer as an obsession: “‘Life,’ said Emerson, ‘consists in what a man is thinking all day.’ If that be so, then my life is nothing but a big intestine. I not only think about food all day, but I dream about it at night.” I believe that I share Miller’s sentiments; one should worship food with great intensity and fervor.

Food has the ability to inspire in us a sense of creativity that is unmatched by any of the Arts, probably because good food is incredibly rewarding. When you cook a fantastic meal not only are you satisfied but your guests are relieved. There is no such thing as controversy in cooking– food is either mouth-watering or fed to the dogs.

Although I am a culinary novice, I still derive great pleasure in cooking and creating new dishes. I am a 22-year-old graduate student at the University of Virginia, studying English, and I enjoy entertaining my friends by cooking meals they wouldn’t necessarily make for themselves. I believe cooking and eating is a gift best shared with those important to you. Nothing says, “I’m thinking of you,” like an unexpected box of cupcakes. Food is comforting and emotional and is tied heavily to tradition. I cannot eat a bowl of oatmeal without remembering how, as a little girl, my mother would transform my breakfast into a sunflower by placing sliced bananas around the bowl and filling the center with chocolate chips.

I want to use this forum as a learning experience for both me and readers. It is important to be open-minded, take risks, and most important, learn from one’s mistakes. I hope through my trials I can create an avenue for more imaginative and more delicious dishes for us to relish.

Best of luck,

Frances

fcschoeller@gmail.com