I am from Brazil, but living in Utah. I love to cook, bake and decorate cakes; anything that means time creating in the kitchen.

I am married to an amazing man. He brightens my day. We have a son and 2 dogs at the moment!

How long have you been a Daring Baker/Daring Cook and what’s your favorite thing about being in the group(s) so far?

This is my fourth month as a Daring Baker. I have been loving my experience. I think that what I like the most is the sharing. Everyone is so nice and creative.

What’s your favorite kitchen gadget? How about your favorite kitchen appliance?

My favorite Kitchen gadget is my garlic slicer. I love how it shaves the garlic so thin. It makes delicious garlic chips to top any dish. My favorite kitchen appliance is my “fred” for the ones that don’t know, that is my Kitchen Aid

Are you known for making a certain dish or dessert? If so, what is it?

Yes. I love to bake cakes. I have this one cake that is a must for a couple of friends’ birthdays. It is a chocolate mousse cake (chocolate cake, topped with dark, white and milk chocolate mousse)so good…

Is there any recipe and/or technique that we haven’t covered yet that you’d really like to make/learn?

I haven’t been here for a while, but I have always wanted to bake some bagels. I have never tried it before and I think that would be fun. (blueberry bagels to be specific or Danish, yum cream cheese Danish!

Do you have a favorite movie? Book? Genre of music? Actor? Actress?

There are many favorites. Movies and Books: I like romance, drama and comedy. Music: Most favorites are Brazilian music (samba e pagode), and U2. Actor: Richard Gere (not much for his acting, but wow he looks good)

You’ve just won $5000.00!!! What would you spend it on?

On my Kitchen for sure!

What is the ultimate comfort food to you?

My mom used to make this amazing yellow rice, topped with a fried egg and fresh peas anytime I was sick. I always remember that when I think comfort. The other HAS to be CHOCOLATE

Which season (Winter, Summer, Spring, Fall) is your favorite.. why?

Spring

Other than cooking and/or baking.. what hobbies do you enjoy?

I play the piano, guitar. Paint ceramics, oil paint. Swimming. Watch movies. Go on walks…

How long have you been blogging? Do you like it? What’s your favorite post you’ve written?

I have been blogging for about 8 months now. I do love it. I think my favorite post is breaded egg plant. I just love this recipe!

What’s your favorite cookbook for desserts/baking? What’s your favorite cookbook for savory/cooking?

I would say for dessert: Chocolate. For savory: for now The Bread Baker’s Apprentice

Is there one food that you seriously dislike/hate? If so, which is it and why?

Green olives. I love the way they look and etc, but the taste just doesn’t quite match with me unless they are very well hidden.

What’s your favorite flower and/or plant?

Sunflowers

Do you have a favorite local restaurant? If so, why is it your favorite and what kind of food is served there?

There are many favorites. Brazilian food and Italian food usually make the top of the list.

Who taught you how to cook and/or bake?

My mom

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas. It is a great time to remember our Savior and we get to spend time with family and that means LOTS of time in the kitchen.

Reading any good books lately? Which ones?!

I just finished Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

You’ve had a rough week. How do you relax after a rough week?

Usually with a nice dinner out with my husband and a movie. Or baking some type of treats without interruptions (this usually means my husband took son and dogs on a LONG walk), listening to music, going for walks.

Where is your favorite vacation (holiday) destination?

It has been Brazil, mostly because my family is there. But someday I would love to go to Italy

What is your favorite cooking/food related magazine? Why?

America’s test kitchen. I love how they show why certain products work better for the recipe.

Do you have a food addiction?

Yes! Catupiry (special cheese from Brasil) and ice cream!

What did you eat for dinner last night? Did you prepare it or someone else?

We had pita chicken pizza. (homemade pizza bread, topped with cooked chicken, avocado, bacon and cheese

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate

What kind of colors do you like? Pastels? Earth tones? Brights? Neons? Etc.

Earth tones

If you had the choice of a free kitchen, bathroom, living room or bedroom makeover – which would you choose and why?

Kitchen. I really would like more counter space!

The Martha – Angel of Domestication or Minion of Evil? Why?

good question!

Do you watch any competitive cooking shows? Like Top Chef or Hell’s Kitchen? If so, which is your favorite and why?

Hell’s Kitchen. Sadly, I don’t get the other channels!

What’s your favorite “sweet” spice? How about your favorite “savory” spice?

Cinnamon and dill

If you could eat in any celebrity chef’s restaurant which restaurant would it be, and which chef owns it?

I think Gordon’s just to make sure that his food really is what he says it is!

What’s your favorite herb to cook or bake with? Do you prefer fresh or dried?

Fresh Basil

Is there one recipe on your blog that you would like to share with us? If so, leave the link here.

I love this one. It is one of my family favorites : Spirantelli

Do you have a time saving kitchen tip you’d like to share with us?

Loosely Plan your menus (that way you have space for creativity) and make more that you need! I love to cook with leftovers (some of my best dishes are with leftovers)

You can visit Alessandara on her blog howicook.com