I was born and raised in Ohio and moved to New York when I was nineteen years old to become a nanny.

I just recently graduated college and I’m looking to go back and get my Masters in Communication. I’m also a nanny to a wonderful eight year old girl and live with a fantastic boyfriend (who does the laundry!!!) and our two beautiful cats Jolie and Nermal.

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

May 2009 was my first challenge. My favorite thing about the group is how encouraging everyone is of everyone else. I also love being able to network with other people and bloggers who love food as much as I do

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

I started blogging in February of 2009 and I absolutely love it and I’m so glad I started. It has been a great outlet and big stress reliever. I also love that you get to “meet” so many other bloggers and everyone is so supportive of each others blogs. My favorite post I made was “Pudding: A boyfriend substitute” I loved this post because:

• It was chocolate and super easy!
• It tasted even better the next day!
• My boyfriend came home the day after I made it

Where do you like to vacation/go on holiday the most?

I love Europe and my favorite country is Germany. I have spent a lot of time in Heidelberg and I’m totally in love with the city. My favorite place to stay while in Heidelberg is Hackteufel Hotel because it’s right in the center of the old town, has a fantastic restaurant downstairs and has a really good morning breakfast. My favorite thing to eat at the restaurant is the pork tenderloin with mushrooms in cream sauce with homemade spaetzle….amazing!

What is the ultimate comfort food to you?

In the winter my favorite comfort food is pot roast cooked all day with carrots, mushrooms, potatoes and onions. In the summer I’m a sucker for my Dad’s homemade Korean short ribs. He lets them marinade for almost a week and by the time they get cooked they are so flavorful and super delicious. I also love how the ribs get a little charred from being cooked on the grill. We usually serve them with garlic butter potatoes that we wrap in foil and cook on the grill and do the same thing with quartered cabbage too.

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

I’m known as the dessert queen. If there is a family gathering everyone knows that I’m in for a dessert. I have made a lot of yummy things over the years but the one request I get every year is buckeyes at Christmas time. If you don’t know what a buckeye is its peanut butter, butter and powered sugar mixed together and then rolled into a small balls and dipped in chocolate. They are so delicious and have been a family, and Ohio, classic since way before I was born.

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

I love the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) restaurants. They have three different restaurants, Escoffier (French), American Bounty (American) and Caterina de’ Medici (Italian). I have eaten at all three and they are out of this world. The menu changes each season and I have never had a bad meal there. The last time I was there I had wild boar raviolis in mostarda sauce. Super yummy! I’m also really fond of this small restaurant in Poughkeepsie called “Andy’s Place” because they have really good chili.

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

Hands down my favorite season is Fall. I love being able to run around in my hoodies and the foliage is absolutely gorgeous on the East Coast.

You’ve just won $5000.00!!! But it comes with some stipulations…you can’t spend it on your kids or your significant other! This is all YOURS. What would you spend it on? (we’re also going to fantasize that you have no bills whatsoever! Woo!! Hehee)

I would go on a cruise. I already have my dream cruise picked out (121 days around the world) but since I still wouldn’t have enough money to take that cruise I would settle on a nice two week cruise to someplace warm and sunny.

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

I love reading, organizing, crocheting, watching hockey (Go Devils!), playing board games (Carcassonne & Ticket to Ride) procrastinating and making wish lists.

You can visit Brandy on her blog Nutmeg Nanny