I am a native Californian on the verge of moving to Oregon. I am married with two kids...

...(15 & 18), and have a variety of interests that keep me busy.

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

I have been a lurker for too long, and plan on changing that once my move is complete. I love the variety of challenges, and the wide spectrum of finished product. It is great to see the different interpretations.

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

My favorite kitchen gadget is my Microplane grater/zester – I’m all about nutmeg and lemon zest these days. As for appliance, I’d have to say my KitchenAid stand mixer. I have one in Cobalt Blue & when/if it dies, I am going to get the Copper one. (I am also enamored with my new dehydrator.)

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

My friends expect all kinds of things, but lately I’ve been on a cupcake craze.

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

Baked Alaska. Tarte Tatin. Opera Cake. Princess Cake.

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

No favorite anything, really – I like some of everything. I tend to read a lot of cookbooks… even if I don’t make anything.

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

Vacation! And a double convection oven.

What is the ultimate comfort food to you?

Tomato soup and grilled cheese – made by my husband.

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

I’ve always been a fan of Spring and Fall – I like the feeling of change & the lack of extreme hot or cold. I did just realize though that I am still a big fan of summer. I attribute it to growing up in California. Nothing beats a warm breeze on a summer day, especially if you are at the pool or beach, and if there is something delicious on the grill.

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

Way too many. I am hoping that my move to Oregon will provide me with some much needed free time. I’ve got a garage full of projects that are waiting to be tackled. Quilting, photography, painting, stained glass, floral design, scrapbooking, etc.

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

I prefer the interactive nature of Livejournal and Facebook… but have somewhat recently started blogging using WordPress. I like being able to put photos and recipes in one spot, but I must admit that I am not very good at just (what seems like) writing to no one. I keep hoping it will grow on me.

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

Joy of Cooking, for both. I have a ton of cookbooks, but JoC has consistently given me workable, delicious recipes.

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

Sea urchin. (No need to explain that one, is there?)

What’s your favorite flower and/or plant?

Tuberose. The smell brings me right back to Hawaii every time.

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

My current favorite is a place called Espetus. It is a Brazilian steak house (churrascaria) located in San Francisco and San Mateo. The food is amazing! And it helps that it is served by a slew of cute Gauchos.

Who taught you how to cook and/or bake?

A variety of people, really. It started with my Mom, I suppose, and I’ve gathered more information and experience over the years from different sources.

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

Thanksgiving! My favorite meal of the year, and I love to share it with family and friends.

Reading any good books lately? Which ones?!

I am currently reading a handful of bread machine cookbooks. I also just finished a book about Merlin/Arthur.

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

Pedicure. Coffee with a friend. Movie. Nap. I tend to bake when I’m stressed, and I’m trying to find other *cures*.

Where is your favorite vacation (holiday) destination?

Beach or mountains. I went to Cabo with my sister a couple of years ago and that was great fun. I also love going to family reunion every year in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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

Cooks Illustrated. The writing is fabulous and the recipes are spot-on.

Do you have a food addiction?

Of course.

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

My husband made dinner… a veggie burger on a bagel-thin with avocado.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Starbucks.

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

Jewel tones. Ruby red, emerald green, etc.

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

Tough one… can I get a whirlpool bath in my kitchen?

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

I love Martha. Even more so after her stint in the Big House. She is a creative inspiration.

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

Current favorite is Chopped. I have fantasies about going on the show. Tried to like Cupcake Wars, but it’s a Chopped knock-off.

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

Can’t go wrong with cinnamon – my current favorite is Penzeys Vietnamese Extra Fancy. As for savory… I’ve got to go with chipotle powder. I add it to everything from breakfast eggs to chocolate cupcakes.

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

Paula Deen! Talk about comfort food! I’m not a big fan of mayonnaise, but Paula looks like a lot of fun.

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

Fresh basil. Lately I’ve taken to adding it to salads. Yum.

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

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage

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

Have someone else do the dishes – it saves a lot of time, and makes the whole kitchen experience more fun.

You can visit Carol on her blog 3 Stems / Jane of All Trades