My name is Cole and I spend a lot of time in my cozy Californian kitch.

I joined the Daring Bakers in October 2009 and am having a lot of fun with the challenges so far. I don’t typically make a lot of sweets, so decided to join the group to learn new techniques and be inspired to make new things. My day job can be stressful, so I often spend nights and weekends chopping, cooking, and stirring my worries away. I typically cook for two: myself and my husband, JR. Our pug, Romeo, helps by keeping me company in the kitch and playing the role of vacuum cleaner, gobbling up any crumbs that make their way to the floor.

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

My favorite gadget is my garlic press – it gets a LOT of use. My favorite kitchen appliance is my immersion blender. I rescued it from my mother in law’s cupboard, where I think it had been since the 70’s. It makes pureeing soups and sauces so easy!

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

My friends poke fun at me for my obsession with kale. I could eat it every day of the week. Seriously. My favorite preparation is to put the chopped leaves of one bunch in a dry, covered pot. Allow it to steam until it turns bright green and is reduced by half. Add 2 cloves minced garlic, a splash of olive oil, and a splash of balsamic and stir and cook for another minute. The result is garlicky sweet kale. (yum!)

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

Two words: all clad.

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

Summer because of the bounty of beautiful fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from at the local farmers’ market. Being able to walk there in a sundress and flip flops is another plus.

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

I just celebrated the first birthday of cole’s kitch. It’s my creative outlet and it’s made me start to look at food in a whole new way (specifically, through the lense of a camera!). My current favorite post was written from my mom’s kitchen during the recent holiday season.

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

A big glass of red wine, pizza ordered in, eaten while lounging on the couch with my husband. One can’t cook every night, right?

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

Last night, I ate potato and leek frittata with a simple green salad. I love eggs for dinner.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate and red wine. But I try not to let it make me feel guilty.

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

My 30th birthday is coming up, and to celebrate three decades, my husband and I will be eating at The French Laundry, Thomas Keller’s restaurant in Napa. I am incredibly excited!

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

Repeat after me: butternut squash mac n’ cheese.

You can visit Cole on her blog Cole's Kitch