Do you have any secret tools in the kitchen, anything that you could
never live with out? My two favorite (simple) tools include my citrus hand
press/juicer and citrus zester. I’m obsessed with all things citrus, and I find a
high percentage of my recipes always include a touch! My absolute favorite
(not so simple) tools would definitely be my Vita-Mix blender and my Breville
juicer. They are both so fantastic. I’m especially in love with the Vita-Mix. You
can blend anything with that device!
If you could change anything about your kitchen, what would it be?
I would add more counter space. I love my kitchen and enjoy spending time in
the space even when I’m not cooking, but it would be wonderful to have more
workspace. It seems I never have enough room to accommodate everything
in an orderly fashion! I enjoy placing all of my measured ingredients out in
beautiful bowls, trays, and jars before I get started on a dish or recipe. I need
to be inspired by the details from start to finish.
What do you always have stocked in your kitchen? Any specific
products you always want to have on hand? I always have really good
salt in my pantry. I like an assortment of salts ranging from pink to smoked…
I can’t get enough! I also always need fresh lemons and vanilla beans. These
are two things I adore and like to keep stocked at all times.
What’s your go-to dish to make at home? I’m obsessed with my
cauliflower soup. The recipe is so very simple and it requires minimal prep
time and ingredients. It also never fails to impress! In the summer I enjoy
making delicious salads with tomatoes from my own garden. This is so
satisfying and rewarding and even better when I can use my basil to create
a delicious pesto dressing.
What was your most nightmarish kitchen situation? Any major
catastrophes? No major catastrophes–thankfully–but I have enjoyed many
small catastrophes! I tend to enjoy a little too much multitasking, so I have a
history of forgetting something is in the oven or on the stovetop simmering.
Unfortunately I have lost many a good dish due to this habit, but I’m trying
to get better at staying focused and staying in the moment when I’m in the
kitchen! One of my funniest kitchen moments is when I first tackled a vegan,
raw food cookbook. It was filled with really exotic recipes and I decided I
would attempt one of the most complicated on my first try at raw food! It
was a disaster: I spent probably six hours in the kitchen grating, chopping,
marinating, blending, etc., and the final result was really disappointing.
I was also too exhausted to even eat the food. That was a good lesson in
remembering to stay away from overly complicated recipes. Simple is always
best and I believe fewer ingredients means a better, tastier meal!
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what
would it be? Probably avocado! I’m obsessed with the avocado and when
you know more about this amazing food you can use it in so many unique
recipes. I just love it sliced with sea salt, lime, and fresh pepper. That’s just
heavenly in my opinion. And it’s insanely good for your body—so what’s not
to love!
Are there any foods you can’t stand?
I’m not a fan of melon or anything fermented. I’m
completely depressed by cantaloupe and can’t
understand the desire to eat watermelon. I’m bored
after the first few bites! I find anything fermented
instantly repulsive and just can’t go there!
What does home cooking mean to you?
Home cooking, in my opinion, is anything you
create from scratch with your tools, your
ingredients, and your love! There is nothing more
rewarding or relaxing than spending time in my
kitchen on a weekend morning or lazy afternoon.
Some of my favorite life moments include summer
afternoons in the kitchen with the doors and
windows opening onto my garden. I always feel at
peace and insanely blessed when I’m chopping a
tomato from my own backyard or sipping a glass of
wine as I work on a lovely recipe for hours. This is
meditation and bliss!
Check out
Matthew’s new
book, Inspired
Weddings, a truly
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not only for those
planning weddings
but for anyone who
wants to throw
a party.
