Do you have any secret tools in the kitchen, any
thing that you could never live without?
I’m quite fond of my little Bialetti Moka stovetop espresso
maker. Ever since visiting Italy, coffee just doesn’t have the
same unique charm or taste as making it in one of these little
gems. I also love my George Foreman Grill–it may sound
funny, but I make some killer marinated and grilled artichokes
on there!
If you could change anything about your kitchen,
what would it be?
That’s easy–everything! It’s 1930s yellow and burgundy tile, so
I’d rip that out pronto (if I owned this house) and put in all white
subway tile. I’d add lots of white open shelving and natural
wood counter tops. Perhaps a white wood floor too. I love a
white kitchen–the food always looks fresher surrounded by all
that white!
What do you always have stocked in your kitchen?
Any specific products you always want to have
on hand?
I always have fresh virgin olive oil–I cook with it and make
fresh salad dressings daily with it. Sea salt too–I’m kind of a salt
addict, so I may as well use the good stuff. I grow potted fresh
herbs on my kitchen counter. I get lots of natural light so they do
well, and I can just clip fresh cuttings for seasoning
and dressings.
What’s your go-to dish to make at home?
For myself, I grill a lot of fresh salmon and make a cucumber
dill salad to go with it. Or, if I’m really busy (i.e. lazy), I throw
a combination of things in a casserole and slow cook it. A
favorite is chicken breasts, fresh-squeezed orange juice,
green Castelvetrano olives, garlic, basil, oregano, and capers.
I have no recipe, I just throw it all in there and let it simmer. It’s
comfort food.
What was your most nightmarish kitchen situation?
Any major catastrophes?
I have a tough time with fondue. I tried to make cheese fondue
for my New Year’s party, and it literally looked and tasted like
glue. It was a disaster. Even the clean up was a nightmare.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your
life, what would it be?
Can it be two things? Sushi and French Fries.
Don’t miss Victoria’s blog, sfgirlbybay.com
I LOVE cooking. It’s relaxing, and I
LOVE TO COOK for other people.
I think for me IT MEANS
COMFORT and having the
people you love around for GREAT
CONVERSATION & FUN.
Are there any foods you can’t stand?
I’ve recently decided I don’t really like plain old green beans.
I like French Haricot Verts–the skinny ones. But plain green
beans are boring and flavorless. I’m also not a big fan of ground
meat. I like it when it’s been shaped into a hamburger patty
or a meatball, but loose meat is not for me–like in Shepherd’s
Pie. Bleck.
What does home cooking mean to you?
I love cooking. It’s relaxing, and I love to cook for other people.
I’m not always great about cooking a good meal for myself, but
when other people are coming over I go to town. I think for me it
means comfort and having the people you love around for great
conversation and fun.
