I'm the author of Tasting Club (DK, 2006), Williams-Sonoma; New Flavors for Salads (Oxmoor House, 2009), and a forthcoming slow cooker cookbook (The Taunton Press, 2013). I've been the "Taste Test" columnist for Everyday with Rachael Ray for over two years, and have written articles or developed recipes for 20 other publications, including Cooking Light, Parents, Fine Cooking, Coastal Living, Bon Appétit, and The Huffington Post. In addition, I'm a marketing writer, and have penned press releases, customer case studies, Web site copy, and marketing analyses for several companies, in the high-tech and food sectors.

My passion for food is also expressed through my art work and lectures: I paint still lifes of fruit, vegetables, and flowers on commission, and have conducted over 45 tastings (usually of chocolate) and talks nationwide. Previously, I taught over 100 cooking classes through my (former) culinary instruction business, Cooking by Heart.

Over 115 media outlets have covered my work. Just a few include Redbook, Real Simple, Every Day with Rachael Ray, The New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Post, "Fox" News in Boston and New York, and NPR.

Before embarking on my career in writing and teaching, I graduated from Columbia College, Columbia University (Anthropology/English Literature) and the Institute of Culinary Education Career program. I studied art at the Rhode Island School of Design and The Yellow Barn Studio and Gallery.

I live in Connecticut with my husband, two young sons, and lots of chocolates, teas, and spices.