Hi! Welcome to my Kitchen - I'm so glad that you've found me here.
A self-taught cook, I grew up watching my mom cook wonderful meals and desserts surrounded by large family gatherings. I fondly remember pie-making at the kitchen table where mom would give my sister and I some dough to roll out into our own masterpieces. I was always mesmerized by how my mom could flip that pie shell into a plate and twirl her fingers to make the edges look so pretty.
The earliest memory that I have about cooking on my own is with my Easy Bake Oven - and I still have it!! My mother’s family is French Canadian and celebrated holidays with delicious traditional French Canadian cuisine. My dad’s family lived on a dairy farm and I can best describe my grandmother’s cooking as the best comfort food I’ve ever had.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention my Dad's cooking as well - famous for his 'cheese houses' and grilled cheese sandwiches he was more of a taste-tester in our home than a cook. But a darned good one! He's a master carpenter and does amazing work.
Tim’s family has an English background and I was introduced to his family traditions over the years. So, if you can picture Tourtiere meat pies with English trifle and plum puddings galore, that is how our table looked.
I look forward to sharing tried and true family recipes with all of you as well as newly developed recipes that are tested until perfect.
We moved back to my hometown, Vankleek Hill, ON on February 15, 2020. To read about our beautiful town, have a look at the town's website.
I met my husband Tim on the internet in 1996 - yeah we were pioneers of online dating :).
I couldn't for the life of me find a photo of the two of us where I wasn't wearing sunglasses!
Together, we lived in Hamilton, ON for 23 years (with a bit of moving around for work thrown in)
We have amazing 13 year old twin boys Troy and Austin.
That is Troy on the left with a bit of a scratch on his cheek from a wrestling match with our yellow lab Zoe. Identical twin brother, Austin on the right. We are SO blessed to have these amazing boys in our life. Life is certainly never boring 🙂
Along with our German Shepherd, Dallas and Yellow Lab, Zoe we are discovering a more peaceful rural life in Vankleek Hill.
Zoe Dallas
I recently left a hectic big box retail management position. Working 5 to 6 days a week with long hours at times. Meals were quick and easy most days and I am grateful that my husband Tim is a great cook who loves to experiment with mixing flavours.
When I’m not in the kitchen, I love the outdoors and being in nature. Our new property has a four acre bush to explore. I can’t wait to get started on a kitchen garden and I look forward to telling you about that journey. I also enjoy binge-watching on Netflix and spending time with family.
Where did the 'she's not cooking' come from? Stay posted....that story's coming soon 🙂
I would love to see the food that you’re making if you would tag @shesnotcookin in your Instagram photos and stories!
I would love to hear from you!
It would really mean a great deal to me if you would let me know what you think about a recipe once you've made it.
Each post has a section at the bottom for comments.
Let's be friends.....
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