From a young age, I’ve felt an undeniable pull toward food and cooking. Some of my earliest memories involve picking blueberries from my vovó’s (grandmother’s) lush blueberry bushes, then watching her turn them into a juicy blueberry pie or a delightful crumb cake. My childhood fascination made me a constant presence in her kitchen, always eager to assist with any task. Among the 12 grandchildren on my mom’s side, I stood out with my unique passion for cooking. I have since inherited many of my vovó’s beloved cooking utensils and often reminisce about the lessons she taught me while cooking together.

The Feast & Fettle Cookbook (Countryman Press, 2023) is excerpted with permission.