Hello! My name is Melody :) I am 33, mom to a rambunctious 4 year old son, and wife to the absolute best husband ever! LOL :) Life is never dull or boring around here-- I organize a local playgroup, work as a nanny for a family, take Wilton cake decorating classes, scrapbook with the girls, and am the CFO of Domestic Affairs! And believe me when I say, I am never short of "official tasters" for my goodies. I cook every day for my family and frequently can be found baking "a little something" for them. Baking is such a joy for me and my love for others often takes shape in layers of cake and homemade buttercream. Not to mention pies, cookies, fudge, cupcakes, and more. I am living The Sweet Life!
1) What kind of cook/baker are you? Do you have any specialties? If so, what are they?
I do have a few specialties-- my Fettuccine Chicken Alfredo, Shredded Pork or Chicken Tacos, and Guiso de Puerco are some of my most requested dinners. I enjoy cooking and baking from scratch. I like using fresh, local ingredients. For baking, some of my specialties are my Derby Pie, Chocolate Bombe cake, Mexican wedding cookies, and my layered Strawberry & White Chocolate Cake.
2) What brings you to the community?
I am always in search of new favorite recipes. I especially like sites where others have posted reviews. It's nice to find a community of people who enjoy baking as much as I do! :)
3) Describe your kitchen in 5 words: Bright, Cozy, Clean, Inviting, Therapeutic
4) What kitchen appliance you can't live without: Big-- my stand mixer... Little-- measuring spoons. (Cooking is a an art, Baking is a science and requires exact proportions. Unless it's vanilla-- I never measure vanilla, just go by the smell! LOL)
5) Anything else to share?
Ok, here's five random things about me:
1. I read cookbooks like people read novels.
2. I bake cakes for sale.
3. I am left handed, which presents certain challenges when decorating cakes.
4. I refuse to make a fruitcake.
5. I have a cool trick for smoothing the tops and sides of my cakes.