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About

Hi, I’m Suzie

Hi! Nice to meet you! I'm a former professional cook turned laid-back home cook and avid gardener living in beautiful Sonoma County.

When I’m not working, cooking in my kitchen, or hanging in my garden, you can find me out on hiking trails or the golf course, soaking up the fresh air. I love spending quality time with friends and family....and, of course, I’m always on the hunt for new local foods and flavors to spark my next recipe idea.

My kitchen philosophy

I believe that gourmet can be simple and delicious, and it's always a little better when it includes something fresh. I can find a way to use a gremolata or chimichurri in just about anything.

Fresh herbs are a huge part of my cooking style. I grow them, dry them, and use them year-round. If you have a little space, or even just a couple of pots, you can too. There’s nothing quite like the flavor of homegrown dried oregano in a roasted tomato pizza sauce, or the first taste of fresh basil each spring. (And yes, basil flowers taste just like basil, so be sure to use those in salads!)

What got me into gourmet cooking?

As a kid, I was as picky as they come. It was almost impossible for my parents to get me to eat anything. My poor parents. Right after high school, I dove into culinary classes and soon realized that simple techniques, vibrant sauces, and the freshest ingredients can truly transform a dish. This revelation is what opened my palate and sparked my love for exploring every flavor....and my love of gardening.

What You’ll Find on This Website

In addition to simple gourmet recipes with a good mix of healthy and comfort foods, you'll find:

  • Seasonal recipes that make the most of what’s fresh like this asparagus with pistachio crumble or this peach and burrata salad.
  • Incredible homemade dressings like this ranch dressing and this blue cheese dressing.  Showstopping salads that turn simple ingredients into the star of the table like this steak salad or this harvest smoked chicken salad.
  • Simple tips to help you prep smarter, waste less, and finish a simple dish with added flavor and texture to make it extra special. Sometimes, it's just those finishing touches that make this dish.
  • Entertaining essentials that impress with minimal fuss.

A Little About My Background

My background is a bit of a flavorful mix. I spent over 7 years in the wine industry, working countless food and wine pairing dinners where I learned to match the flavor of wine with the flavors and textures of food.

I owned and operated a gourmet pizza shop for 10 years, where I developed recipes and systems to keep the kitchen running smoothly. I also studied horticulture and landscape design, worked in nurseries for 5 years, and ran a garden design business for 3.

These days, my biggest joy is growing what I cook: vegetables, herbs by the handful, and enough edible flowers to for garnishing my favorite dishes..because who doesn’t love a little flair?

Recipes by Category

A bowl full of green salad served with dressing on the side.
A jar full of salad dressing.
Bowl full of soup topped with bacon and cheese.
A plate of chicken served with a salad.
A cut loaf of bread served with butter.

Let’s Stay Connected!

The Virtual Caterer is a part-time project right now, but it’s something I’m pouring my heart into with the dream of turning it into a full-time space for food lovers like you.

If you're enjoying the recipes or finding inspiration here, I’d be so grateful if you'd sign up for the email list. It’s the best way to support what I’m building, and you’ll get fresh recipes, seasonal ideas, and exclusive extras straight to your inbox.

Your feedback matters too. Trying a recipe? Leave a comment and a rating to let me know how it went! Every bit of support helps me keep this space growing.

Thank you for being here; it means the world that you’ve taken the time to learn about me! 

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anita Papp

    November 15, 2024 at 5:22 am

    I love your website,awesome pictures,love all the details and step by step instructions. Thank you 😊

    Reply
    • Suzie J.

      November 16, 2024 at 7:10 am

      Aww thank you, Anita! Thanks for checking out my website! xo Suzie

      Reply
  2. Gail Greer

    January 29, 2023 at 6:35 am

    Hi Suzie,
    All the food looks so delicious, it’s going to be difficult deciding which recipes to select.
    Thanks for all the great suggestions and enjoy the game!

    Reply
    • Suzie J.

      February 01, 2023 at 2:41 pm

      Thank you so much, Gail! I hope you got to make something delicious or are getting good ideas for the Super Bowl. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Cheers!

      Reply
  3. Jennifer Macias

    August 05, 2021 at 7:21 pm

    Love your site and am so excited to try some of your recipes! Thank you for sharing them with all of us!!

    Reply
    • Suzie J.

      August 24, 2021 at 10:08 am

      Thank you - thanks for visiting! I'm happy you love my site and can't wait to hear how the recipes turn out. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Lorraine Brady Arthur

    July 05, 2021 at 9:08 am

    Hi Suzie!

    It was a treat to meet you this July 4th! I love your web site! I’ll have to soon try your recipes.

    Blessings,

    Lorraine Brady Arthur

    Reply
    • Suzie J.

      August 24, 2021 at 10:14 am

      Hi Lorraine! It was nice to meet you too and thanks for checking out my website! I love your website as well - your work is amazing!:)

      Reply

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As an Amazon associate, I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, but I only share products I truly think are worth it...and ones that make food more fun. I'm grateful for your support! ~Suzie

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