How We Came To Be

How we came to be The Country Cook's Across America......
 
Y'all have heard the saying" I had an Aha Ha! moment"--That is just what happened. I have always wanted to travel across America. Stopping here and there. Finding new friends along the way. Being able to sit on a front porch lending a hand in snapping fresh green beans. Find that perfect homemade jam recipe that's been passed down from generation to generation.  I had to find a way to make that happen with out leaving my family and home.

*Here is that BIG Ahh Ha!*
What started out as a way of organizing my own recipes, quickly became a hunt for finding  recipes with different flavor's  mixed with that Country comfort.
 I sent out a plea asking for several Country Cooks who would like to join in on a journey.
 By putting our minds, talent's and of course recipes together
to create a Country Cookbook.
Well we have the "Cream of the Crop"!
What I like to call Down Hometown, Fun, Talented Gal's.
I am so Proud and Honored to introduce to you...

THE COUNTRY COOKS ACROSS AMERICA

Lark -------------Nevada

Marsha ---------------Ohio

Mary Elizabeth ------------New York

Here they are to introduce themselves...

Hi Y'all! We're so glad you're here, and are so excited to meet you!
 Come on in, take a seat, and meet each of the Country Cooks.

Lark
Author/ Creator of Lark's Country Heart

I was born & raised in a very small town, and I have been married for soon to be 16 years.
 We have been blessed with 1 child, our daughter Jessica will be turning 14 this year.
 Once I was married & planning a family of my own, I knew I wanted the "small town life" for my child as well. My husband and I have never regretted that decision.

I started blogging in 2009, with hopes of getting all my personal recipes typed up. While that has helped, now blogging means a whole lot more. I really enjoy meeting new friend's across the Nation/World and sharing recipes and stories.

I have many hobbies I enjoy; Running Marathons, making crafts, shopping and of course Baking and Cooking up a storm. I love to see the finished product of something I have made. Giving away something I have made, is like giving myself a gift. I love meeting new people, reading inspiring stories and making people laugh. I believe in: Family, Church, Friends, Country, Charity and in "paying it forward". Some of my favorite things are: Mexican food, Cheesecake, Shoes, Jewelry and anything that has "Bling". I have always wanted to travel back East to visit Amish Country. I think they are some very talented people. I would love to stay & learn how to quilt and bake like they do. The least likely thing you will find me doing is.....DUSTING!

 



Marsha
Author/Creator of The Better Baker

I live in NW Ohio with my beloved high school sweetheart. We’ve been married over 43 years and are still crazy in love. I’m Mom to 3 great adult children, and Nana to 8 beautiful grands. It’s true…Grandchildren do make life GRAND. My sweetie is retired military and 100% disabled because of Agent Orange after 3 tours of Vietnam. Because of his many health issues, I try to use healthy ingredients in the kitchen and am excited to be able to share my testings and delicious recipes with all of you. When folks have commented to me by saying I’m a good cook, my favorite response has always been “But I’m a Better Baker”. How I love living up to my name!

After having had several recipes published in the national publication, The American Profile, I was encouraged to have my own cookbook. I’m living in the Land of Dreams Come True as my first cookbook, containing 300 easy recipes using ingredients from your pantry, was published in August 2010. I write a food column for a local newspaper and stay very active and busy in my church. I love coffee, chocolate and cookies. You rarely find me sitting down, unless I’m writing out cards to mail, which is a passion for me, or watching TV with the hubs.

Mary Elizabeth

 

I’ve been a nurse for over thirty years and now work in clinical research at a pharmaceutical company.  In 2008, I went to culinary school and earned a certificate in Pastry and Baking Arts. On weekends, I bake alongside my daughter, Chef Nicole in our small business, NR Catering. 

Besides Nicole my husband and I have three other children who I am happy to say also grew to love cooking and entertaining.  Raised by a Dad who loved to cook, a Mom who always baked from scratch I learned firsthand about both. 

 Born and raised on Long Island where being surrounded by water, farm stands and vineyards make fresh ingredients readily accessible.

While at work, I started an e-mail recipe exchange called “Food for Thought,” which featured a weekly recipe. This experience sparked an idea to share recipes and the stories that surrounded them.  I went on to co-author the following cookbooks in the Hatherleigh press/Random House cookbook series, Country Comfort: Harvest, Holidays, Slow-Cooker Favorites, Summer Favorites and Cooking Across America. The latter of which I’m proud to say is “mother-daughter” collaboration.  My recipes collecting journey started with colleagues around the US, our family and friends and then broadened to chefs, caterers, nutritionist and food bloggers. My current position takes me to cities around the US where I met restaurateurs who have also contributed recipes.

Recently when on Google I came across this blog,  I immediately reached out to Lark and Marsha, and like others who share a similar passion we immediately connected.

**If you are interested in becoming one
of The Country Cooks Across America,
Please email us with your
Name, Blog, and a little bit about yourself.