Ashley AND an Appetite

Welcome! My name is Ashley and I'm a Midwestern girl who takes classic dishes and gives them an international twist and modern update. My love of food and cooking came from two of the most incredible women that ever lived: my grandmothers. Polly, or Nana as we liked to call her, was known for her delicious blueberry gingerbread and addictive potato rolls. Julia, or Nani, was infamous for her Italian dishes, including porcupine meatballs and pigs-in-the-blanket (similar to the Italian bragole). I grew up being dazzled by them in the kitchen, learning first hand how one can show love through truly great food, as they took absolute joy in feeding my family and I. Nana and Nani left a lasting impression on me, they shaped who I am today, and in return I dedicate this blog to them.

 

I currently live in Chicago, IL with my dog Otto, who prefers to wear a bow tie and gives the best high fives. Those that get to reap the benefits of my cooking obession include my parents, Ed and Sidney; my sister, Courtney; and brother-in-law, Kyle, as well as my beautiful friends. I regularly host dinner parties in my tiny apartment, one of which was an anti-Valentine's Day party where I made a 20 pound heart-shaped meatloaf. I struggle with time managment in the kitchen, so needless to say, we had meatloaf for dessert that night.

 

For my first project, I have tasked myself with recreating every recipe in my Nani's vintage Better Homes and Gardens cookbook:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here goes! Thank you for checking out my blog, and I hope you enjoy!