This site began as a way to bond with breast cancer survivors and tell my story in hopes that it might help others. It has morphed into a platform for me to share my love of food- growing, preserving and preparing it. And here is how that happened.
I survived stage 3 breast cancer in 2019- it was not a good year for me. And I thought, I can’t wait until 2020, that will be my year. And yep, the pandemic happened. Now we are a couple of years past the pandemic and here is thing- I find myself smack dab in a world filled with anger, disrespect and negativity- and I didn’t survive cancer to live in this kind of world. So I asked myself , what could I do that would be positive and promote kindness? And I had a revelation. You know what brings people together more than anything, with the exception of maybe Jesus or prescription medication? You guessed it-great food. So I decided right then and there that I would try and spread some kindness in the world by sharing some of my favorite recipes.
I am not a trained chef by any regards. My Memaw Young taught me how to cook in the smallest kitchen in the world with minimal kitchen tools and gadgets. She made biscuits every morning of her life, because that is what good southern women do. Memaw Young showed others how much she loved them through the food she cooked for them. And every time I am in my kitchen, I feel her standing right beside of me.
Invite your friends and family over, cook a meal, open a bottle of vino and spend some time together. And if the meal doesn’t turn out edible- throw some cheese and crackers on the table.
TWO GLASSES IN
I am a bit of a foodie and I love to cook. I am definitely not a wine connoisseur, but I know what I like which is normally dry, new world reds and a few dry whites, too. My friend, Michael Poore, and I have been tossing around doing some cooking videos after we have had a couple of glasses of wine- we are an entertaining duo in our own minds. We have even come up with a name- Two Glasses In. Michael is the executive chef and co owner of Catch Bar and Grill and Stack Southern Bistro and he is a great talent in the kitchen. And I am just a lot of fun after about two glasses in!
I am gluten sensitive and after chemo I have had some inflammatory issues, so you will find many of my recipes are a mix of whole foods which incorporates lots of vegetables and ancient grains.
Update: 2024 has started as a sober year. I am trying this out to improve my inflammatory and neuropathy issues. Unfortunately, it is working great. Bitter sweet, as I do love wine.
MY FAMILY
We are a blended family. I met Jay in 2015 and married him a year later. Since the day I met him, we have been inseparable. Jay is the nicest guy I have ever known. He is an excellent golfer and a dedicated, hardworking provider. He has a kind disposition and is a calm to all my storms. And I love his boys with all my heart. And he loves my girl unconditionally.
The kids- Tyler is an architect and resides in Knoxville. He and his long time partner, Wes, will be tying the knot this year and we can’t wait to celebrate them. Seth is in logistics and killing it in the industry and is living his best life in Chattanooga. Logan has a BS in Psychology and is a certified Acro teacher and is teaching Classical Ballet and Acro to 150 children a week at a performing arts school in Knoxville, TN. As you can tell, I am proud of all of them.
We are a family of dog lovers and we also love the beach. We get together whenever we can, which can be hard with everyone in different directions but we manage. We aren’t perfect, but we are pretty damn close.
