Hello and welcome!
Baking started simple. As kids, my brother and my anxious eyes watched as our mom poured the box mix batter into the Bundt Pan. Finally the words we waited for, “one gets the bowl, the other the spatula and beaters.”
Cooking and baking changed with our daughter Aviana.
In 2009, an accident left her severely brain injured and unable to walk, talk, or essentially move. Every six months, we traveled cross country to a brain injury institute in Philadelphia. There, we learned the importance of whole organic varietal foods on the body and brain. At home, we carried out her extensive nutritional program. Like a butterfly, she transformed from sick to a glowing child.
But after years of therapy, physical recovery and quality of life weren’t an option. Because we were still ravenous to fill legs that couldn’t walk and a head that wouldn’t hold itself, acceptance was bitter. While therapy waned, grief hit hard. We weren’t sure which way to turn.
On her green polka dot beanbag, I pulled Aviana into the kitchen. Alongside my husband, best friend, and our dog Rainey, we cooked and baked but for pleasure this time too. With each turn of the spatula pain healed and love for our daughter was found, as she was.
After watching my favorite movie “Waitress” for the umpteenth time, the challenge of a pie became a must. My husband Dave rose to my wish, “if my baby wants pie, my baby gets pie.” Five different varieties a week fed family, friends, neighbors, and the Whole Foods produce guys. For these were the very people who helped our family with therapy, made us laugh, picked produce for Avi’s off the wall diet, delivered food at all hours. And for years!
Nutritious food sustained, while making pie was our saving grace. We found solace in creating and peace in sharing with those we love. Our girl also gained another on a long list of nicknames – Avi Pie.
Aviana’s been gone five years now but grief, life, baking, cooking and sharing the love remains a constant comfort. As I mix ingredients my thoughts fall. In the silence, she finds me. She always does.
In dark there is light, there’s life, so the teeny tiny is appreciated. Tomorrow isn’t promised, so everyday and every meal count. For this reason, ingredients are chosen and recipes are created with care. Bites are worthwhile, full of flavor and savored.
Within these pages you’ll find healthy vegetable dishes and of course, pie!
I speak in lyrics and quotes. These come to my food mind.
“Everything in moderation, including moderation.” – Oscar Wilde and my grandma
“When you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou
