Alison ~ Recipe Developer
Welcome to Rhubarb and Lavender! My name is Alison and I have been passionate about cooking my whole life. My inspiration comes from the local produce of the BC Fraser Valley and my love of seasonal cooking. I never miss the opportunity to celebrate the arrival of nature’s seasons – the fresh greens of spring, the fruits of summer, the fall harvest, and the comfort foods of winter.
My interest in the culinary arts started as a young child and has been nurtured along the way. From a young age, my family gave me free rein to experiment in the kitchen. One of my earliest cooking memories was my attempt at overnight yeast buns while my mom was at work. I was so young that I couldn’t reach the counter. I ended up placing the bowl on a chair to knead the dough. The buns turned out beautiful! They would have tasted good too if my dad hadn’t suggested I use a long-forgotten tub of whole wheat flour that turned out to be rancid.
Not daunted by that early flop, I continued to cook and bake. By the time I reached young adulthood it was apparent that I would be making cooking my life’s work. I attended culinary school and began working as a cook in the health care industry. But, my real passion lay in parties and entertaining, and I especially love planning themed dinners. Some memorable events include a Mad Hatter Tea Party, a Jane Austen inspired Regency dinner, and recreating all twelve courses of the final meal on the Titanic!
The Alchemy of a Meal
What I love most about entertaining is perfecting the alchemy of a meal. The food, drinks, and ambience all coming together to create a completely unique experience. I am just as passionate about wine and cocktails as I am about food. So you will find many beverage recipes here at Rhubarb and Lavender. I love to try new wine and am always on the lookout for the perfect pairing. No summer is complete without at least one wine tour of the beautiful Okanagan Valley here in BC.
I hope that the recipes you see here will inspire you to try them out in your own kitchen and to embark on your own entertaining adventures!