Below are the answers to some questions that readers have asked me in the past. If there is something you believe is missing please send me an email mariscallahan[at]gmail[dot]com.

How did you learn how to cook?
I am completely self-taught and have been experimenting in the kitchen since college, when I realized that the meals I could cook in my off-campus apartment kitchen tasted better than what the dining hall served. My earliest specialties were things like chili, spinach dip and beer bread that my friends looked forward to after happy hour. Now, I cook for myself because I like to eat well and home-cooking is often less expensive and healthier for you than ordering take-out, delivery or fast food.

Do you write all of your own recipes?
I write the majority of the recipes you see on this site but sometimes, a dish or treat that I read on a blog, in a cookbook or in a magazine looks too good to resist. If I write about a recipe that I did not create, I’ll always provide a link back to the original source and obtain permission when required.

Do you have a full-time job?
I am a freelance publicist and writer and am always looking for ways to grow and expand my writing career. If you have a specific opportunity that you’d like to discuss please email me at mariscallahan[at]gmail[dot]com.

Do you take your own photographs? What kind of camera do you use?
All of the photographs on my blog were taken by me, unless otherwise noted. I shoot with a Canon DSLR (XSi) and my photography is an area here that I am always looking to improve. I enjoy taking pictures but at the end of the day I am a writer and a cook and I don’t claim to take professional quality photographs.

Did you design your own site?
My logo was designed by Christine Giberson and the layout and development was done by TCDawson Design.

Can I use one of your photos/recipes/anything on my site or in my magazine?
The entire contents of this site are protected by a Creative Commons license. Please do not use anything – photos or text – without my permission. If you ask first, I will most likely say yes. Wouldn’t it be more fun to send me an email so I can send you one back and tell you how awesome you are for asking?

Is there a list or an index of recipes around here somewhere?
Sure. It’s a work in progress but you can find it here.

I have a blog too! Will you link to it? Want to exchange links?
Typically, I do not accept requests to exchange links. However, I love linking to bloggers that I admire and read regularly, so if you want me to know about your blog, send me an email to introduce yourself and I’ll check it out. If I find myself reading often, I’ll likely add you to my blog roll.

Can I link to your blog?
By all means, please do!

I see that you run advertising in your sidebar. Will you ever share your readers’ personal information with your sponsors?
I remain committed to protecting the privacy of all readers on this site. I work with reputable affiliate advertising companies and will never collect your name, address, telephone number or email address for commercial purposes. For more information on privacy, please see my privacy policy.

I linked to my blog in my comment but I don’t see it published. What happened?
I am all about the link love, but to prevent spam, if a link is not relevant to the conversation, I don’t publish it in comments. Please link to your blog or website in the comment field and readers can click back to you that way.