What were your favorite foods growing up? Why?
I loved cake! My grandfather was a chef with a penchant for pound cake, and he got me hooked at an early age. My mother is also an incredible baker, so I loved when Christmas came around and I got to sample all of her homemade cookies.

What are your least favorite foods? Why?
Obviously, omelettes and really good crusty breads are out for me since I'm allergic to wheat and eggs. Aside from those foods that cause an allergic reaction, I just hate the taste of beets.

What is your beverage of choice?
I am completely and totally fueled by coffee!

When did you get interested in writing about food?
After I stopped working on my PhD, I still loved to write but wanted to do something with food. I did an internship with Elisa Strauss at Confetti Cakes and took a night class on food journalism with Allan Richman.

Where and when did your love for food begin?
My love of food began the day I saw my mother taping a segment for her local, but short-lived, cooking show called "Cooking with Cornelia". She made cooking look so fun.

Was it difficult to start eating a certain way after you were diagnosed with you allergies?
Yes. It really felt like starting from scratch. I had to read labels on everything, and I was amazed by where wheat and eggs were hiding, especially in packaged foods.

What is your favorite recipe in Allergy-Free Desserts?
I love the cinnamon roll recipe. It reminds me of Sunday mornings as a child-- my mother used to make homemade cinnamon rolls with potato water to make them extra fluffy, and this recipe reminds me of the good old days. Aside from the Cinnamon Rolls, hands down, the Red Velvet Cake.

Do you have a dish you make constantly?
Risotto. It's the only allergy-friendly meal that my entire family can agree upon.

What is your favorite spice on the rack?
Vanilla beans and cinnamon.

What is your favorite secret ingredient?
Sunflower seed butter. It is such a great substitute for peanut butter and people rarely taste the difference.

What kitchen utensil can't you live without?
My Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer, for sure.

When you are not at home, where do you eat?
In my neighborhood, I am a Hampton Chutney junkie, since the dosas are safe for me to eat. However, I find the safest cuisine for me is Japanese, so I love Nobu.

What is your best cooking tip for a home enthusiast?
You absolutely can do this. The switch to allergy-free living can be daunting, but just swapping out a few ingredients in your pantry can make your life easier and more delicious.