About

How many times have you looked into the fridge of a young, single man (okay, or woman) who works long hours outside of their home, to find nothing but a six-pack of beer, half-empty bottle of Pinot Grigio and leftovers from last night’s Chinese take-out?

I’ve seen my fair share.

My name is Maris Callahan and I began writing this blog in May 2008. It has since evolved into a resource for twenty-somethings, like me, who want to cook healthy meals with some indulgences. Whether you're starting your first post-college job, newly married or looking for fast, easy weeknight meals, my goal is to show you that anyone can cook, no matter how much time or experience they do (or don’t) have.

If you’d like to send me an email (and I do love my email) please feel free to drop me a line at mariscallahan [at] gmail [dot] com.

If it’s fan mail, I’ll definitely respond. If it’s a pitch for a product you’d like me to try, I’ll probably respond. And if it’s a letter that's not that nice, I will likely delete it.

If you're a Chicago local, please feel free to visit my other blog, In Good Taste Chicago, a chronicle of my favorite eats and drinks in the Windy City.

Thanks for reading!

 

Photo: Allie Osmar, aveiphoto.com

Comments

[Heather]

Hi Maris
I've loved looking at your blog. So many yummy recipes. Can't wait to try some of them. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog.
Looking forward to following.

[Dhara Patel]

Hey Maris! It's Dhara from Edelman NY...you have a great blog! I recently started a food blog myself and welcome any advice and/or suggestions on increasing traffic!

It's unfortunate we never got to know each others foodie sides when we worked arms length from one another!

Take care and I look forward to trying out some of your recipes!

Dhara!

[Heather (Heather's Dish)]

what an awesome blog! your pictures are adorable too...can't wait to read more :)

[Lindsay]

love the blog! found it because you commented on mine :) Can't wait to keep following!

[Autumn @ Good Eats Girl]

Just found your blog today! I love the concept behind it! I'll definitely be adding you to my reader!

[Katie @ Two Lives, One Lifestyle]

Thank for your comment on my blog.. so I could find this great one! I'm always looking for good, not too complicated, cheap ingredient recipes. Just scrolling through the latest few posts, I'm really loving what I see. See you around!

[Lisa]

Thanks for checking out my blog! I look forward to reading yours. It looks like you eat a lot of really tasty food. :)

P.S.
I love Chicago!

[Catherine]

Hi Maris, after your lovely comment on my blog, I just had to pop by! LOVE your blog and I will add it to my reader this instant! :)

[Melissa]

Hey Maris,
Just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how much I love your blog. I didn't know you had a knack for cooking...and good blog writing. Impressed!

Keep it up!
Melissa
(from Susquehanna)

[theteachercooks]

Looked at your blog. This could be a great resource for my class.

[susan dunn]

Hi Maris,
Who knew you were so wonderful in the kitchen. I am so proud of you. I am glad your mom told me where to find your blog.
I will pass it on. Very Great! You remember me from Plainsboro?

[Lindsay Heller]

Hi Mar:

This is the very best blog I have ever seen, and I know food!

Posted by: lotus blossom

[Vesna Zrinski]

Hello,

I have found you on WW website and decided to check out your blog. Fantastic! What shocked me, though, is that you and I have so much in common - and I was born on the other side of Atlantic - including your like and dislike for TV shows (don't watch that much TV and yet...) and the peanut butter thing (hate). OK, all this said - you go girl! Your blog is fabulous and I appreciate your comments on WW as well.

Cheers,

Vesna Zrinski

[reluctant veggie]

i totally love your blog! and was going to say that we could be bff's until you mentioned not liking chocolate and peanut butter together.

looking forward to reading about your culinary adventures!

[Jules]

After you left a comment about my raw Cumin Carrot Salad on my website, I checked out your blog. It is very well-written, amusing, and inspiring. I am new to the whole blog thing and will check back often to see how it should be done. Your photos are lovely and professional. I just bought a Cloud Dome to shoot my food? - raw jules

[kelly61]

Hi Maris. Love your blog! I am raising ducks right now in my backyard as I've heard their eggs are great for baking. I'll be sure to follow you. :-)

www.whatupduck.com

[Shannalee]

Let me be the second to ask: You really don't like sushi? Maris, I feel led to tell you, as someone NEW to sushi love, there's a whole world of different kinds that are quite delicious. I was a big fan of the Las Vegas roll, and I won't hide it's probably because of the deep-fried batter on the bottoms. We can still be food friends if you don't change your mind, but I think you'll be happier if you do. :)

[Joan B]

I just wanted to say that I was surprised to see your name- my middle daughter's name is Maris. I love the name, but have never met anyone with the name before. Just had to say hello to who I am sure is a fabulous person!!!

Maris' mom!

[elisfoods]

Your Bread looks great. Thanks for sharing! And you are correct just becuase you live alone doesn't mean you have to eat from a box.

Eli

www.elisfoods.wordpress.com

[joan nova]

I loved your comment about the 'kitchen gene". But, seriously, you have try fennel again. It's so good raw in a salad or as finger food.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. I'm about to go poking around your posts now.

[holladay story]

you don't like sushi?? that's practically unamerican.. :)

[Lisa]

You are going to win that KA or I will make your mom buy you one for x-mas!

[JF]

Hi Mar

[nicoleantoinette]

Ha, the umbrella thing. YES!

[sforshner]

I found your blog on Green La Girl's post about bad pitches and I had to stop by because I am a publicist too! And I am a twenty something blogger, I am going to go befriend you there now.

[cooknkate]

I'm an advanced knitter too; I longingly page over patterns that make absolutely no sense to me, then happily return to my *K2 P2* repeat ** until......

Anyway, I do love your blog, your voice and your recipes. Your list of things you love mirrors so many of my own and I look forward to reading more.

Oh, and those mums? They're one of the hardiest plants alive. Most people can't kill 'em if they try.

[joey]

Heehee...I got a KitchenAid when I got married! Definitely something to look forward to! ;)

[Stacey Snacks]

Hi Maris,

I like your blog! I will visit it often.

If you are ever in NJ, and want pizza, just email me thru my blog and I will give you a whole list!!!!!

Stacey Snacks

[Jenny]

Ha! I am also looking forward to my wedding registry for the KitchenAid mixer. I've been asking my mum for one since I was 12.

[Jessi]

thanks for the blog comment!

after reading your about me, we sound kinda similar.

[caitlin (see bride run)]

hahah we think alike.... I asked for a handless KA mixer for Christmas, and it was the best present I ever received! you can get them at costco for cheap :D

[brookem]

hello! looking forward to reading your blog- you had me at the gelato!

[vinomom]

Hey how did you get that stuff on your sidebar? I like that!