When I first started this blog, I thought I’d remain anonymous. No pictures. No names. Just delicious recipes. Looks like that plan didn’t work out too well!
So now you know something about me. I’m pretty shy. You’d probably never guess this from the blog, right? My mom commented on this recently, saying that to a blog reader who’d never met me I’d probably seem like the type to talk your ear off. Not so.
I can’t stand having my picture taken, but people usually want to put a face behind the recipe, so here I am.
You’re here, so you probably want to know a few more things about me.
I’m Alissa. I started Connoisseurus Veg in February of 2013. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I’ve been a vegetarian since 1993 (age 13!) and have loved to cook as long as I can remember. What I can’t ever remember is enjoying meat. I was the kid who the other kids gave their vegetables to when they didn’t want to eat them. So basically, vegetarianism has always felt right to me. I understand that’s not the case for everyone, and that’s just fine. I think everyone can at least enjoy a vegetarian meal from time to time, regardless of what else you choose to include in your diet.
I started this blog as a way to share some of my favorite recipes and inspire myself and others to create new ones. Cooking is a passion of mine. I have a few other passions as well. I love arts and crafts, usually taking lessons in some form or another. The latest craft that I’m working on learning is pottery, and you will probably see some of my pieces in my postings. I can also get down with some drawing, painting, needlework, basically anything that involves making pretty stuff! I’m also an avid yogi. I love to read. When I’m not working on any of the abovementioned hobbies, I’m working as an intellectual property attorney. You can read more about that on my Lawyering page.
I live in lovely Southeastern Pennsylvania with my soon-to-be husband and two cats. (Update: my husband and I got married in October of 2014. You can read all about that adventure and our super fancy wedding cake here.)
This is Cody. He’s not shy at all.
This is Tizzy, who is very shy. In fact, this is one of the few times I’ve managed to snap his pic. He’s yawning, but I like to pretend he’s roaring ferociously.
Mr. Veg wishes to remain anonymous.
Most of my recipes are vegan. I say most, because early on I would post a recipe containing dairy here and there. As I progressed with the blog I began to realize a few things. First, my body prefers vegan meals. This does not mean I consider myself a vegan. I’ll eat certain animal foods that agree with me in moderation, but in general, I feel way better, physically and mentally, after eating a hearty plant-based meal. I don’t want in any way to discount my early lacto-ovo (mostly lacto, as I’ve never been fond of eggs) recipes. They are delicious! I just think veganized versions jive better with me. Also, vegan cooking is way fun! Fun for me at least, a big old kitchen dork. I love creativity in the kitchen, and veganizing everything I make so that it tastes better than any animal ingredient-based version is my idea of a good time. The results are delicious and I hope they bring you some enjoyment.
I eventually plan to provide veganized versions of all of my recipes, making over those few early ones. As I do this, I’ll replace them in my recipe index, and provide links back to the old posts within the new posts for those who are interested.
I hope you enjoy this site and my recipes. Please leave me a comment here and there so I know how I’m doing!
