Skip to main content

About Me

Is it bad this is the best picture I have of myself in the past 5 years?
Sheesh, I need to be in more pictures... 😅



Welcome to Nibbles & Dreams!

Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! I'm Emily, a 40-something mom of five (yes, you read that right!), currently navigating the chaos of motherhood and the joys of cat-herding. After spending over 16 years in the culinary trenches as both a cook and a kitchen manager, I've decided to trade in my chef's hat for a keyboard and share my love of food with the world.

Nibbles & Dreams is my whimsical haven where I'll be conjuring up delicious recipes, sharing kitchen secrets whispered by seasoned chefs (and maybe a mischievous kitchen spirit or two), and offering my honest opinions on culinary gadgets that range from "genius" to "utterly baffling."

A little bit about me:

  • A kitchen witch in training: I believe that good food is a form of magic, and no matter how long someone has cooked, there's always room for growth. Even with all of my knowledge, I still am learning new techniques and recipes.
  • Mom of many (and their furry overlords): Juggling five kids and two feline companions has honed my multitasking skills to an Olympic level. It has also scrambled my brain to epic proportions and it takes little for me to forget what I was doing. It's a constant balancing act that I like to think I have perfected over the years (still a work in progress, but that's okay).
  • A secret nerd: Don't tell anyone, but I have a weakness for fantasy and romance novels, epic video game quests, and anime that will make your head spin. Throw in a good superhero movie, and that pretty much covers it.
  • Crafty hands: When I'm not stirring up trouble in the kitchen, you might find me crocheting fantastical creatures that look nothing like their patterns, cross stitching something fun and nerdy, or attempting to resurrect a vintage recipe with disastrously hilarious results.

So grab your favorite mug, brew a pot of something magical (or maybe just some strong coffee), and let's embark on a culinary adventure together. Make sure to follow along on my social media for updates, new recipes, tomfoolery, and shenanigans!

🦋 𝕏 📌 📸 @


Popular posts from this blog

Black Forest Cake

Yield: 2 (8-inch) cakes Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 35-40 minutes Ingredients: For the Cake: 1 2/3 cups cake flour 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup shortening 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 1/2 cup kirsch   For the Filling: 1 cup butter, softened 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar 1 pinch salt 1 teaspoon very strong coffee 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (for filling consistency) 2 (14-ounce) cans sweet cherries in heavy syrup, drained For the Frosting: 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon kirsch For Garnish: 1 ounce semisweet baking chocolate Instructions: Make the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line the bottoms of two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time,...
Post a Comment
Read more

Fig & Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Shhh... I skipped the arugula. Yields: 1 sandwich Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time:  6-10 minutes Ingredients: 2 slices crusty bread (like ciabatta) 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled 4-5 fresh figs, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze 2 tablespoons butter, softened Fresh arugula (optional) Instructions: Prepare the bread: Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Assemble the sandwich: Layer goat cheese and fig slices on one slice of bread (not the buttered side). Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Grill the sandwich: Top with the remaining bread slice (buttered side up and facing out from the sandwich's innards). Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes per side. Serve: If using, top with fresh arugula after grilling. Serve immediately. Tips: Add a drizzle of honey to the inside, or some thin sliced prosciutto for a new height of flavor that is oh so good! Grilled Cheese: Elevated to Fig-tastic Heights! Ah, t...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Tale of Two Apples: Brown Betty vs. Cobbler

  Miss Apple Blonde Betty The culinary world, my friends, is a vast and wondrous place, filled with endless delights. But few rival the timeless charm of apple desserts. And within this apple-centric paradise, a fierce, yet friendly, rivalry exists: Apple Brown Betty versus Apple Cobbler. Let us delve into this delicious debate, shall we? Enter the Elegant: Apple Brown Betty Imagine a dessert with the air of a refined lady. That, my friends, is Apple Brown Betty. This sophisticated creation is a true work of art, a symphony of textures and flavors. Picture this: layers of tender apples, nestled amongst soft, buttery bread cubes (think stale bread finding its rightful purpose!), all delicately seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The process of making a Brown Betty is almost as enchanting as the final result. Each layer is carefully constructed, a testament to the baker's dedication to culinary perfection. The result? A moist, flavorful dessert that is as beautiful to...
Post a Comment
Read more