kmartinelli

Kmartinelli -- an expat food and travel writer living in Be'er Sheva, Israel -- originally hails from New York, where she learned to cook from her father, who made dinner from scratch every night. From those early childhood experiences in the kitchen, she developed what can best be described as an easy sophistication in her own original dishes.

A relative newcomer to food52, kmartinelli has shared -- in just over a month's time -- seven incredibly tantalizing recipes (along with mouthwatering photos!). Take, for example, her lovely Garlicky Beet, Chickpea and Almond Dip, Tagliatelle with Shrimp and Champagne Butter Sauce, Mussels in Arak, and most recently, Spiced Chocolate Pots de Creme with Candied Bacon and Maple Cream -- all scream out, "Try me now!"

For more of kmartinelli's delicious recipes, see her profile page and fan her here, and be sure to check out her blog.

Read kmartinelli's profile Q&A below:

What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
Duck heart pastrami. Or foie gras profiteroles - also one of the best desserts I have ever eaten.

What do you cook when home alone?
Pasta or eggs. Sometimes both.

Your most treasured kitchen possession:
Right now my Cuisinart 3-in-1 mini prep, immersion blender, and whisk. It travels with me everywhere.

Your ideal meal:
Any meal with good friends, family, and conversation.

Something you'd like a chance to eat or cook:
I would like to eat a tagine in Morocco, and I have been meaning to make Kubbe, a Jewish-Iraqi dumpling soup.

The number of bottles of wine you own:
We're down to 4.

The ideal number of guests for a dinner party is:
6-8

Kitchen pet peeve:
Not enough counter space!

Your favorite cookbook:
The Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Lo Pinto (1950, out of print; it was my grandmother's)