Hosting a beautiful evening in my home filled with delicious food that was meant to be savored slowly, paired with great wine, and enjoyed with my greatest friends has always been one of my favorite things to do. It’s my way of showing love and gratitude through my cooking, which was something my family instilled in me. Being a first-generation Greek, with an exceptionally large family consisting of several restaurateurs, I learned to maneuver my way around a kitchen at a young age. Growing up you’d find me by the footsteps of my Grandmother in the kitchen absorbing every culinary technique I could. Sundays meant family and friends were coming over and the scrumptious aroma of the meals my mother was preparing for that particular evening would fill our childhood home, waking us up early in the morning eager to help her cook. As a teenager waitressing in one of my Uncles restaurants, I would constantly sneak in the kitchen just to look over the chefs’ shoulder trying to memorize whatever meal he was creating so I can recreate it on my own. Obviously I am not a chef, and would never consider myself one. In fact I never had any professional culinary training, but my love for the industry was strong and I knew enough to own my first restaurant at 27 years old.
In 2013 I had a considerable push from my family and friends to find a way and share my love for food with others. I knew I didn’t want to open another restaurant, but I wanted to share my favorite recipes and bring the passion for cooking back into kitchens. I mean we currently live in a world full of 20-minute meals and drive-thrus; with every second of the days filled with work, activities, and anything else life throws at us. Some people simply don’t have the time and or desire to spend their spare hours in the kitchen, and that is perfectly acceptable. But, what if I asked you to change your mindset for a minute. I am not saying to cook lavish meals on a daily basis, but I am saying when trying a new recipe, enjoy the process. Make it about you showing love through food. Open a bottle of wine, pour yourself a glass, and enjoy the meal you’re about to create for the people you care about. The look on their faces after that first bite will be truly rewarding. This is what Thyme With Catherine is all about. A place to share my love of all things related to good eats. Drawing inspiration from my traditional Greek family recipes, my restaurant experiences, my travels all around the world, and my demanding palate.
I promise to keep things simple enough for beginners with step by step instructions and photos, but tasty enough for seasoned foodies who know their way through a kitchen. I truly hope you enjoy the site, and I welcome your feedback in the comment section.
Catherine ~