Hello and welcome!
I'm Marissa Stevens, the cook, writer, and photographer/videographer behind Pinch and Swirl.
I believe that the best food happens at home. I love delicious food prepared simply with fresh ingredients and that’s just what you’ll find here! You can count on me for well tested, easy, mouthwatering recipes designed for home cooks.
My recipes span cuisines across the world and are simple without sacrificing flavor. I skip highly processed foods, but otherwise, nothing is off-limits. Here you’ll find only my very favorite recipes and creative techniques for making hearty pastas, soups and stews, all sorts of vegetables, BIG salads, classic comfort foods, cookies, craft cocktails, and desserts - both decadent and light.
A little bit about me…
I remember helping my grandmother can peaches from her backyard tree when I was 5 years old. She sliced a wide X through the bottom of a peach, lowered it into boiling water for a few seconds, then plunged it into a bowl of ice water. My job was slipping the skin off in one piece like a sweater. From that day to this, I’ve had an insatiable appetite for cooking and learning about food.
Fast forward to today where I live in the high desert of Oregon with my husband, Keith. We both grew up in Northern California where we met in the 6th grade - our first kiss (just a peck!) was that same year, playing Truth or Dare on ‘the big tire.' We got married in 1995 and spent the next 15 years in the Seattle area where we split our time between working, playing and restoring a 1921 Craftsman Bungalow.
Keith and I love to cook and eat, but we also love to travel. In fact, we've written two travel guides: one on Italy, the other on Paris. It's challenging in the best way to spend time with people and cultures different from our own, to explore new landscapes and, of course, discover new foods!
A little bit about you…
I’m writing this blog for me, as a recipe journal. But I’m also writing it for you. Thank you for being here! I welcome your questions, suggestions and, thoughts both positive and critical (though I reserve the right to delete hurtful or nasty comments as some feel free to say things online that they would never speak in person). Leave a comment or send me a note and know that I will always respond to you.