Hi! I’m Lauren Zietsman, a 20-something physical therapy student in Long Island, and I planned on starting a food blog for a long time before I finally worked up the guts.
My history with food: I started watching cooking shows when I was six and could usually be found helping mom in the kitchen, making stuffed cabbage and eventually baking things on my own–my first independent project was a chocolate souffle! I also remember that my favorite Christmas present when I was seven was a cow cookie jar and a set of wooden spoons. Weird.
Now I still love to cook, and luckily my husband loves to eat.
All right, I love to eat too. You got me.
Joking aside, like many people (and probably most women), I’ve had a love-hate relationship with food my whole life. As in, I love food, and then I hate myself for it. This blog really marks the first year in which I am truly trying not to judge my self-worth by how skinny my arms look in my Facebook pictures, or by how small my jeans size is, or how few calories I can consume in a day. I’ll be the first to admit that this is an incredibly difficult war to wage, but I honestly believe you have to consciously decide to turn away from unhealthy thoughts and images. So this blog is my declaration of several truths about me: I love food, I love to eat, I love my body, and I love to be healthy. The more I decide to believe it, the more true it will be.
I refuse to torture my body and my mind.
So let’s have fun and cook food that is delicious and celebrates our bodies the way they are and the way they can be. On this blog you’ll find me trying to cook comfort food that is good for both my body and my spirit, experimenting with new grains, veggies, and recipes, and of course, making treats for those days we need a splurge. I’m trying to make healthy eating into a lifestyle, not a diet plan.
Here’s my best friend/hubby/food tester/inspiration and I on a truly momentous occasion: May 30, 2009. Gettin’ hitched!!
And of course I can’t forget to mention our cat, Henry.
His full name is Henry Seabiscuit Severus Zietsman. He’s about 3% cute and cuddly, 50% Satan, and 47% piranha. But for some reason we absolutely adore him. Like, we’re obsessed. Sorry!
Yes. That paw is aiming to swipe me in the face.
And of course, I don’t know what I’d do without my family–best friends included.
Enjoy!
77 comments
tharrie
September 20, 2010 at 6:49 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am SO proud of you!!!!!
Eber
October 2, 2010 at 12:59 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOVE you sis! You make me HUNGRY…how am I supposed to cook all these things in my TIIINY NYC apartment!
ANET BURGER
October 6, 2010 at 2:44 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This is SO cool. I enjoy reading about your cooking experience etc.
Will try your stuff in South Africa at the Venue on Kraalbosdam.
laurenzietsman
October 6, 2010 at 7:08 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m glad you like it! I love to try South African recipes for Fritz so if you come across something good let me know!!
Ilze Brink-Button
October 20, 2010 at 2:32 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love your blog and recipes!
acleansurface
November 21, 2010 at 3:36 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love blogging–Have fun!
Lauren Zietsman
November 21, 2010 at 5:10 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So far, so good!
eva626
March 2, 2011 at 9:55 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
love you wedding pics!!! so cute
Lauren
March 2, 2011 at 10:20 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love your cat’s name! =) I love your goals for this blog and I can’t wait to read more.
Lauren Zietsman
March 2, 2011 at 10:53 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
thanks so much! I’ve already learned so much doing this blog, about cooking and most importantly about myself.
Kat Richter
March 2, 2011 at 11:31 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Great blog! It’s rare to find a site about food that’s well written too
Lauren Zietsman
March 2, 2011 at 11:49 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
thank you so much–I try my best
1veggieatatime
March 2, 2011 at 6:26 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think your blog is great, your cat is adorable, and you are just beautiful. Can’t wait to try some of these recipes!!
Lauren Zietsman
March 2, 2011 at 7:05 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
thank you so much–i appreciate the lovely comment!
Kristen Shumack
March 2, 2011 at 11:45 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Great site! Love the recipes, pictures, and commentary – truly. Thanks for having “the guts,” as you said, to start this blog. It’s well worth it!
Lauren Zietsman
March 3, 2011 at 6:57 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
thanks so much!
Pinky Babaria
March 3, 2011 at 7:42 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Loved your blog…It is so well written and not very formal.That’s what i like most about it.Must say you are very beautiful and I enjoyed your pics esp the one where everyones smiling (friends) and also your wedding pic is straight out of a magazine.Keep up the good work.
Lauren Zietsman
March 3, 2011 at 11:23 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
thanks so much! i love that picture too–I have it framed in the house
scriptorobscura
March 3, 2011 at 3:23 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You have won an award! Stop by to pick it up
http://scriptorobscura.wordpress.com/2011/03/03/the-stylish-blogger-award/
Enjoy!
Scott M.
March 4, 2011 at 11:23 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love the idea of your blog, your writing style, and most of the recipes I saw look great! I just discovered your blog via FoodGawker.
I am a recovering comfort food cook–trying to also incorporate healthy ingredients that don’t compromise on flavor.
Lauren Zietsman
March 5, 2011 at 8:20 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
thanks! I’m glad you like it–I’m always looking for ideas and inspiration so feel free to pass on your ideas!
katshealthcorner
March 5, 2011 at 5:17 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You are absolutely GORGEOUS!!!
Henry reminds me of my Kittycat!
xoxo
Kathleen
Lauren Zietsman
March 5, 2011 at 5:31 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
aw, shucks
Thanks!
Never knew I was a cat person ’till I met Henry…
Lindsey S.
April 2, 2011 at 10:24 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love your blog, I found the link on Angela’s and I will be reading all the time. I cant wait to go home and try your Whole-wheat banana marble cake. I hope everything is going good with school and marrige and you cat. Happy Cooking
Emmanuel
April 15, 2011 at 11:47 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Bonjour Lauren,
Your Mom sent me some news today-news of the camera hunter you and passionate chef, that is!
Your talent and joie de vivre shine in every word I read. I notice the word “love” is everywhere in your blog. It must be it is everywhere in your Life, too. Kudos on your marrying you best friend. Photos of your wedding day splash my screen with bliss and zest. I married mine 18 years ago and the meaning of best friend has never failed to bewilder us with a real sense of accomplishment and plénitude ever since-a true blessing from God. I wish you both nothing short of the same. Another thing I realized when reading through your blog is the following-healthy food, pleasure and Love will keep your marriage just about the same (healthy, pleasurable and loving), one day at a time. Cherish and cease the moments and beauty all around you and make happy memories to share and reminisce. Always. Now let me have the photographer talk to you for a while. I just purchased a new toy camera-coz it’s just become harder and harder to pretend being a pro phographer at weddings with a Sony Cyber-Shot or a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 14.1 MP Waterproof Digital Camera… so I closed my eyes, swang about for a minute and pointed at the Nikon D700 12.1MP FX-Format CMOS Digital SLR. And to make things even sweeter, I attached a Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S Nikkor Zoom Lens around it. Now, let me tell you, that coktail is not to be had before driving as you might as well be caught in DWI. This said, my handshake is strong and my arm can toss a javelin 150 feet away. I have learned throughout the years it is not about the equipment. Never has. Never will. What good is the best camera in the world if you leave it in the pantry coz it’s just too bulky or didn’t fit in your PJ’s when you hit the beach that night?! Easy answer to that question. My word of wisdom? Stick with a camera you’ll use. Not the one that promises, but the one that delivers. I take more magical photos all throughout the year with my Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 because it’s right there in my pocket. So don’t you dispose of that faithful friend of yours because it could offer more tricks, just dig it and shoot away. It’s already an extension of yourself-and that’s all we ask of a camera-the rest is already in your eyes and your amazing, life-giving playful mind. Voilà, c’est tout! All I had to say. Please give my best to your family.
Emmanuel
aubrimichelle
April 25, 2011 at 11:36 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m new to the blogging world, and I stumbled upon your blog. It is so clean and fresh looking, and I love the recipes. I’ll most definitely try some and look forward to more!
Sue Fleming
May 13, 2011 at 3:49 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hi,
Our blog Tips on Healthy Living (http://www.tipsonhealthyliving.com/diet-and-fitness/barbecue-your-way-to-health-and-happiness) linked to your post Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Salad. We have lots of great tips and hints for your readers on Tips on Healthy Living. Would you link back to us? We’re happy to link to you in the future if you’d like to send me future recipes.
Thanks!
Sue
Anna
June 2, 2011 at 10:37 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love your blog, so glad you were featured on Freshly Pressed so I could find it! The pictures and layout are awesome, and the happiness jumps off the page! I love the quality of your writing – can’t wait to read more
alicemelendez
June 2, 2011 at 5:30 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Me too! I never would have found it otherwise. Now I have to make time between starting my business and being with my babies to make sweet potato cinnamon rolls!
Lauren Zietsman
June 6, 2011 at 10:24 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
thanks, guys! and good luck with those cinnamon rolls
Sandra McNichols
June 2, 2011 at 10:58 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hey Lauren,
your blog is a keeper. Thanks for sharing your family photos, and congrats on the inspirational hubby. If you check my blog, you’ll see 1 cat (very spoiled) and 1 dog (spoiled beyond very). Hope to try your recipes soon. You blog is “real” and “fun” – keep up the good work.
metrocakegirl
June 2, 2011 at 1:23 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Fantastic about page. Down to earth honesty. Signing myself up right now. Congrats on being freshly pressed.
Lauren Zietsman
June 2, 2011 at 6:16 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you so much, those are my favorite compliments. So happy you subscribed!
My BlogJect
June 2, 2011 at 2:18 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I hope you don’t mind me blundering in here, but your wedding photo is the most beautiful I have ever seen. You are a beautiful bride!
Love the blog by the way. Subscribing now so can keep up with your food journey!
Lauren Zietsman
June 2, 2011 at 5:58 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
thank you so much!! i never mind a blunder, but especially not when they are nice!! I’m happy to hear you subscribed, I look forward to future comments
Sage and Sass
June 2, 2011 at 3:20 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love your philosophy and recipes! Thanks for sharing!
Sage and Sass
June 2, 2011 at 3:25 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
and…I absolutely love the way you present your recipes. A picture truly is worth a thousand words. Your pictures make me think I could actually cook! I may have to try!
Lauren Zietsman
June 2, 2011 at 5:57 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
you can! and thanks for the nice compliments!
financebitch
June 3, 2011 at 6:42 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
wonderful blog!
Yarni
June 3, 2011 at 9:35 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Want to try and avoid starting this comment with ‘love your blog’ but I can’t think what else to say! Great, great blog – love it! I’ve linked you, hope that’s ok. Your pictures are fantastic by the way!! I look forward to more posts. And Henry is adorable! x
Lauren Zietsman
June 3, 2011 at 11:23 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
that is ALWAYS okay!! Thanks so much
losangelas
June 6, 2011 at 5:37 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Lauren,
you’ve got a great blog!
Love your recipes, your pictures are amazing!
Thanks so much
Lauren Zietsman
June 6, 2011 at 8:00 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank YOU so much!
Susan Sunde
June 8, 2011 at 10:46 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Lauren, have you heard of Carrots n’ Cake? You have a lot in common with the young lady who has this website/blog. I think you would enjoy it. I just discovered your site and really enjoy your recipes and your spirit.
Lauren Zietsman
June 8, 2011 at 12:15 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have heard of it but I haven’t yet started reading it–must add it to my long list of blogs to read
I consider it a compliment to have a lot in common with her, though! thanks 
courtneyryanne
June 9, 2011 at 9:19 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I saw your fresh pressed post and I LOVE your Who I Am page – especially when you talk about your relationship with food. “I refuse to torture my body and mind” sounds like a great mantra to live by, in my book. Best of luck exploring your love of food – and you made a beautiful bride!
Lauren Zietsman
June 9, 2011 at 9:21 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
thank you! I appreciate the comments–and it really is a journey, but I’m learning a lot about myself and how powerful our minds and thoughts really are!
Meghan (My Kitchen and I)
June 26, 2011 at 9:35 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
What an AMAZING blog you have Lauren! You will be a daily read of mine!
Julia
July 9, 2011 at 7:56 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Great blog. I’m using the White Sangria recipe today at my son’s 4th birthday party (for the adults, obviously!). Can’t wait!
Lauren Zietsman
July 9, 2011 at 7:04 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
thanks…hope it’s a hit!
tryityoumightlikeit
July 18, 2011 at 12:59 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Your blog is awesome!!!!! I especially love the photos of the cat included with the ones of the recipe. How do you do the printable recipe cards? That is a great feature.
Lauren Zietsman
July 18, 2011 at 4:14 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I just use a recipe card template (you can download it from microsoft word; it saves the basis design of the recipe card so I just have to input everything without redesigning it every time) and save it as a PDF file then upload it just like you would upload a photo.
Samantha
July 21, 2011 at 9:48 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Lauren, could you please tell us all more about C S A boxes and how to locate suppliers in our area?
ziabaki
August 4, 2011 at 4:04 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Lovely post about women’s relationship with food. I’m such a crazed foodie I actually put myself on a “foodie” fast, which meant no blogging, no magazines and no food porn sites for two weeks, just to see how it felt. I’m back and I LOVE it. I am what i am and refuse to torture myself too. Cheers my sister!
Jonathan
August 10, 2011 at 2:18 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
OMG I love this blog! Your posts, recipes and everything!!!
And you are beautiful, your husband is very lucky.
Keep POsting!
Lauren Zietsman
August 10, 2011 at 5:47 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
thanks! I’ll let him know you said that
Jenelle
September 4, 2011 at 5:22 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hi Lauren, I found your blog through Pinterest…. What initially caught my attention was your necklace holder idea. Then I continued reading your blog because I’m new to the cooking world and you have really great ideas! In addition, I’m applying to PT school right now (overwhelmed trying to juggle 100 different things) so you have really inspired me to keep on trying new things on my journey to PT school.
You rock Lauren, Thanks!
Lauren Zietsman
September 4, 2011 at 6:11 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks so much! Best of luck with your applications–I think the year before I started PT school was my craziest ever–I was graduating, doing a senior thesis, getting married, applying to PT school, and working–but it was one of the best times of my life, so enjoy it!
Amanda
September 16, 2011 at 9:14 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOVE your blog!
softandstiffpeaks.blogspot.com
Rouges
September 17, 2011 at 5:26 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
this blog is awesome!
inpursuitofrealfood
September 22, 2011 at 5:35 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Fantastic blog, great photos. It looks like you have A LOT of natural light filtering through your home:)
Lauren Zietsman
November 11, 2011 at 5:15 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I do! I’m lucky in that respect!
Mēnessmeitēns
October 2, 2011 at 6:09 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love your blog!
And I love the new look of it.
Many kisses and hugs from Ventspils (Latvia).
)
Matthew Przydrozny
October 9, 2011 at 12:11 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hey Lauren, it has been quite a while! I hope all is well, I stumbled upon your blog here one day and thought the recipes sound amazingly delicious. They are most definitely right up my alley, I just wish I had more time to try some of them out! (I’m also in PT school and I commend your great time management skills, as are evident through keeping this blog current). I’ll stick with trying the simpler recipes, just for now. Good luck in school this semester and I’ll let you know when I try one of your recipes out! All the best!
Matt
Lauren Zietsman
October 9, 2011 at 12:48 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hey Matt! You just made my day by commenting! Nice to hear from you and it’s awesome that you are in PT school, too. Is this your last year, too? I hope you find some time to try some recipes
Matthew Przydrozny
October 29, 2011 at 7:05 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m glad to hear that
Far from it, actually. I just started my first year of the professional phase this fall semester after taking a couple years off and deciding to go back to PT school. Congrats and good luck in the home stretch! I’m sure I will find time for some recipes eventually 
Kate
October 12, 2011 at 1:54 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hi! I was just wondering if the “t’s” in your Pumpking Biscotti recipe were tablespoons or teaspoons – it looks delicious, and I’d love to try making them sometime!
Lauren Zietsman
October 12, 2011 at 7:12 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
By convention I use “t” for teaspoon and “T” for tablespoon–hope you like them!
Carol
October 24, 2011 at 11:06 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
What a great site you have. I was wondering if I can reprint any of your recipes. I have a coffee website and very new blog. I am looking for fun interesting things including coffee recipes and things that go with coffee. I really like the pumpkin scones recipe. Thanks.
Lauren Zietsman
October 25, 2011 at 8:02 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
feel free–just link to the post for me!
Anna
December 23, 2011 at 4:56 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hey, I love your blog and have chosen you for the Liebster blog award. Have a look at my post for more info on the award and how to past it on to others. Merry Christmas. http://sundaydreamings.com/2011/12/23/an-early-christmas-present/
Laura
March 1, 2012 at 4:29 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hi, I just found your blog by googling cottage cheese bread. I’ll be baking your bread today. I just wanted to tell you that your Who I Am page really resonated with me, and it is so real and touching. I am also a BIG reader and enjoyed seeing your list (Muriel Spark is the best, like, ever.) I’ll be subscribing and reading along with your lovely blog. Thanks for putting it out in the universe.
Rebecca
March 4, 2012 at 9:10 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Just wanted to say that I stumbled upon your blog via TasteSpotting and immediately added it to my Google Reader list. You’ve done an amazing job with the blog and I’ve already bookmarked a whole bunch of recipes to try. I also thought it was pretty cool that you’re from Long Island, because I am, too!
Keep up the good work!
Lauren Zietsman
March 4, 2012 at 12:04 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks so much! I hope to hear more from you, fellow Long Islander!
Helen
April 2, 2012 at 1:53 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Happy to have found your blog Lauren
Thank you for taking beautiful pictures and making delicious food, while also inspiring me to be healthy! How did you learn to photograph your cooking process and foods so well?
Also, I share your passion for reading. I’m currently reading “Villette” by Charlotte Bronte..I love the classics.
Lauren Zietsman
May 4, 2012 at 10:22 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Just saw this message! Helen, learning photography was a LONG and slow process–I would definitely suggest reading the book From Plate to Pixel by Helene Dujardin for inspiration and tips! If you look back on the beginning posts you’ll see how much I learned (and upgrading to a digital SLR and a new lens helped a lot, too).
Helen
May 6, 2012 at 12:33 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you Lauren for your reply! I will most definitely check that book out. Your pictures are most definitely a work of art
Good luck in your new home! Keep the smoothie recipes coming haha