About Me
Hi there, I'm Tracy!
As a passionate foodie and music enthusiast, I'm here to help you rock your kitchen! I approach recipes creatively, often improvising traditional dishes or crafting my own based on unique dining experiences. Explore my blog for delightful and approachable recipes from breakfast to dinner, including appetizers, desserts, and cocktails. Let's create meals that leave a lasting impression, paired with music recommendations to groove to while you cook!
my journey
I grew up in Colorado in a big, food- and music-loving family where meals weren’t just about eating — they were an experience. My mom was an incredible cook who blended printed recipes with her own creations, and while I didn’t spend hours in the kitchen with her, I picked up a lot just by watching. Cooking wasn’t something we overcomplicated; it was about good food, great company, and creating memories together.
Music was a big part of our lives, filling the house with everything from Motown to Barbra Streisand to Michael Jackson, thanks to my mom, while my dad loved jazz. And with Red Rocks Amphitheater practically in our backyard, my identical twin sister and I loved going to concerts, soaking in everything from rock and alternative to dance and pop.
I started working at a local restaurant in high school and continued through my college years at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where I originally thought I’d pursue journalism. But between classes and shifts, I began imagining what it might be like to one day own a restaurant. I got married right after college and stayed in the industry, drawn to the energy, creativity, and, of course, the food. But after years of late nights, weekends, and holiday shifts, I realized that while I loved the industry, I didn’t love the lifestyle that came with it.
So, I shifted gears, earned a degree in English, and eventually moved into my first “regular” job—one that had nothing to do with food or writing. But cooking always remained my Zen place. It was my way to unwind, experiment, and bring people together.
After I divorced and became a busy single mother to two children, I shifted my cooking to smaller meals or dishes that I could freeze easily due to lack of time. Even with our hectic schedules, I made sure that dinner time was special. We would all put our phones away, turn on music, and enjoy each other’s company. When we had time, we’d do music swaps, playing new, sometimes even old songs for each other and building our playlists. When I was by myself, I often prepared simple meals such as grilled chicken with broccoli or sometimes just had a bag of popcorn. While not the most nutritious choice, it sure tasted good!
When I met my fiancé, Gary, and started cooking for us, I rediscovered that creative space I love. It allowed me to refine my culinary skills and reignite my passion. Music naturally became part of our routine — we always enjoy a good playlist before and during dinner, setting the tone for the meal and making even simple nights feel special. After many years in the staffing business, I decided to pursue my love for cooking, music, and writing by creating this blog. Now, residing in Las Vegas, a city renowned for its culinary and musical offerings, I invite you to join me on a culinary journey. Many of my recipes will focus on meals for two, inspired by my experience cooking for us — perfect for date nights, cozy dinners, or simply sharing good food with someone special. Each post will feature a unique playlist inspired by an italicized KEYWORD, so you’ll have the perfect soundtrack while recreating memorable meals. Let’s celebrate the joy of food, wine, and music together!