About Kitchen Fiddler

Welcome to Kitchen Fiddler!  I’m Louise, a professional violinist in New York City as well as a passionate home cook and occasional chocolatier in between gigs.  I started my Kitchen Fiddler blog in 2008 as a way to combine my love for sharing great food and stories with friends. 

I get to do some extremely cool things as a musician, between performing with inspiring artists and occasional touring, stories about which are sprinkled throughout this blog.  Over the years I’ve noticed that great food and great music seem to go hand-in-hand, as many of my musician friends are also enthusiastic and talented cooks.  Maybe it’s because cooking provides a different outlet for creativity, one that is less pressured than performing on stage.  Or perhaps it’s that we all love the post-concert celebration, which often involves festive meals and much merriment.

I’ve been fiddling around in the kitchen ever since I was little.  My mom, a dedicated piano teacher, hosted monthly recitals for her students that were always followed by a party.  I remember her baking up a storm in the kitchen the night before those class recitals, trying out new recipes and making all kinds of treats for the reception afterwards.  I have a very strong memory of marching into the kitchen when I was six years old, announcing that I needed to know how to make cookies and that I was here to help.  (I was a very determined little kid who knew her own mind!)  Mom was a patient teacher as she let me measure, stir and scoop out cookie dough alongside her, and I loved being in the kitchen with her.  To this day, she is still one of my favorite people to cook with and we have an easy rhythm in her kitchen together.

As for my own kitchen, it is small with woefully inadequate cabinets and counter space—which isn’t unusual for Manhattan kitchens--but my sun-drenched apartment is so well located and boasts a killer view that I can’t justify moving yet. Despite the limitations of my kitchen, I still manage to operate a thriving chocolate truffle business around the holidays.  When there’s a will, there is a way!

I love hearing from readers, especially if you’ve enjoyed recipes here on this site.  Please feel free to leave a comment, or if you’re feeling shy about leaving one publicly, you can always email me at kitchenfiddler (at) gmail (dot) com. 

Thanks for visiting!