Hi –
My name is Michal Rose Riege (Michal is pronounced like Michelle). I grew up, went to college, and got married in the Milwaukee area of Wisconsin. My love of cooking and baking started with my grandmother, Rose. She baked bread and pies every Saturday. There were always fresh baked cookies in the cupboard. She was the grandmother everyone else wanted. Friends and family timed their visits to ensure there was something coming out of the oven. My grandmother and grandfather were both German, so there was lots of meat and potatoes for dinner growing up. However, if we did not like what was being served my grandmother was a quick hand with peanut butter and homemade jelly sandwiches. I was always at her elbow willing to help by tasting the batter from the beaters.
My mother influenced my cooking by helping us move away from the meat and potatoes. My dad started to travel for work and we would have quiche, french toast or stir fry for dinner. She showed me how to get dinner on the table in a short period of time while still keeping it healthy. Eating out was for special occasions.
I have a degree in Industrial Engineering so taking recipes apart and putting them back together is a part of my personality. Baking and cooking is my creative outlet. I love to read and pour through cookbooks. My friends and family have fed my book habit over the years.
My passion for trying new recipes grew several years ago. I have always enjoyed going to the WI State Fair and walking through the hall with all the competitive foods displayed. In 2010, I investigated and entered the WI State Fair in 3 categories. I took home a first place ribbon and I was hooked. I have competed every since then and have over 45 ribbons. I usually enter about 15 entries each year on 2- 3 different days. The recipes have to be unique. Throughout the year I monitor the food trends and think of new combinations of foods. I have even been featured in the Milwaukee Journal more than once.
I have been married to my husband Todd for 30 years. We have 2 cats, Oscar and Simon. Simon is the 5th cat we have owned. We designed and built our current house a few years ago. As you can guess there was a large budget for the kitchen. It is the perfect space to be creative. Todd is my number one taste tester. He is always gives me his honest opinion even if it is to start over.
I encourage you to try a new recipe this week. Pick something…. You don’t know where it will lead you.