I grew up in rural Montana, where my mom and grandmother loved celebrating every occasion and bringing the family together over Lebanese and Italian heritage. I have fond memories of our gatherings but never spent much time in the kitchen besides some holiday baking. Adulting in New York is dining out, ordering, or bringing in pre-made meals. During the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found solace in the kitchen of my New York apartment. Now, I am an aspiring cook and rustic baker. I connected with the broader food-loving community, and preparing meals and baking became my creative outlet. Since then, my culinary journey has continued as I discovered the art of cooking and experimented with recipes I never thought possible. Although I'm still a novice with a whisk and often rely on semi-homemade hacks, my love for cooking has grown. I am fortunate to have talented cooks around me, and I often turn to my sisters for advice on our family favorites.