The French home cook is famous for making a delicious, elaborate dinner ... but always buying her dessert from the local patisserie. And very few people in France make their own bread or croissants because that's what the boulangerie is for. But Americans are different. We seem to like playing with elaborate laminated doughs and complicated, lengthy recipes. What about you?

Italian cuisine is near and dear to many of our hearts, and so I think we can all nod in understanding when Nigella Lawson says, "It was when I was sixteen or seventeen that I decided to be Italian." Nigellissima is an ode to her younger self and to the food she fell in love with way before Nigella Lawson became a household name. These are simple, nourishing Italian dishes that are as satisfying to make as they are to eat. 

Jeff Garbs lives in a small, stylish rental in Los Angeles' Highland Park, situated quietly off a main street. He enjoys the secluded space and private yard, but most of all he enjoys decorating his adorable home. And when your total home square footage is only 390 square feet, you have to work with what you've got, especially in the kitchen.

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Lola Milholland is an avid home cook with an amazing range of culinary abilities from making her own whole wheat English muffins to spice blends such as za'atar, tortillas from scratch, organic yogurt and growing her own mushrooms — she cooks with tenacity and confidence! Lola is also the assistant editor for Edible Portland, a soulful publication in which Lola collaborates with local farmers, recipe developers, chefs and photographers. Join us for a tour of this giant, personality-filled kitchen.

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Have you heard of Good Eggs? This San Francisco-based startup launched last summer, and we're excited about the concept. Basically, Good Eggs is like Etsy for local foodies. It's an online hub where people can find and buy food directly from nearby farmers and food producers, and then arrange to pick it up or have it delivered. More

If you live in Los Angeles you probably know of or have dined at Casa Vega, a family owned Mexican restaurant that has been open since the 50s. You may also be thinking, "Wait! I know Christy and Casa Vega from someplace else..." Yes, she was on Bravo's Flipping Out with Jeff Lewis. It is always really intriguing to see the personal kitchen of someone who works in the restaurant business, so I was very grateful when she gave me a sneak peek.

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Nigel Slater's The Kitchen Diaries II has not yet been published in the US, but I'm sharing this review anyway because I know I'm not the only non-UK citizen who's a big fan of Mr. Slater and his gorgeous but quite useful cookbooks. You can find copies of the UK edition here and there, and it will be published in the US this fall. But if you're like me and can't wait that long, read on for a peek into this beautiful, inspiring volume. More

Seven years ago Kathleen bought a derelict century-old carriage house, gutted it, and transformed it into a warm and wonderful home. The Eastern design aesthetic of the renovated space filters into Katherine's kitchen as well. It's easy to imagine what joy this kitchen brings to Kathleen. She can cook, host, share, and celebrate all in one glorious spot!

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My husband and I have lived in this rental kitchen in Portland, Oregon for over a year now, and while it isn't a designer showcase space, it does have its quirks and charms. It's been the site of many cups of hot chocolate, champagne toasts, triumphs and failures, for which I'm incredibly grateful.

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I've driven by Kathy Delgado's store, Vintageweave Interiors, a dozen of times. She specializes in amazing French farmhouse style antiques and home decor. I am not sure how I got so lucky to get an invite to have lunch with her and tour her own kitchen, but I did!

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