Because Everything Happens in the Kitchen
Hi, I’m Di — and I believe that the moment you learn to cook, your whole life changes.
I didn’t grow up in a kitchen with a mother or grandmother guiding my every move. I didn’t go to culinary school (though believe me, I wish I had). I taught myself — through obsessive cookbook reading, cooking magazines stacked to the ceiling, countless hours of cooking shows, and the beautiful, messy process of trial and error. If there’s a recipe, a technique, or an ingredient I haven’t tried yet, I’m probably already planning to.
My cooking journey started the way the best stories usually do — accidentally. Newly married and the proud recipient of a 22-quart stockpot as a bridal shower gift, I called my grandmother, headed to the store, and threw everything into that pot trying to recreate the beef vegetable soup I had loved at the diner where she and I had worked together. I had no idea what I was doing. And it was *so good.* That day, something clicked. A passion ignited that has never stopped burning.
That was around the year 2000. Since then, I’ve never looked back.
A Life Built Around the Table
I live in Wernersville, PA — tucked in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, just an hour from Philadelphia and Harrisburg — with my wonderfully supportive husband John, whom I’ve been married to since 1999, and our two beloved cats, Copper and Cosmo.
Our home is a reflection of everything I love: a custom butler’s pantry John built for me, an incredible patio and outdoor kitchen where we love to entertain, and a collection of over 4,000 cookbooks (yes, you read that right) that I treasure like most people treasure fine art. I also collect cookware, bakeware, and anything and everything related to entertaining. If it belongs in a kitchen or on a beautiful table, I probably have it — or I’m looking for it.
John shares my passion for creating. A gifted woodworker, he handcrafts stunning charcuterie boards, chef’s boards, serving boards, cutting boards, cake stands, and cookbook holders — many of which you’ll find right here in my shop. He also builds completely custom furniture, and you can see his beautiful work over at Porter Furniture. Everything we make, we make with love.
What Escape 2 the Kitchen Is All About
My path to this blog has been anything but straight. I studied fashion design, then pivoted to IT, earned my MBA, and today I balance business consulting, working with my family’s trucking company, and serving as a Pampered Chef consultant — all while spending every spare moment doing what I truly love: cooking, creating, and connecting with people over food.
Escape 2 the Kitchen is exactly what it sounds like — a place to escape. To slow down, get your hands into something real, and discover what you’re capable of creating. Whether you’re cooking a simple weeknight dinner for two or pulling out all the stops for a dinner party, my goal is to inspire you, teach you, and cheer you on every single step of the way.
I cover everything from everyday comfort meals and special-occasion showstoppers to entertaining guides, tutorials, and the kind of recipes that make people ask, “You made this yourself?”* Yes. You did. And you can.
You’ll also find product recommendations throughout the site for the tools, cookware, and ingredients I genuinely use and love. As an Amazon affiliate and Pampered Chef consultant, some links may be affiliate links — which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this kitchen running, and I only ever recommend things I truly stand behind.
My Philosophy
**Anyone can cook.** I mean that. You don’t need formal training, a fancy kitchen, or years of experience. What you need is curiosity, a willingness to try, and someone in your corner telling you that it’s worth it. I’m that person.
Food is one of the most powerful ways we connect with the people we love. It brings families to the table, turns strangers into friends, and gives us a way to say *I care about you* without a single word. Learning to cook doesn’t just feed your body — it enriches your life in ways you might not even expect.
I also believe deeply in the connection between cooking and living well. You’ll find that journey explored more deeply over at my second blog, Reinventing Diana, where I share my personal health and wellness story.
Let’s Cook Together
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned home cook, you belong here. Pull up a chair, grab your apron, and let’s escape to the kitchen together.
Have a question, a recipe request, or just want to say hi? I’d love to hear from you!
