I am not really a chef, but I occasionally dream of being the Chopped Champion on Food Network’s series Chopped.

In my real life, I am a married graduate student who works for a nonprofit rescuing and rehabbing marine mammals and I am proudly owned by two incredibly cute cats.

Between homework assignments and pulling sick sea lions off the beach, I run around the kitchen attempting to create tasty entrées or desserts with unique flavors to impress my friends and family.

As a challenge to myself, I have taken on baking all of the birthday cake for my family.

I also want to push myself to learn more about how to use spices and interesting ways to cook vegetables.

Let the fun.