I am Linda Neves, an entrepreneurial Baby Boomer who is exploring and following my passion and also a devoted student of learning all that Life wants to teach me. Although, not always intuitive or receptive, I have discovered an important bit of reality. Our passions find us; we don’t find them. They run us down and tackle us like a football player.

     At least, that’s how it was for me 35 years ago when I fell, kicking and screaming, into the life-changing world of out-of-the-ordinary recipes. Up until that time, I had no interest in anything that would mess up my kitchen or dirty my dishes. But, after some inspiring culinary successes, I found that I didn’t mind the extra dishes when they yielded the most incredible flavors I had ever tasted!!  In fact, I was eager to dirty more dishes!!  I had been blindsided and tackled by a most unexpected desire for hidden quality.

     I became a lucrative channel of experimentation----in search of even more exciting flavors. I became addicted to the satisfying and creative aspect of budget-friendly recipes, the meshing and blending of unusual ingredients to produce brand-new extraordinary treats. And I never ceased to be amazed by the magical results----created from the simplicity of low-cost everyday ingredients.

     No, the fancy expensive recipes using shrimp, lobster, lamb and veal were not for me. I also dismissed recipes that called for pricey liqueurs, exotic cheeses and hard-to-find spices. They held no interest for me. My enjoyment came in the unusual combinations of ordinary items----the thrill of tapping into and being carried away by their adventurous “out of the box” left-field creativity. (That also ripples into other areas of Life, firming up the foundation for magical thinking and magical living)!!

     Over the years, my passionate hobby has mellowed and matured right along with me, always there offering the comfort and stability of an old reliable friend, with each of us seeking to reveal our subtle surprising talents. We have joined forces, me and my recipes, forming a trusted alliance to give our best to you. With their cooperative assistance, the last 6 years of my life have been spent doing what brings me pleasure----organizing and shaping this labor-of-love cookbook business.

     Along the way, it has given me both laughter and tears, exhilaration and frustration. But, overall, its major contribution has been exactly what the quirky recipes inspired from the very beginning----quality and deep satisfaction!!  Along with an exciting newly-found sense of purpose for the second part of my life!!

     I truly enjoy getting better with age, embracing the freedom and desire to build a flexible lifestyle around new ideas and stimulating pursuits. My life has gradually been elevated and transformed, infused with invigorating quality. And I take great pride in adding it to the cookbooks. They are the lucky recipients into which all of my passion is poured. And I revel in their one-of-a-kind uniqueness.

     In fact, that's how my business came by its name!!  It is a tangible reflection of my inner yearning for excellence and my dedicated drive to create a novel and superior venture. It's an endeavor that brings pleasure to everyone it touches, making it a win-win situation for everybody. And, in its purest form, that's the true meaning of purpose and passion!!

     Therefore, this business offers you the best of both of us----my recipes and me!!