We are Gamelle and Meghan, two educators who bonded over a shared love of art and the delight of gathering people around the table. One night over wine, we began imagining what it would look like to create something together. Meghan had just finished writing her thesis in comic-book style, honing her storytelling skills through her distinctive characters and playful drawing style. Meanwhile, Gamelle was hosting elaborate dinners and nurturing a growing passion for entrepreneurial projects. 

After hosting many meals together, we realized that we both not only loved creativity, we also loved cooking and entertaining in the same way. And, as teachers, we had witnessed countless times how differently people learn and absorb information. Some understand best through words, others through images, movement, or the senses. So we began to ask ourselves: What if a recipe didn’t have to be only text? What if it could guide the way a comic does - step by step and glance by glance? From that spark, Cooking Artfully began to unfold like its own illustrated tale.

The recipes in this book carry that spirit. They are unfussy and made with easy-to-find ingredients. We began with the dishes that we cook most often for our families and then expanded to include the special meals we reach for when we want something a little celebratory yet still without a lot of fuss.

This book is our invitation for you to cook the way you read a picture book: with curiosity, ease, and a sense of play!