About Alissa
I am a cook, of the wondering kind.
As a lover of good food and a former mindfulness teacher, I’m curious about the ordinary ways that our life can be enriched with meaning, and discovering the places, people, and rhythms that inspire and enliven the soul through cooking.
For me, it is in the quiet of the kitchen where I feel most at home, and my most creative; where I have discovered that a homemade jar of fresh, peach jam tastes like the sun, and feels like my love; how the simple acts of putting on an apron, and spending time with the ingredients before me has a way of slowing me down, instilling a sense of reverence to my day, and more ease and joy in my life.
Learning to cook is one of those things that we start to absorb at a young age; the culinary experiences of a lifetime shaping our food aesthetic. This began for me growing up in the country in a family where cooking was simply important; through thick or thin we gathered daily around the table for a homemade meal, teaching me an appreciation for the kitchen, and the special bonds that can take root there. A curiousity continues today to draw me deeper and deeper into the particulars of food made well, crossing my path with inspiring chefs who have so generously shared their art with me.
It takes practice, always practising!
My path to here has been a culmination of sporadic achievements, and even more countless mishaps: the burnt nuts (I always burn the nuts!), jams and yogurt that won’t set, over salted butters, and deflated loaves of bread, crooked downward dogs and awkward namastes. Yet, it all seems to be part of the same thing: a relentless curiousity and tendency towards wholehearted living that lights me up. A pull that gets me back on my feet, brushes me off, sparks ideas lit by colours and flavours, teaches me to laugh and care about things like kindness, generousity and grace.
I owe my deepest thanks to my husband for making such a sweet and beautiful life with me, and to my spirited family and the kitchen chaos that is our creative playground; to chefs Miriam Streiman, Yoonhee Chang, and Lauren Hambleton for your encouragement and inspiration; to the families who have allowed me the chance to cook for them in their kitchens over the years, and to the Mary’s Kitchen crew all that time ago who believed in my vision for beautiful farm-fresh food for all and who cooked their little hearts out along side me. And of course, my deepest gratitude to you - those I cook with or for - who give me the chance to share my love and live my purpose.
It is my deepest hope that one day you will join me in my kitchen for conversations over tea and peeled apples; that I may carve out a quiet restorative place for you, to serve your heart, belly and soul.
May you find rest, and be lit by joy.
Love,
Alissa
a country girl at heart...
When not cooking with my guests, you’ll find me on long pastoral walks, soaking in a quiet afternoon slowly making my way through a bushel of tomatoes, diving deep into the fascinating world of natural cheesemaking, enjoying wood-fired pizza and wine night at home with my husband, and imagining recipes for those I love.
Hands-On Cooking Sessions
my approach to cooking
Cooking sessions are intentionally designed one-to-one so you can receive undivided attention, and the chance to discover the magic that can happen when we spend time together. This isn’t about learning special cooking techniques (although that may happen), it's about slowing down and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. So let’s pare things back to it’s simplest form: just you and me, some fresh ingredients, and us cooking. Slow and steady.
why we cook
Cooking is of course about eating good food!
But it is much more than that. Surprisingly, we don’t have to look far for ways in our everyday life where we can find a little peace, a little grounding, and reconnect to what is most meaningful to us. We eat everyday, so why not start there? Plus, I don’t know about you, but cooking makes me happy, and I like to do the things that bring me joy.
Naturally with cooking our senses are enlivened; there is much to see, smell, taste, and feel in the kitchen. We can use this kind of sensory experience as a way to anchor our attention to the task at hand when disconnecting from our busy lives and settling into some quiet reflection doesn't come easily. To help us re-orientate our attention towards the inner life we can find solace in giving our minds and hands something life-giving and creative to do.
In the end, we get to enjoy what we have made, and how wonderful is that?
how we do it
Don’t worry, it’s not complicated. And it’s not about getting it right. It’s about shifting our attention towards simplicity, beauty, and a slower rhythm as best we can. Tie on an apron. Take in the room. Then settle in: wash, chop, stir, chat, pour more tea. Let me guide you.
Our sessions feature an ingredient from the Ontario landscape, our way of celebrating this abundant province. In the end, we will package up our creation for you to take home with you to share with those you love. They will taste the care and devotion you put into it, we're sure of it.
where we gather
Cooking sessions are held in the Contemplative Cook's home kitchen near Creemore, Ontario. Nothing fancy, just a regular kitchen where extraordinary things happen.
who can cook with us?
Anyone! All ages are welcome, and no cooking or meditation experience is necessary. A bit of curiousity will work wonders.
Private Cook + Bespoke Meal Service
Food for the Soul Made for You
Love good food but don't have time (or interest) to cook?
Let me make your life easier, your home more peaceful, and your belly happier with homemade comfort food, using fresh seasonal ingredients.
Please email to discuss the details!
