Erin Jeanne McDowell

Cook, food writer and food stylist

I've had the pleasure of working on so many wonderful books in my career as a food stylist, but this is one I'll always cherish. Alana is amazing - she can simultaneously encourage you to make unbelievably inspiring things from scratch (condiments, cheese, a dinner for 15), while also reminding you that cooking for yourself should be pleasant and enjoyable - not a pain in the neck. She emboldened me during the weeks I spent with her - and I've taken so much of her advice into my own kitchen.