About

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My name is Dara Michalski and I am wife to a supportive husband and mother of 2 young, energetic boys.  They are my official taste-testers and will willingly give me a thumbs-up or thumbs-down as their palates instruct.  A thumbs-up is typically accompanied by, “Are you going to put that on the blog, Mum?”  My husband is a passionate critic of mushrooms and olives, but otherwise is a willing guinea pig.  He can also whip up a mean burrito.

I have been interested in food and cooking as long as I can remember. My mum is a fabulous, instinctual cook and I like to think that I picked up some of that from her. She grew up in Jamaica, plus my parents spent the first two years of their marriage living in Malaysia. As a result, she often used (and still does use) spices and flavors in her cooking that were rather unusual at that time. My dad, who has always been our Sandwich King and can make a mean batch of scrambled eggs, took a series of cooking classes several years ago, which spurred on a baking streak that we all appreciated.

I am a Canadian by birth and in my heart (yes, I’m a Canuck), but have lived happily in the United States for the past 15 years, and in Utah for the past 10 years. I was born in eastern Canada, but spent most of my childhood and early twenties in Vancouver. It is a city graced with the beauty of the mountains and ocean. Vancouver has an inspiring food and restaurant scene that is stimulated, in part, by the melting pot of cultures.

This blog blossomed into much more than a place to file recipes.  I now work as a recipe developer and food writer, and am also excited for the next food experience waiting around the corner.

In addition, my husband and I are consultants for families who wish to set up intensive behavioral programs for their children with autism. We are dedicated to making these amazing children reach their full potential.

Head to the Press page to read about sites and magazines where Cookin’ Canuck is featured and awards that have been given to my recipes.

I hope you enjoy these recipes and are able to use them when cooking for your family and entertaining friends. I aspire to give you recipes that make you think, “This isn’t so hard after all!”