Hi! I'm Diana Reis, creator of Delicious by Design. I'm a chef, mom, and all around food-lover. My recipes are simple, use everyday ingredients, and are packed with flavor. I aim to bring you recipes designed to please the whole family, especially the cook.
I'm passionate about the family dinner table. Connecting with each other at the end of the day over a good meal creates strong family bonds and healthy long-lasting relationships. I want to help families and friends build those relationships.
About me!
I currently live in Central California with my husband and two daughters. I write this blog in between teaching cooking classes and taking care of my kids (a job that currently involves homeschooling). Homeschooling wasn't a part of our family's plan, but no one in 2020 has a plan, so we are rolling with it.
I was raised in an Italian-American farm family. Growing up, food was literally and figuratively life. My family was always together, always cooking, and always eating. I'm proud to carry on these traditions and cook with the next generation.
I didn't really start cooking until I moved away for college. I started out cooking things my mother always made, and gradually branched out. I studied Interior Architecture and worked as a designer, but I spent all of my free time cooking for my friends and planning parties. My after work activities became my full time job in 2008 when my parents and I started a catering company.
For the last 12 years I owned and operated Delicious by Design which consisted of a catering service, sandwich shop, and gourmet food line. I dedicated a lot of time and love into that business. I even worked through two pregnancies, and brought my daughters to work whenever possible. I hope they will remember the time they spent with me and they will be inspired to pursue, diligently, careers that are meaningful to them as I have done. I grew from a "kid" who loves to cook into a seasoned professional chef. I am blessed to be able to write this blog and connect with the amazing people who read it.
What will you find on Delicious by Design?
You will find tried and true recipes with step-by-step instructions. These include recipes I used as a caterer and have served to, literally, thousands of people, and those I feed my own family and friends.
Helpful tips and shortcuts to make cooking more manageable. I share what I learned about cooking and efficiency working as a chef.
Recipes that help you stay on budget. Everything is expensive these days, but I firmly believe you can make great meals at home and stick to a budget. Look for my smart shopping and planning tips to make the most of your budget.
Ingredient lists where every item can be found at the regular grocery store. I plan all of my recipes around one weekly stop at the bulk grocery and one stop at the regular grocery store because I don't have time to run all over town looking for specialty items and neither do you.
Of course, amazing flavors. I want to help you put food on the table that disappears as fast as you make it.
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Keep in touch!
I love to hear from you! Drop me an email at deliciousbydesignblog@gmail.com or comment on your favorite posts. I always respond. Remember to be brave, make a mess, make mistakes, and keep it Delicious by Design.
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