Welcome to Dances with Knives!
Hello! I’m Kim, a classically trained chef, world traveler, and lifelong foodie. I’m excited to share my passion for vegan cooking and baking with you!
Whether you’re vegan, plant-curious, or just looking to add more veggies to your meals, you’re in the right place!
About Kim
My culinary journey began with a deep love for cooking that started during my childhood in Maryland, just outside Washington, DC. I spent countless hours experimenting in the kitchen, which is probably why my vegan crab cakes are so good!
But then I grew up and moved to California where I worked in the film industry for years. However, by the time I hit my 30s, I realized that my true passion was in the kitchen. This revelation led me to get a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu and go on to specialize in vegan cuisine.
Before starting this blog, I spent many years as a vegan personal chef, catering to clients with diverse dietary needs—including celebrities from The Avengers, The Hangover, Saturday Night Live, and many more.
Now, I spend most of my time in the beautiful Algarve region of Portugal with my Portuguese husband, two mini schnauzers, and a very opinionated lop-eared bunny.
What You’ll Find Here
My cooking philosophy is all about simplicity, sustainability, and bold flavors. I believe vegan food doesn’t have to be complicated or bland—it can be vibrant, satisfying, and easy, no matter your skill level. At Dances with Knives, you’ll find:
- Foolproof Recipes: Tested and perfected vegan recipes that are easy to follow.
- Expert Advice: Substitution guides, expert tips, and vegan cooking hacks.
- Meal Prep Tips: Strategies for saving time and staying organized.
- Inspiration: Recipes for every occasion, from quick weeknight dinners to festive holiday meals. Check out my recipe roundups for ideas.
My Experience
- Professional Chef: Worked as a personal chef for Hollywood celebrities, crafting custom meals that catered to their varied tastes and dietary preferences.
- Culinary Education: Graduated from Le Cordon Bleu with a mastery of classical cooking techniques, which I’ve reimagined to develop innovative, plant-based dishes.
- Global Cuisine Expertise: Traveled to over 30 countries across 5 continents, immersing myself in diverse cuisines and cooking techniques. I've lived in Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, and Portugal.
Fun Facts About Me
- Favorite Cuisine: I have a soft spot for Mexican and Southeast Asian dishes.
- Favorite Kitchen Tool: My chef’s knife! It’s been by my side through countless countries.
- Guilty Pleasure: My vegan chocolate chip cookies (because who can ever say no to those?).
- Dancing Roots: In my younger years I was a competitive dancer and this is what inspired the name Dances with Knives!
- Volunteer Adventures: I was volunteering training kitchen staff in the country of Lesotho in Africa when COVID hit.
Let’s Connect
I’d love to hear from you! Check out all my recipes, join my email list for updates, or follow me on social media for more tips and inspiration.
