Hi there! I’m Ashley. I started cooking and baking while in college, but really only stuck to a few recipes that my mom had taught me when I was younger. However, after getting married, I received so many wonderful kitchen tools and cookbooks that I knew it was time to branch out. I’ve been in the kitchen ever since, trying new things, having a blast, and generally making a giant mess in the process. I’ve never had any formal training in cooking or photography, but have learned through much trial and error. I started this blog in the hopes of sharing my own journey in the kitchen and as motivation to continue to grow. I also hope that it inspires you to try out new recipes and cook more at home.
A little about me. I live with my wonderful husband and our awesome beagle in northern Virginia – just outside of DC. I love coffee, any type of dessert, snowy winter days, going for walks in our local park, watching old episodes of The Office, snuggling with our dog, shopping at Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn, the mountains and spending time with friends and family.
Why the name Cookie Monster Cooking? It all started when I decided to work with a personal trainer in the weeks leading up to my wedding. He wanted me to keep a food journal of every single thing I ate. After weeks of dragging my feet (we eat pretty healthy so I figured I didn’t need to do it), I finally wrote everything down. When my trainer looked at the sheet, he got quiet and then started laughing. He asked, “What are you, a cookie monster?” Apparently I do eat well, except for those after dinner cookies. I went home and told my husband (then fiancé) the story – who also found this all very amusing. The name has stuck ever since.
Photo by the fabulous Blonde Photographer
