Meet Marissa

Hi and welcome. I’m Marissa and I write this blog.

Why Pinch and Swirl? Because I’ve found that most foods improve with a pinch of salt and a swirl of olive oil. On this blog you’ll find recipes made from whole foods: some light, some rich. You’ll find savory dishes and sweet ones too. I write about recipes that propel me (and hopefully you) into the kitchen. The recipes come from cookbooks, magazines, other bloggers who inspire me, and sometimes they’re recipes I’ve created.

I live in Bend, Oregon, graduated from college in Idaho, and grew up in California. Before Bend I lived in Seattle, where I worked with my husband to restore a 1921 Craftsman Bungalow – so I’m handy with a hammer and a kitchen knife. You should meet Keith too. I met him in the 6th grade and our first kiss was that same year, playing Truth or Dare on ‘the big tire’. We got married in 1995 and you’ll hear about him because we eat together a lot. I’m lucky that way.

This photo was taken in the Netherlands where we were waylaid by fog on our way home from a big trip to Italy. It makes me happy.

I’m writing this blog for me, as a recipe journal. But I’m also writing it for you. I want to hear your thoughts and questions and suggestions. Leave a comment or send me a note: marissa{at}pinchandswirl{dot}com.