Mainichi (pronounced my-nee-chee) means everyday in Japanese. Here you will find everyday recipes that I have developed over the years and are a reflection of who I am and where I come from.

I grew up in a mixed Japanese/Scandinavian household in Southern California so my food inspiration spans many cultures and cuisines. My food inspiration grew further after living in the Twin Cities in Minnesota for 10 years where I completed a BA in Philosophy at Macalester College, got my Masters in Social Work at the University of Minnesota, and worked as a high school mental health therapist. Two babies and a couple years later, my family is finally settling into our home in California, my kids are growing, and I am ready to share my recipes with the world.

My main guiding principles when cooking everyday meals are less meat, less waste, and more love. I have been cooking, baking, and developing recipes since I was around 12 years-old. As I get older I am paying more attention to the impacts of my food choices. What we eat impacts our own health and longevity as well as the health and wellbeing of the interconnected world we live in.

I believe cooking, eating, and sharing food connects you more with the planet and the people around you. Eating less meat is better for the planet and our bodies while creating less waste is better for the planet and our spirit. Food is my art and my passion and sharing it with others feeds my soul. It is in this spirit that I write this blog.

Thank you for taking the time to visit Mainichi Kitchen. My recipes are intended to be suggestions rather than rules to follow, as everyone has different tastes and preferences. I like simple, straightforward recipes and I am always looking for ways to simplify recipes without sacrificing quality. I hope my ideas in the kitchen will inspire you to be creative in your kitchen too!