{meet erica}

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Hello there, I’m Erica, a high school student, self-taught baker, and aspiring food writer. Welcome to my little corner of the Internet.

What's with the title?

Cannella Vita means “cinnamon life” in Italian. Cinnamon is my favorite spice. It is what puts the magic into everything from big, iced cinnamon buns to a simple bowl of oatmeal. It's also believed to have many health benefits. Cinnamon is good for the mind and body, but also spicy, delicious and fun. Concerning life, that's just how I like it. 

When did you start food blogging?

I was in 5th grade. I picked up a frying pan and made a sandwich.  This sandwich. A little butter, some crusty bread, sliced ham and sweet pears. It was a good sandwich. I posted it on All Recipes. I was awestruck that my little sandwich was ending up on so many people's kitchen tables. Ever since, I have been sharing recipes, connecting with readers, making friends, and baking up a storm.  

What do you cook?

For a while I struggled with a concept for Cannella Vita. I’m not vegan. I’m not a pastry chef. I don’t “BBQ.” My food isn’t always buttery. It isn’t always healthy. It isn’t always easy. It isn't always complicated. But it always has my heart in it. I like to think that it’s a little bit like me. I am inspired by my multicultural background and include flavors from Japan, Switzerland, Hawaii, and the California coastline in many of my dishes.

What do you eat?

I love breakfast; avocados; buttery toast; green drinks; ikura; and black coffee. I am an adventurous eater, but I won’t touch peanut butter.

What inspires your photos?

I want you to be able to smell the fresh bread baking in my oven, drool a little over a big, hefty cinnamon roll, and sink your fingers into a big pile of dough with me. Whenever we go out, my family and close friends know not to dig in until I’ve snapped a few shots of their fois gras or pulled pork sandwich.

What do you do when you aren't puttering around the kitchen?

You can find me hitting the pavement for a sweaty run, soaking up the sun, taking pictures of paper towel rolls, getting lost at Whole Foods, living it up with my family and friends, or like any other high school student, procrastinating on homework.

Nothing puts a smile on my face like sharing my food and memories with people I love. So smile, breathe, and enjoy life’s little cinnamon-sprinkled moments.

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With love, Erica 
Feel free to say hello: cannellavita@gmail.com