Come and Stay a While
Oh hi there! I can’t believe that I’m writing my first post. I’ve written and backspaced on this part more times than I can count, but here.we.go.
Fear has kept me from sharing my recipes and my heart with you. You’re also looking at a 3w2/2w3 (ongoing debate) on the Enneagram, so the desire to be the best, succeed and also have your approval, well…let’s just say it runs deep. Thoughts have played through my head…Will you like the recipes? Will anyone make these? Is another food blog really necessary? Is it going to be good enough?
I finally discovered the answers to these questions, but it took me a moment to get here. While I’m doing this for you, I had to start this primarily for me. I guess I should probably introduce myself, too!
My name is Holly Darnell and I’m a dietitian and home chef based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Fun fact for you is that I’m a native (as others call a unicorn) and grew up in Franklin, TN. I live for time spent with my friends, family, cooking together and cultivating time and memories around the table. Also, as you get to know me, you’ll find out that I also have a real love for my dog, Helen, Topo Chicos and tacos. Food of course is in there, but I’m guessing that you already knew that one.
I often get asked how I got started with food. It began with my grandmother (my dad’s mom) who showed us that quality time could happen in the kitchen. She was an amazing baker and I feel closest to her even now when I’m cooking and creating. Then my love for cooking continued in middle school and high school as I’d test out recipes on my family and continue to bake with my mom. I initially took the dietitian route because I wanted to help people and this job involved food (also big science nerd over here and minimal math involved, sign me up) and cooking skills and creativity in the kitchen took a hiatus.
It was in high school that I actually noticed extreme stomach pain and becoming sick about once a month. That continued well on into college, dietetic internship and my career. I had tests done (endoscopy, colonoscopy, all the scopes basically) and no doctor could identify what was wrong with me. They all placed me in the IBS bracket and gave minimal instructions on how to continue. Nothing was working, so I decided to go on my own and find out what makes me feel my best. I began to understand what foods had me feeling my best, and really had to get creative in the kitchen. This initial pain and hardship brought about something beautiful that I couldn’t see at the time. It sparked my creativity, helped me feel better, and brought me so much joy. These also led to those thoughts…I can’t be the only one. Fast forward I don’t even know how many years. And here we are, creating gluten-free and dairy-free foods. Discovering how to craft and tailor what you love, without sacrificing the taste, enjoyment or experience.
Since we’re being real here. The other honest answer about the beginning of my food journey is that it was not a healthy one. I’ve experienced disordered eating since I was a teenager and it developed into an actual eating disorder (orthorexia and anorexia) in my late 20’s. I’ve been in recovery for 5 years now and have loved rediscovering the joy of food, coming from a place of inclusion and freedom.
I’m going to continue to practice that joy, sharing my passion and love for food with you. I’m so honored to have a space in your kitchen and your lives.
All the love,
Holly