Hi, I’m Mel — born from Italian Sundays and French Canadian winters. I create everyday, vegetable-forward recipes with a touch of gourmet flair.

Italian Roots

My mother is Italian, and some of my fondest memories come from the Sunday dinners we shared at my Nonna’s house. There was always pasta, salad, bread, and a bowl of greens drizzled with olive oil — simple, perfect food that spoke of love and tradition. As a kid, I took those meals for granted. Now, I treasure the memories of canning tomatoes with my grandmother, watching her tend her backyard tomato garden, and listening to the melodic “discussions” between my mother and Nonna — lively enough that outsiders might have mistaken them for arguments. 😄

It’s no surprise that pasta holds such a special place in my heart — I’ve never met a pasta recipe I didn’t like. I also have a deep affection for classic Italian ingredients like fresh tomatoes, basil, artichokes, and the wonderfully misunderstood, slightly bitter rapini.

French Canadian Heritage

On my father’s side, my roots are French Canadian. Many traditional French Canadian dishes are quite meat-heavy — which makes sense, given the long winters and short growing seasons of Quebec. But even so, there are timeless recipes that lend themselves beautifully to vegetarian adaptations, like my grandfather’s famous pea soup or pâté chinois (a comforting dish similar to shepherd’s pie). There’s something grounding and almost sacred about eating the foods our ancestors once ate, sharing those traditions in new ways around our own tables.

A Love of Vegetables

If I’m honest, it’s more accurate to say I have a love affair with vegetables than simply an interest in vegetarian cooking. I never understood the idea that a vegetarian meal is “missing something” — as if it’s just a regular dish minus the meat. To me, it’s quite the opposite. The plant world offers a vast spectrum of flavours and textures just waiting to be explored: the earthy sweetness of roasted beets, the smoky char of grilled eggplant, the buttery snap of fresh peas. Vegetables aren’t a substitute — they’re the main act. 🍄 🥜 🌶️ ✨

A Note for You

Sage & Parsley is my little corner of the internet where I share recipes inspired by my roots, my travels, and my endless curiosity for flavour. I hope you find dishes here that inspire you to cook, taste, and share with the people you love. I always welcome your feedback — I’d love to hear what you’re cooking or how a recipe turned out. Above all, my goal is to bring that touch of gourmet flair to everyday cooking, while keeping it accessible, joyful, and always delicious.

How To Use This Site

Sage & Parsley is designed to make cooking fun, inspiring, and approachable. Browse through recipes by ingredient, meal type, or flavour — whatever sparks your curiosity. Each recipe includes tips, tricks, and little touches of gourmet flair to help you get the most out of your ingredients without feeling overwhelmed. Feel free to experiment, swap things in and out, and make the dishes your own. And don’t be shy — I love hearing from readers, whether it’s a question, a tweak you tried, or a kitchen victory you want to share. I hope you enjoy exploring the recipes and discovering new ways to bring a little joy to your kitchen.