The First Mess is inspired by M.F.K Fisher’s An Alphabet of Gourmets, where Fisher refers to the arrival of the first run (or mess) of peas in early spring. As a culinary school graduate who has grown up in agriculture this appealed to Ontario native, Laura Wright who created this food blog in 2011. It has almost as many accolades as it does recipes, with an emphasis on gluten-free and vegan foods.

Name: Laura Wright
Blog: TheFirstMess.com
Founded: 2011
Twitter: @Laura_Mess
Instagram: @thefirstmess

Describe your cooking style in three words: Seasonal. Relational. Nourishing.

What’s your signature dish? I make some fierce homemade Chickpea Pappardelle with rich (and vegan!) Mushroom Ragu. Also Kale Salads. I’ve got those on lock.

What do you think is the most underrated ingredient? Salt. It gives life to every other ingredient.

What’s the best cooking advice you’re ever received? One of my professors in culinary school always said “It’s just food,” which serves as a crucial reminder to not take anything too seriously—food and otherwise.

If you could share a meal with anyone in history who would it be? Definitely my Nana. She inspired me so much and I miss her snarky, tough-lady ways. So much of who I am in the kitchen and otherwise, is rooted from her influence.

Images courtesy of TheFirstMess.com