Welcome to Bread & Basil Cottage
Hi, I’m Taylor! Come on in, get comfortable, and stay awhile.
A few years ago, life looked different. I was deep in corporate, moving fast, pushing through stress, and doing what I thought I was supposed to do. On paper, everything made sense. In reality, my body was struggling to keep up.
I’m a Disabled Veteran living with Lupus and PTSD.
For a long time, I pushed through life until I couldn’t anymore.
But the truth is, my story didn’t start there.
My love for food goes all the way back to childhood. We didn’t always have much, so I learned early how to be creative in the kitchen—making something out of whatever was there, stretching ingredients, and figuring it out as I went. That’s where I learned that food isn’t just about eating—it’s about care, comfort, and making something meaningful out of what you have.
And long before I ever called myself a gardener, I was already paying attention to where food came from.
Growing up in New Orleans, there was a garlic field near my house. It was one of the only things I had access to that felt free. I didn’t have the words for it back then, but something about that stuck with me. I held on to the idea that food could come straight from the ground, no middleman, no permission needed.
The military took me places I never imagined. I met people from all over the world and learned the importance of food and culture.
Food became more than just something to eat. It became a way to connect, to learn, and to understand culture in a real and personal way.
I learned how to make fresh guacamole from my Mexican friends, how to properly store and prepare rice from my Asian friends, and experienced meals in places like Korea, Russia, and Qatar that expanded my understanding of what food could be.
Those moments stayed with me.
They shaped how I cook, how I approach recipes, and how I honor the stories behind the food I make. Because to me, food isn’t just about flavor, it’s about where it comes from, who it comes from, and the care behind it.
Years later, life came full circle.
Chronic illness forced me to slow down in a way I never had before. And in that slowing down, I found myself returning to the same things that once felt simple and grounding, like cooking from scratch, working with my hands, and eventually, growing my own food.
I started small. A few plants. A few meals.
And somewhere along the way, it all clicked.
What started as a way to cope became a way to live.
Now, Bread & Basil is where I share that journey.
You’ll find homemade recipes made with real ingredients, garden-to-table meals, and simple ways to grow your own food—whether you have a backyard, a patio, or just a few containers. But more than that, this space is about creating a life that feels good to live.
I believe food should comfort you, not confuse you.
I believe small gardens can do big things.
And I believe it’s never too late to start over, even if you have to do it differently than you imagined.
This is my soft life, built with flour-dusted counters, garden beds, and a whole lot of grace.
I’m really glad you’re here.
A little slower.
A little softer.
A little more intentional.