About Elena and Dash of Flavor
Meet Elena Janice
Ciao! I’m Elena Janice—most folks just call me Elena—and I’ve been chasing flavors ever since I could hold a wooden spoon. I’m 34 now, living in the heart of Tennessee, where the hills roll like the waves I used to watch from the cliffs near Naples. I was born in Italy but moved to America with my parents when I was just seven. We settled in a cozy neighborhood where the air smelled like cut grass and barbecue, a far cry from the sea breeze and espresso of my early memories.
Even though I didn’t get to spend much time with my grandmother before we moved—life has a way of separating you from people too soon—her spirit stayed with us through food. My mom kept her recipes alive like sacred scrolls, folded into flour-dusted notebooks and remembered in the quiet moments between dinner and dishes. I’d perch on a stool, watching her hands work through the dough for gnocchi or coaxing a sauce to life with nothing but garlic, tomatoes, and patience. That’s where my love of cooking bloomed—in those everyday miracles.
In our little American kitchen, I learned that food could be a bridge. It brought us closer to our Italian roots and helped us connect with new neighbors, too. My mother taught me to never underestimate the power of a well-cooked meal to make someone feel seen. And though my Nonna wasn’t often by my side, her sayings echo in my mind—Chi ha pane non ha denti e chi ha denti non ha pane. It’s her way of reminding me to be grateful, and to always feed others when I can.
Over the years, I’ve found my own rhythm in the kitchen. I never went to culinary school, but I learned by doing—by burning things, forgetting the salt, and trying again until it felt right. I’m drawn to the honesty of Mediterranean cuisine, where simplicity reigns and the ingredients are the stars. But I also love the heartiness of American home cooking—the kind that fills your house with good smells and your soul with comfort.
Now, I cook for people who want to bring those traditions into their own homes—folks who dream of sun-warmed tomatoes and also know the joy of a perfectly fried chicken. I believe in flavor over fuss, intuition over strict measurements, and always—sempre—sharing what you make with someone else.
So whether you’re here to try your hand at a rustic focaccia or give meatloaf a Mediterranean twist, you’re in good company. Let’s cook, laugh, and maybe make a mess or two. After all, that’s how all the best dishes begin.
About Dash of Flavor
Dash of Flavor is where I bring my love of Mediterranean cuisine to your kitchen — one simple, soulful recipe at a time. This site was born from a desire to make wholesome, beautiful, and flavorful meals accessible to everyone, no matter their cooking level.
We focus on three delicious categories:
Dinner — Balanced, heart-healthy Mediterranean meals inspired by my family traditions, perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.
Snacks & Appetizers — Flavor-packed bites and starters that reflect the joy of grazing tables, mezze platters, and rustic nibbles.
Desserts — Naturally sweetened or lighter treats with a Mediterranean twist — think olive oil cakes, fruit-forward sweets, and almond-based classics.
Our Philosophy
At Dash of Flavor, we believe in:
The power of simple, seasonal ingredients
Cooking as a celebration of life and culture
A balanced lifestyle rooted in real food
The joy of sharing meals with those you love
Each recipe is personally tested, beautifully photographed, and designed to inspire your next delicious creation.
Let’s Cook Together
Whether you’re here to find a cozy dinner idea, a nourishing snack, or a naturally sweet treat — I’m thrilled to have you.
Let’s savor the richness of the Mediterranean lifestyle, one recipe at a time.
With love, Elena