Hello! I’m Tracy Serafini! Welcome to Real, not perfect! I’m a lover of cooking, baking and new kitchen (and life) adventures. I’m also a chiropractor and personal trainer in New York City.
This is my online home for healthy, easy recipes, kitchen advice and cooking tutorials.
Cooking can be intimidating for some, but with a little help and motivation, everyone can cook well. You don’t have to be afraid of your kitchen.
Great dishes can be crafted simply, with a handful of real, fresh ingredients without relying on processed foods.
Real, Not Perfect
The idea for Real, Not Perfect evolved during the early COVID-19 shutdowns. Many of my personal training clients were suddenly lost because they didn’t know how to cook. As busy professionals, parents and students, their idea of cooking was a takeout menu or dining out.
When our training sessions moved online, food and cooking advice became a recurrent theme. Being a natural teacher and coach, I offered cooking guidance and reassurance that got my clients cooking for themselves. Many for the first time in their lives!
Tracy’s story
Growing up, cooking was an event in my house. My family didn’t need an excuse to gather and turn the kitchen into a busy hub, buzzing with activity. I was under foot soaking up every bit of knowledge I could. The amazing flavors of linguini with white clam sauce, homemade ravioli and Mongolian beef were intoxicating. Even the simple comfort foods like gooey grilled cheese and fluffy pancakes on the griddle were thrilling and delicious.
During my college years, cooking became more important to me. If I wanted those old favorites dishes, I’d have to make them myself. I augmented those recipes and techniques learned from my family by poring over cookbooks and cooking magazines and watching PBS cooking shows. While my classmates were out blowing off school stress, I was glued to the kitchen trying out new recipes.
My recipe repertoire grew and soon my friends were lining up for weekend dinners. After graduation, I developed a love of baking, food science and technique by learning from my sister, Lisa, a trained chef.
With Real, Not Perfect, I hope to demonstrate that, no matter your skill level, there is something here for everyone. Your cooking doesn’t have to be perfect to make delicious, healthy and fresh meals.
Most of all, you’ll see that cooking is fun and so much better when shared with those you love.
