Courtney Now

What do your friends call you?

Court, Mr Snow

Who is/was your greatest inspiration when it comes to cooking?

When it comes to baking, my inspiration is my dad. Every weekend, he would make fresh pans of cinnamon rolls to take to people. Seeing the joy his gift gave others made me want to bake too. When it comes to other foods, it would be Ronne Rock. I see that same joy in her, and it’s empowered me to be fearless with more than just the oven.

What is your favorite local haunt?

It would have to be Tacodeli in Austin, on Fridays, for freshly made ceviche and a Mexican Coke (if you haven’t had one, you need to – they’re made with cane sugar and they’re amazing).

When you open a cookbook, what do you see?

I am a visual girl – I love cookbooks for the pictures. They make me want to push myself, and there’s a little something in my competitive nature that makes me want to “one-up” that image.

What things are essential for you in the kitchen?

Rubber spatulas, parchment paper, butter, a yummy -smelling hand soap, and a good whisk.

What’s your cooking philosophy?

What’s the worst that could happen? Be brave – take risks.

What’s the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m a 4th degree black belt.

If you were having an in-home cooking party at your house, who else would be there?

Tina Fey, Kix Brooks (so he would bring wine from Arrington Vineyard), Tom Colichio, my grandmom so she could see that I’ve learned to cook, Duff and MaryAlice from Charm City Cakes, and my husband.

What’s your favorite Gourmet Girl recipe?

Cracked potatoes.

How do you eat a gingerbread man?

Head-first so he doesn’t have to worry about the rest.

Bond or Bourne?

The Daniel Craig Bond. I think this is an unfair question – I feel torn.