Hi, I’m Candice! I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and content creator behind Proportional Plate. I’m an Iranian-Jewish home cook turned food blogger, deeply inspired by the flavors of my childhood.
Read more about Proportional Plate here.
I grew up with the delicious smells of my mom’s cooking and an early appreciation for the wonderful variety and depth of flavor in Persian cuisine. From afternoons after school preparing herbs for Ghormeh Sabzi to being my mom’s sous chef for large dinner parties, learning to cook from my mom and grandmother are formative memories from my childhood.
Now I specialize in creating recipes that blend traditional Jewish and Persian flavors and ingredients. Proportional Plate honors the flavor profiles of both cultures to create dishes that are authentic and delicious.
Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to understanding the nuances of Persian cooking, from selecting the right spices to mastering preparation techniques that bring out the unique character of each dish. I bring a unique blend of analytical thinking and creative passion to everything I do, from recipe development to kitchen design. My academic background includes:
- B.A. in Mathematics – University of California, Berkeley
- M.A. in Mathematics Education – University of California, Berkeley
- M.S. in Mechanical Engineering – University of California, Los Angeles
- Executive MBA – University of Oregon, Lundquist College of Business
This diverse education has shaped how I approach food: with curiosity, precision, and a deep respect for process. Whether I’m testing a new recipe or designing a kitchen layout, I draw on this foundation to create experiences that are both thoughtful and joyful. On the blog, I share:
- Thoroughly tested recipes that are kosher, dairy-free, and often include vegan or vegetarian variations.
- Extensive advice on where to find traditional ingredients.
- Tips and techniques for using them properly.
And I have a strong obsession with tea, which I incorporate into any type of food I can, so you’ll be able to find plenty of matcha and tea recipes on my blog!
Just like I found my own path and love for food, my blog encourages you to choose your own adventure and pleasures in your own food journey. I champion body and choice-positivity and warmly welcome everyone to my blog no matter where you are on your journey.
You can also find me writing on Substack in my weekly newsletter, Noushijan. “Noushijan” translates to “may it nourish your soul” and is used similarly to “bon appetit” in French. This newsletter does just that for me… it provides a way for me to share more than just recipes as I do on my blog Proportional Plate, but also a bit of my personal experiences, food heritage, and soul.
A few more things about me:
- I work in the Aerospace Engineering industry.
- I live in Portland, OR, where I spend as much time as I can outdoors or in my garden.
- I’m a certified yoga instructor (though these days, you’ll mostly find me hiking, rock climbing, or on my Peloton).
- I’ve traveled the world with my husband (we even quit our jobs for a whole year to travel!) and bring global inspiration into my cooking.
- I love using my photography and videography skills for my work and to help my clients show off their creations and products. For example, you can regularly find my photography on AllRecipes.com.
- I enjoy learning and educating myself about food sustainability and proportional eating.
I believe food should be joyful, inclusive, and empowering. Whether you’re here to learn, explore, or just drool over some matcha cookies, I’m so glad you stopped by.