Writing this post is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. In the past few days I received devastating news: our beloved Lis (Lisa Cifelli of La mia Cucina) passed away suddenly. The news left me and many others in the Daring Kitchen community stunned and heartbroken. Although I never met Lis in person, I came to know her through emails and the group’s forums. She was a co-founder of the Daring Kitchen, a supportive community where members challenge one another each month with ambitious recipes. I joined over two years ago and quickly discovered a group that feels more like family than a competition. Members encourage one another, share tips, and celebrate successes—qualities I always found comforting and motivating.
Soon after joining, Lis asked me if I would host one of the monthly challenges. I was honored and excited. I spent days deciding what to propose and finally chose cannelloni. That invitation marked the start of a deeper connection to the group and a growing appreciation for Lis’s kindness and leadership.
Lis was always encouraging, cheerful, and generous with her time and words. Her messages in the forums were warm and motivating, and she had a way of making everyone feel supported. It’s hard to imagine the Daring Kitchen without her steady presence.
Kelly from Sass and Veracity asked current and past Daring Bakers and Cooks to remember Lis, and I wanted to honor her as well. I didn’t have time to bake something special, so I’m sharing the accomplishments I’m most proud of—achievements I might not have attempted without Lis and the Daring Kitchen.
My first Daring Kitchen challenge was a potato salad theme, where I made Insalata Russa served in ham cannoli. From there my confidence grew as I tackled increasingly complex projects.
I made consommé for the first time and turned it into a distinctly Italian dish—Chicken and Saffron Consommé with Tortellini. I also created original recipes for inventive challenges, such as Eggplant & Tri-colour Goat Cheese Mille-feuille on Couscous, and Balsamic, Maple and Miso Glazed Pork Spare Ribs.
Other memorable challenges included making paella, learning to debone a chicken to prepare a ballotine, brining a roast chicken, producing salumi, and even making fresh cheese. Each task pushed me beyond my comfort zone and taught techniques I now use regularly.
My proudest accomplishment so far has been mastering French croissants. The first batch was a failure, but the group’s encouragement convinced me to try again. After a second attempt and some persistence, I produced croissants I was proud to share. That experience embodies the spirit of the Daring Kitchen: learning through doing, supporting one another, and celebrating progress.
Lis’s guidance and the camaraderie of the community helped me gain confidence and embrace challenges I might otherwise have avoided. Her influence touched many of us, and her commitment to fostering a friendly, helpful environment made the Daring Kitchen a special place.
My thoughts and prayers are with Lis’s family and friends during this difficult time. Words feel inadequate, but I want to acknowledge how much she inspired and supported our community. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
#tributetolis #daringbakers