Lynn Alley began her cooking career as a teacher at a middle school, where she and her students gained renown selling their handmade gourmet items at Neiman Marcus. Since leaving the classroom, she has traveled to teach cooking in southern France and throughout the western United States. She has contributed articles on both food and wine to the San Diego Union Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, Fine Cooking, Cook's Illustrated, The Herb Companion, Natural Home, Organic Style, Yoga Journal, and Organic Gardening, and has authored several best-selling cookbooks.