About Nicole
Cooking for me is a quiet, joyful ritual where heart and soul meet the sizzle and scent of the kitchen; I take delight in turning simple, honest ingredients into beautiful meals that nourish both body and spirit. I love the comfort of slow-simmered sauces, the thrill of a perfectly crisp crust—and I cook with intention, patience, and a generous pinch of love. Watching faces light up from family&Friends or just sharing for two, with a couple of empty nestors. Hearing the soft murmur of contentment, and sharing food that feels like a warm embrace reminds me that the best meals are made with care and a full, open heart.
I love to share my creative spark with photos I put the same care into styling my food as I do into cooking it — every plate should look fresh, tasty, and comforting. I aim for dishes that feel homey and inviting, with colors that pop, textures that beg to be tasted, and a composition that makes you want to dig in.
When I can; I shop farm-fresh at local markets, loving crisp organic veg and freshly picked flowers. The Tarnished Apple is starting fresh and I am excited! I am hoping to find some new Farmer market finds, and when I do I will send the links, and vendor stories.
Morning market walks: vivid photos of produce, vendors, and small treasures
Seasonal recipes: dishes using that week’s best
Flower picks: bouquet ideas and edible-flower tips
My goal is to capture the moment when a meal feels comforting and beautiful at once — a bowl you can’t wait to taste and a photo that tells the story of home.
My Story
I’m Nicole Martineau — creator, storyteller, food lover, and photographer. I am a mom of 3 grown children. My husband and I have travelled . I was born in England, raised in Canada and living here in the states for the past 10 years. Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
My thing; I love to cook, I love to write and create! I like to get inspired by wandering around local farmers’ markets and sometimes with a camera in hand. I am drawn to the color and texture of fresh organic produce. The quiet beauty of seasonal flowers, and the simple perfection of farm-fresh eggs always capture my attention.
The Tarnished Apple is a big part of who I am; but love my cooking home is just another extension of that.
I've relocated The Tarnished Apple to start a fresh chapter in my cooking journey, sharing dishes from my heart with you.
Note: All these pictures you see, They are my own blood sweat and tears, they are not AI.
