Being in the Rivertowns is, well, quite frankly inspiring.  Rich in history and populated with an abundance of artists, writers, musicians and actors, our towns are seeping in creativity.  From local personalities to national celebrities our towns are a haven for fabulousness, but of course, on a low-key level. Thankfully there is no 'Ivy' for the paparazzi to camp outside of. In our humble community you casually rub elbows with the big movie star at the grocery store, the TV star at your local watering hole and for me, well, that big time cookbook personality right next door!

Not only do I have the incredible pleasure of calling Missy Chase Lapine, The Sneaky Chef, and her gorgeous family my neighbors, but—lucky for me—she is also my friend!

Missy landed in the Rivertowns over 9 years ago, and has called it home ever since.  Having always been "stealth with health" when it came to cooking and baking, developing her original idea and innovative method into a national New York Times bestseller just came naturally.  I caught up with Missy to ask her some sneaky questions, and of course, what she loves about the Rivertowns.

Tobi: What do you find to be most inspiring about having become the phenomenon known as The Sneaky Chef?

Missy: I'm driven by the passionate reader e-mails I receive everyday!  I love to hear of their successes (and even failures) in the kitchen with my Sneaky Chef recipes, the hilarious stories of sneaking on the kids (and hubbies), their great questions and recipe ideas. And I especially love hearing how good moms feel when they feed their families my recipes!  How can you not be totally inspired by a letter like this one from a wonderful mother of two in Maine:

"I am a kitchen rock star!! The kids ASKED FOR SECONDS on dinner (I had a better chance of Brad Pitt calling me for a date before this happened!) The cookies are wonderful and I have been cackling wickedly with the knowledge that my children have finally met their match. As a result of what you have accomplished (no mother alive has been made happier since her getting her first full night of sleep) we are discussing erecting a monument in your honor!

Tobi: One of your daughter suffers from numerous food allergies, including gluten and nuts.  What is your advice to parents dealing with food allergies for one child but trying to feed a whole family with one meal?  Is that possible?

Missy: It's easier than it used to be with the incredible advances in products in the market these days.  Gluten-free is so common now, we have even found pizza places that offer a gluten free pie. After a lot of trial and error, we've found such great tasting (and normal textured) pastas, breads, and cookies that the whole family enjoys them and Sammy doesn't have to feel like the odd-kid-out. We love "Against the Grain" gluten-free pizza crust and bagels, Bionaturae Gluten-Free Organic Pasta, and baked goods from Three Dogs Bakery in Briarcliff Manor. I also created a dozen yummy gluten-free recipes in Sneaky Chef to the Rescue.

Tobi: What do you love about living in the Rivertowns?

Missy: The river!  I love seeing our stretch of glistening river sandwiched between the GW Bridge and the Tappan Zee Bridge.  Love being able to see the city, yet stay out of its hustle and bustle. I try to walk down by the river almost everyday.  It's where I do my best brainstorming and recipe ideas.

For all things 'sneaky' make sure you check out Missy's website and don't forget to sign up for her sneaky newsletter! Need some sneaky input or tips? Missy answers every single one of her e-mail inquiries PERSONALLY! So if you are not quick enough to 'run' into her on one of her river walks, send her an email, because if you think you may get luck enough to live next door to her, well think again! I am not moving anytime soon!