Food has always been an interesting part of my life. My grandmothers always cooked the big weekend meals for the whole family, and I would sit and watch them make there magic! This was a great inspiration to me, and linked me to so many great memories from my childhood.

When I was twelve, my great grandmother bought me my first cookbook, which started my passion from deep within. Making cookies for friends, and other sweet treats to tantalize the taste buds of whom ever would pay attention.

After high school, my first job was at this cute little burger place, that was tucked into the side of a hill in Portland, Oregon, called,” The Carnival Restaurant.” I loved working there! Then with the push of my wonderful mother, I enlisted into the Air Force, and received my first duty station in Aviano, Italy, and became a Food Service Specialist for three years. My passion for food only grew more after tasting the many wonderful flavors within the Northern Italian Region.

After the Air Force, I came home and wasn’t quit sure what I wanted to do, so I ended up signing up for culinary school in downtown Portland, Oregon, at Western Culinary Institute. I loved every minute of it! I never missed a second of school! It was so amazing learning the in’s and out’s of how things come together, blended, emulsified. It was another amazing part of my path. I worked very hard, and absorb everything that I could, so when I graduated, I would be able to share my knowledge and skills with whom ever would take the time to sit and enjoy my creations.

At first I was very interested in baking and pastries. I talked my mother into doing cakes of all creations, which in turn, has become an almost eleven year business for my family. I also became excited about catering, which in turn drew me away from cakes, and more to the fast paced world of catering and restaurants.

I decided to venture from the family business, and see what I could do in other areas. I truly fell in love with line cooking. I love the speed, fast pace environment of getting great food to customers quickly. It is such an amazing feeling to see or here that something I created made someone smile, or fill there body with some kind of joy, if only for a moment, I made a difference! What a rush!

Now, after the joys and challenges of owning two small, but local award winning restaurants and catering company, I have closed my doors in search of a new path.  I received the opportunity if only for a short time to help feed the souls of some amazing people, who are unable to cook for themselves.  This was so wonderful, and I was very grateful for this opportunity.  I am still hoping that my path will put me on the Food Network,……. someday!  I feel that I need to share my knowledge, passion, and universal drive for the desire to embrace all those around me who either share the passion for food or want to learn the passion for food, is my true path. I will continue on this quest until the highest avenue possible is opened for me.

I am a woman who is blessed with three fabulous boys, loving and supportive friends and family. My goal is to share my passion for food with as many people as possible, and hopefully help create wonderful moments, if only for a second.

I am grateful to all who have taken the time to read my thoughts, and for who also have the passion for food!