Where are you from?
I am from Avon, NY.
Have you always been a chef? If not, what else have you done?
I worked at a small Catholic School for 15 years and for the Livingston County Chamber of Commerce (I love helping other small businesses reach for their dreams). I became a chef at age 49! I made cakes and desserts as a hobby for my daughter's Varsity and AAU Sports teams. Friends started requesting cakes - then people I did not know started requesting them!! It grew from there! This is particularly amazing given that my mom, who will readily admit this, is the worst cook ever! She even cooked an Easter Ham with the plastic still on one year!
What was your introduction to cooking/baking?
I learned on my own by trial and error. I worked on perfecting recipes and flavor profiles. It is an ever-evolving process.
Where and how did you train?
I didn’t have any formal training and literally watched Food Network to get started. I still watch it all the time – so many great ideas!
Do you like cooking at home or prefer someone else do it?
My husband cooks at home!!
What is your favorite thing to bake? Favorite sweet to eat?
I love making a good triple chocolate cake! My favorite sweet to eat is creme brulee.
Is there a chef you admire the most?
I admire all chefs! The tireless time and effort that is put into the desserts that are created, the individual talents of each chef, the commitment to excellence and the balancing of family time and "chef" time. I admire anyone who works hard in this business!
What is your favorite food?
I don’t really have a favorite, but I do love Chicken French, and anything grilled outside in the summer.
When it comes to working and creativity, are you an early bird or a night owl?
I am an “ideas-in-the-middle-of-the-night” person and a "making-the-ideas-happen" person in the early morning!
What is the one kitchen item you absolutely can’t do without?
My fondant smoother. I have named him "Brownie" and he traveled to California for Cake Wars with me! I am amazed he has not gotten lost!
