I am a sassy gal with a zest for Life, and a knack for cooking! If we truly are what we eat, then I am spicy, sometimes a bit cheesey and always fresh with ideas! I have been told that I have "lots of moxie!" and my food is "amazing!". I am working towards having my own cooking and travel show on TV so that I can share my love of food with all of you!! I enjoy teaching people to have fun in the kitchen, and sharing food and memories is a wonderful experience. I am a very positive person with lots of energy to share! I have been blessed with so many wonderful life experiences, and for that I am very thankful! I was born in Chicago and raised in a Mexican home. Food, music and cooking have always been an integral part of my life. I learned to cook from my Mother at the age of 4. I knew then that I was very interested in cooking and always wanted to learn more. I was fortunate to grow up in a very diverse neighborhood. I ate Polish pierogies, Greek gyros, Chinese shumai, Persian pastries and of course lots of Chicago favorites as well as homecooked Mexican comfort food. Every Christmas my family and I make tamales, which is from our Mexican heritage, as well as kolachy cookies, influenced from the many Eastern European friends my family had when I was growing up in Chicago. Holidays are always a feast of many flavors in our home. I lived in Florida for 12 years. I spent lots of free time in Miami. The flavors of the Carribbean are wonderful! Arroz con pollo, Jamaican jerk wings, Key West conch fritters, are among some of my favorites. After numerous years in the restaurant industry working as a waitress and bartender I decided to trade in my cocktail shaker for a set of knives and ventured into the kitchen. I gained an appreciation for food and cooking from my family. In culinary school I learned about the science, art and history of food and cooking. Each day I continue to learn more about food, flavors, tastes and culinary culture. I enjoy sharing my passion of food with my family, friends and students. I currently call San Francisco home. I truly love the bountiful year round produce, artisan cheese and breads as well as the vast selection of local wine. I work as a cooking teacher and private chef and truly love what I do! I have been blessed with oppurtunities to travel to Mexico, the Caribbean, Thailand, and have driven coast to coast across the USA. I have met wonderful people, enjoyed great sites and tasted delicious food. I plan on seeing more of this great World and experiencing more unique cuisines. In 2006 I was a semi-finalist on "The Next Food Network Star" Season 3. I appreciate your support! I know 2008 holds amazing possibilites for me! Thanks, Happy Eating & Be Well!! The name The Food Diva came from my friend Patrick during our time in culinary school. I always give my food such great attention and I strive to present the most inviting plates. I incorporate ingredients that are fresh, local and seasonal which highlight the vibrant colors, amazing flavors and array of textures that come to life in my dishes. I am a straight forward, no-nonsense gal that loves to cook and eat. What you see is what you get, both in Me and in My food!My "Mod-Mex" recipes are making the rounds!! In 2007 I completed a project with the US Apple Association. The recipes are Mexican inspired and feature United States grown apples. My recipes are being featured in grocery stores nationwide and have been published in various Latin Magazines!
Delecious Apple Recipes created by The Food Diva