I am passionate about cooking and providing stress-free meal times for busy, hungry people!
You could say my beginning culinary training came from the "School of Mom". Our family gathered around the meal table every night at 7pm. My mother, former home-ec teacher, dietitian, and "hostess with the most-ess" had an incredible talent for cooking and entertaining. If you can picture June Cleaver or Harriet Nelson (flashback to the 60's)... you've got it!
My sister and I were Mom's little sous chefs/waiters from an early age. Whether it was an extended family dinner for 16 or feeding hundreds at church or a civic event, I gained hands-on experience.
Mom's daytime TV entertainment was provided by The Galloping Gourmet and, of course, Julia Child. (My first crush was the galloping gourmet guy...loved that accent!) How my mother would have loved today's Food Network! By the age of twelve I could make the perfect "wacky cake", a pot of tuna wiggle (scary, and not on my current menu!) or a roasted leg of lamb. I guess a few decades later (ok, more than a few....) My Secret Ingredient was meant to be.
In May 2007, I was fortunate to train with some of the top chefs in the industry in Chicago and I receive on-going training from The Personal Chef's Network. I am certified in Food Handling and Safety through ServSafe Certification, and my 12 years with The Pampered Chef® has intensified my love of cooking and technical know-how. I am licensed, certified and insured.
As Julia Child once said" You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces- just good food from fresh ingredients".
Quality fresh ingredients are provided in all of my services. Whether I prepare a masterpiece or comfort food, is up to you!
I would love to be your "secret" to healthy, stress-free meals!
Chef Laura Gorham
laura@mysecretingredient.net
252/443-1135