What flavour evokes home to you? 

“Roasted chicken. It’s such a comforting aroma, especially for a Sunday family supper.” 

Who is your culinary hero? 

“My grandmother, who cooked and baked as an expression of love and caring.” 

What is your motto in the kitchen? 

“What grows together, goes together—my mantra for matching ingredient flavours together for every season.” 

What would the title of your autobiography be if written as a cookbook? 

“Why Not: Recipes as Enjoyable to Make as They Are to Eat. ‘Why Not’ is our household philosophy when considering opportunities and challenges.” 

What is your most cherished memory involving a meal? 

“Possibly because it was repeated each holiday season growing up, I loved our traditional Slovak Christmas Eve supper that my grandma would make, including a sauerkraut, mushroom and dumpling soup, pierogi, and lots of holiday cookies.”