Serious Eats: Venessa's Profile

I lived in the Virgin Islands when hurricane hugo hit. We didn't have electricity for 4 months. My mom made a tuna casserole on the grill. It was fantastic.

Venessa at 9:42AM on 05/06/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: Lidia's Italy

This sounds perfect for my father. He just discovered how much he loves fennel.

Venessa at 10:27AM on 05/02/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

Congrats to our winners, gillsnthrills, laralin2266, pwhite98270, tcjanes, and Sisterrae. Winners have been notified by email and also appear on our Contest Winners page. Thanks to everyone who entered!

Robyn Lee at 12:12AM on 07/29/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

I think the ghost of Julia Child will be with most of us, whether or not we recognize it, and these days, I love watching the Iron Chefs.

eluckstead at 10:58PM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

My husband

dolls123 at 9:38PM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

My mother :)

donnak4 at 8:52PM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

rachel ray :)

jmahurin40 at 7:10PM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

I like Paula Deen because most of her recipes are similiar to my Mom's southern style.

forkmtn at 2:30PM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

rachel ray :)

klp1965 at 1:09PM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

Rachael Ray is my mentor. She has several T.V. shows and a magazine and she does it all in 30 minutes. Thanks for the contest. I would love to win that book.

kathleenyohanna at 12:13PM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

My dad and mom.

salty at 12:05PM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

My mentors are all of those wonderful people who frequent farmers markets and cook simple, fresh, wonderful food for their families. The people in Italy have the right idea, they cook what is best, what is fresh and then share and enjoy their wonderful cuisine with those they love. Truly the way to live and enjoy life!

lkessler at 11:46AM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

Definitely my mom!

OneWallKitchen at 11:42AM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

My mom and dad :)

gkran at 11:37AM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

My mother - absolutely! She taught us to be fearless in the kitchen and I still call her sometimes when faced with an unfamiliar cut of meat on sale.

I did learn from Julia Child and other TV chefs over time, but without the give-and-take of a true mentoring relationship, I can't count any of them.

morgancain at 11:29AM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

my first food mentor was my dad. He loved to cook and I learned why he loved to cook while helping him in the kitchen. everything was an adventure. Now i just love paula deen. I love southern cooking.

teechbiz at 11:24AM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

My Italian Grandmother

penguin28 at 10:37AM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

my father!

anniehall4000 at 10:03AM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

My parents first off...then (don't laugh), my inspiration was Justin Wilson and Leah Chase but we're talking a long time ago. Can't tell I'm Southern gal, can ya? Nowadays, Ina, Paula, Bobby, Mario...Can't name them all. Thanks Food Network!

cajunanne at 9:52AM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

My Aunt Penny opened the doors to the wonders of cooking, when I was 14. I spent a month with her helping her with her newborn twins and during that time she tutored me in the kitchen and taught me all sorts of recipes; some of which I still use today. The day I went back home she gave me a three-ring binder so that I counld insert recipes that I collected from newspapers, magazines, etc. I was bitten by the culinary bug!

DancingShoes at 9:33AM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

I love cooking and searching cookbooks for different recipes, but have lots of favorite ones, too, passed on from my family and friends. Thanks for having the contest!

brmetcalf at 9:32AM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

My grandmother. garrettsambo@aol.com

garrettsambo at 9:18AM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats

Cook the Book: 'Summer on a Plate'

My neighbor, Nadine, is always a foodie inspiration. I love cooking, but if I am in a slump or need an ingredient, I can count on Nade to have a solution.

mcferret at 8:42AM on 07/28/08

From Serious Eats