About

I have always had a passion for food and family/friend gatherings since I was a young girl. I grew up in a large Latin family with 5 brothers and 4 sisters. We spent most weekends (when the season allowed) in the mountains “camping,” or at least that’s what I thought we were doing. Actually, my Dad was hunting for our future dinners! I never cared too much for venison, but I appreciate what my Mother did with her cooking skills to help me enjoy it. Some of my favorite memories are the times when my mother would setup an assembly line for my sister and I to make tortillas. I loved it even though I had to stand on a chair in order to reach the counter!

I am not a professional Chef. I have never had any formal training. I have 5 children of my own and keeping food interesting for them was some of the best training anyone could ask for. I worked many catering jobs and learned many creative ways to make and serve food to large crowds.

My culinary career began when my Husband and I moved to Chicago, where I met a wonderful man (Jim Haring) fighting cancer. He hired me to prepare all his meals, and they had to fit an extremely specialized diet, similar to a Raw Diet. His went further, “Raw & Rare.” While preparing his meals I did a lot of research on Google and found some awesome cookbooks. Through this experience I found out that I have pretty awesome skills and wanted to learn more! Hungry for more, I ventured out making new friends and sharing recipes, laughter, watching the food network hardcore, and devouring every cookbook I can get my hands on. I was inspired!

“I’d Chomp That” was born. It’s a cooking show featuring local Chicagoans sharing their recipes and stories with me and with you. This journey has just begun and I look forward to every step. Please join me and be sure to Chomp! Cheers!