Anna Vitiello

“My mom was a great cook,” says Anna. When I asked her how she made something taste so good, she always replied ‘with love.’” 

Vitiello cooks in that same vein—homemade brownies, pineapple upside-down cake, a home-cooked meal. Her biggest success is “making a celebration meal and everyone enjoying it.”

Just don’t ask her to make cookies when she’s tired. Her biggest kitchen disaster was falling asleep while they baked!

Whether he’s at home, camping or fishing, Harold loves to cook. A construction worker, Harold specializes in stick-to-the-ribs home-style favorites. Cornbread (four different ways), biscuits with sausage gravy and rabbit stew are his biggest hits. So it’s not a surprise when Harold notes, “I cannot even begin to cook without my cast iron skillet.” 

Harold’s also a history buff; he likes to read about medieval history, and he practices calligraphy and manuscript illumination. However, he’s very clear about his priorities: “If cooking is considered a hobby, it would rank ahead of calligraphy.”

Linda’s known for her soups and baked goods, and she credits her mother-in-law as inspiration for her comfort-food style of cooking. Her greatest achievement, she says, is when “my family is gathered around and everyone is eating, enjoying and having a good time!” 

If Linda could invite anyone she wanted, living or dead, for dinner, the list would start with her grandmother. She bought Linda her first cookbook and would be so proud of her skills. The list goes on to include Bob Seger, Margaret Thatcher and Harrison Ford. Ford, by the way, is included for her grandmother. “She’d love that little scar on his chin!”

AOnly months away from becoming a doctor, Rachel still takes the time to cook. Her inspiration? “My mother worked full-time when I was a kid but we always had home-cooked meals on the table.”

This former national college debate champ and award-winning community health educator would also be happy owning a catering company and specializing in themed parties. She’s already had a big success with a Spanish-focused party where she served over a dozen tapas, or small plates, made from scratch. 

Not all of her cooking adventures have had tasty outcomes, however. One time she made a simple Italian red sauce with sausage and spices and served it over a package of ravioli she grabbed from the fridge. Only after the first bite did she realize the ravioli had a sweet pumpkin filling. That’s one theme she definitely won’t want to repeat.

Sharyn Samora

A real Californian, Sharyn loves what her home state has to offer. Her favorite getaway is a trip to the wine country; her favorite stop for food, San Francisco; and her dream job, owning a nursery.

Sharyn wins praises for her gardening skills and unusual jams (blood orange marmalade is a favorite among friends and family). She’s even won blue ribbons for both at a county fair. She’s particularly proud to be the recipient of a Best in Show award for a display garden she created. 

Valerie Reel

Her family never knows exactly what to expect when Valerie starts looking through the cabinets and refrigerator, but they know it will be good. She’s known for her ability to create a delicious dinner out of nothing, selecting just the right flavors and seasonings to make it all come together.

Like her favorite cook, Paula Deen, Valerie would like to break into the food business with her own style of cooking. She already has a food blog (www.reelscrumptious.blogspot.com), is working on a cookbook and dreams of owning a bakery or diner. For the moment, however, she’s looking forward to the coming year, when she plans to go to college.