COMPETITOR

Linda Bonwill

COMPETITION: World Side-Dish Championship

QUALIFYING EVENT: Just A Pinch category winner

I was born and raised in a small Italian suburb called East Haven, CT. For me, growing up, food was just as normal as breathing. I now live in Florida with my husband, of 26 years. Together, we raised four children. I was determined to share my love of food, with them. I had the privilege of being a "Stay at Home Mom". I enjoyed incorporating food into our daily activities. Whether, it may have been picking apples then coming home and making pie, to visiting orange groves to see how orange juice was made, or to just stay at home and roll sticky rice balls into different dipping sauces, to experience different tastes. It was most enjoyable for me when I can enter the kitchen alone and put my hands, mind and heart together. Some people call this "art". I have always called this "my therapy". Today, I have the privilege of sharing my love with my Granddaughters, as well. I started entering recipe contests 2 years ago. My first experience was trying out for Fox TV, Masterchef, season 2. Even though my recipe scored top ratings in all categories, I did not make it as a finalist. I did not let that discourage me though. That experience alone was enough to encourage me to start my own recipe blog (worldclasscooking@blogspot.com). It is a place where I can post my treasures for my family and friends to enjoy. It has also encouraged me to resume my passion of chocolate making, from when I was 16 years old. I have had the privilege of winning a few other recipe contests, that I have entered. This recent one, is my biggest. I am so honored to have been invited into this competition. I can not wait to see, what others have to bring, to the table. This is going to be such a huge learning experience for me. Thank you "World Food Championships" and "Just A Pinch" for making this happen.