Chef Maria Plaza

My entire life has always in some way been surrounded by food. Since I was a kid my aunts would teach me how to bake, recipes my grandmother created. My father has always been an avid cook. He taught me how to enjoy food, appreciate ingredients, and where they come from. My mother is a natural in the kitchen. She taught me the complexity of a meal, what pairs well together, and how not to waste food in, every capacity. Collectively they all taught me the passion and comfort that you feel when eating a great meal. I am doing this is to show and teach everyone how to recreate those childhood meals that every time they eat and close their eyes they see themselves as children Standing next to their loved ones, enjoying that homemade comfort food. I want to teach people that cooking is not as scary and overly complicated, as the world makes it out to be. Even if its teaching someone how to boil an egg when they have never been able to, seeing how proud they are of themselves and really appreciating their personal growth. Going through life with quite a few health complications, also gives me the drive to help people accommodate to their diet and lifestyle. Whether it is being vegan, gluten free due to health or personal choice, paleo, keto, adjusting to their bodies needs when they have restrictive health conditions such as GERD, allergies, intolerances etc. I want to be able to show them that they don't have to limit themselves to bland, boring, unsatisfactory eating habits. That there is a solution to all of the issues, struggles and hurdles they are having to face. That they are not alone. I am creative through and through, and this is the way that I express myself the best and the most naturally. I have an innate talent to create something out of what seems like nothing, challenging myself every day to better my skills, techniques and to really nurture the passion I have for food and all of the good and wonderful feelings it brings to my life and everyone on this earth. My goal is always simplicity, passion, comfort, persistence and drive. I want to share everything that my life and others have taught me with people seeking help and answers.