My love of cooking came from my childhood experiences living in the South. These experiences influenced my unique Southern-Midwest fusion cuisine.
My mother taught me to cook, and I often made meals for the family while my mom made our school clothes. My culinary journey developed further when I attended Mississippi State University for Women, majoring in Nutrition. During the summer going into my Junior year, I married a handsome farmer and moved to Iowa and lived on a farm. I completed my degree at the University of Northern Iowa in Foods
and Nutrition in Business, specializing in experimental foods. When my daughter was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I put my education to work and spent years researching how to adapt my family’s favorite recipes into gluten-free dishes that had a familiar taste and texture. I also developed many basic recipes that my family and friends who didn’t have gluten issues also loved. One day, I became angry with the high cost and the poor quality of gluten-free products available in stores. I felt that people were being exploited because they had Celiac or gluten sensitivity. In response, I created and published a gluten-free cookbook, “A Taste To Remember: 188 Gluten-Free Recipes that Tickle the Taste Buds and Warm the Heart.”
Although my cookbook has excellent reception, I wanted to make a bigger impact by helping those with Celiac and Gluten sensitivity navigate change effectively. I realized that gluten-free living was more than recipes. It’s a lifestyle that requires significant change. I created my online platform, Inspired Gluten Free, to help people navigate every step in their gluten free journey, including the social challenges and helping the first-time cook. I firmly believe eating gluten-free is achievable without breaking the bank and sacrificing flavor and texture. Let Inspired Gluten Free be your partner in achieving your gluten-free lifestyle!
