It's all about YOU!

The Taste of Home Cooking School show is Thursday, March 13, at Reuther Central High School, 58th Street and Sheridan Road. And on hand to assist the presenters are some of Kenosha’s own amateur chefs who will act as prep cooks. We thought it would be perfect to feature them in this week’s Your Space to see how they handle the kitchen. For tickets ($12) to the event which starts at 5 p.m., call (262) 657-1000.

Name: Maryann Pacetti

What is your favorite kitchen utensil? Large steel whisk and small steel whip. That and a sharp knife!!!

Apron or no apron? Depends; sometimes I like getting flour all over.

What type of cuisine do you find most challenging to prepare? Yeast goods
What do you enjoy cooking the most? Desserts, appetizers and real Italian recipes passed down from the familia.
Who is the hardest person you have ever had to cook for? No one intimidates me when it comes to cooking.
What’s your cooking strategy when it comes to the holidays? The more the merrier, especially desserts!
If you had to bring one dish to a party, what would it be? Something with fresh basil in it or fresh rosemary

What’s the best cooking advice you have ever received? Don’t try turning something into fat free. A little butter and cream are not going to kill you.
If you described your personality as a spice in your cabinet, what would it be? Garlic. I can be spicy at times (I think it comes out of my pores), and sprinkles because I do have a sweet vulnerable side to me.

What is your least favorite vegetable to chop? Carrots; too hard!!

Who influences/has influenced your cooking the most? My mother, my Italian great aunties Louise and Mae, and, of course, my Italian father-in-law Sam rocked the house when he cooked. My dad is the grillmaster to me!

Name: Lori Zender

What is your favorite kitchen utensil? Spatula for cookies and pancakes.

Apron or no apron? No apron

What type of cuisine do you find most challenging to prepare? I have a hard time with delicate cakes and pastries
What do you enjoy cooking the most? Fresh bread is always a great addition to any meal and makes the house smell warm and delicious.
Who is the hardest person you have ever had to cook for? My family is pretty easy going — they are happy to get a warm, home-cooked meal.
What’s your cooking strategy when it comes to the holidays? Make a list and check it twice, three times, four times. Ask for help. Make what I can ahead of time so that I can join the festivities.
If you had to bring one dish to a party, what would it be? Crab rangoons (recipe from Taste of Home’s Light & Tasty magazine)

What’s the best cooking advice you have ever received? Don’t be afraid to experiment
If you described your personality as a spice in your cabinet, what would it be? Cinnamon

What is your least favorite vegetable to chop? Onions, especially the ones we grow in the garden - they make me cry!
Who influences/has influenced your cooking the most? My mother - she always had a good, home-cooked meal each night for dinner. It was a time to bring the whole family together. Now I try to do the same for my family.

Name: Sheri Tudjan

Favorite utensil: My 5-inch Santoku knife. Love it!!!

Apron or no apron? Apron most of the time.

What type of cuisine do you find most challenging to prepare? American! I cannot make a pot roast in the oven if my life depended on it, but give me a pressure cooker, and I’ll give you the best one you’ve ever had! I also have a tough time with breaded pork chops. I always burn them!

What do you enjoy cooking the most? I enjoy cooking a lot of different things. I also enjoy baking.
Who is the hardest person you have ever had to cook for? Not just one person — the whole family! Everyone’s tastes are different on any given day.
What’s your cooking strategy when it comes to the holidays? I try to cook or prep as much as possible beforehand, then bring everything together for mealtime.

If you had to bring one dish to a party, what would it be? It depends on the party! For an appetizer: cucumber spread. For a main dish: enchiladas.
If you described your personality as a spice in your cabinet, what would it be? Accent; it brings out the flavor in everything!

Who influences/has influenced your cooking the most? My mother, my grandmothers, my great aunts, my husband’s mother and his grandmother have all influenced my cooking in some way. I have great recipes from each of them that my family loves, and I hope they will learn to make them and pass them on to their families.

Name: Mary Aney

What is your favorite kitchen utensil? Good spatulas.

Apron or no apron? Depends on what I’m wearing!

What type of cuisine do you find most challenging to prepare? Seafood; it’s easy to overcook.

What do you enjoy cooking the most? Holiday dinners.
Who is the hardest person you have ever had to cook for? My husband.

What’s your cooking strategy when it comes to the holidays? I plan my menu and I prepare as much as possible ahead of time.
If you had to bring one dish to a party, what would it be? Strawberry spinach salad

What’s the best cooking advice you have ever received? To have all the ingredients prepared and measured before you start cooking.
If you described your personality as a spice in your cabinet, what would it be? Sage. It’s mild, mellow and not overpowering.

What is your least favorite vegetable to chop? Carrots

Who influences/has influenced your cooking the most? My friend, Karen Schmidt, encouraged me to continually try new recipes.

Name: Teresa Vrba

What is your favorite kitchen utensil? Garlic press

Apron or no apron? No apron!!

What type of cuisine do you find most challenging to prepare? French, I guess. It’s too delicate.

What do you enjoy cooking the most? Italian

Who is the hardest person you have ever had to cook for? Naturally, my mom!

What’s your cooking strategy when it comes to the holidays? I try to please everyone, so what I like, that’s what they will like.
If you had to bring one dish to a party, what would it be? Hearty Nacho Dip from “Best of Country Appetizers”
What’s the best cooking advice you have ever received? Just try it!

If you described your personality as a spice in your cabinet, what would it be? Seasoned salt — it goes with everything

What is your least favorite vegetable to chop? Onions ... I cry!!!! Who influences/has influenced your cooking the most? My best friend ... my MOM!