Mary Beth Riley
50, Elk Grove Village
Homemaker
Cook of the Week: May 25, 2011
What is your favorite ingredient and how do you like to use it? I love all kinds of cheeses — in appetizers or main dishes. Fruit is also delicious in desserts but also in savory dishes. I also love spicy foods and garlic. Italian and Mexican are my favorite ethnic foods.
Describe your style or approach to cooking. I love to scour my cookbook collection or food magazines for recipes. I can easily decide if its something I would like to make by quickly scanning the recipe. Reading recipes is how I relax. I will try the recipe as written the first time and add my own changes/additions after that. I look for bold flavors. Nothing makes me happier then having people enjoy my cooking.
Why do you want to be part of the Cook of the Week Challenge? Being Cook of the Week this past May was one of the best experiences, as was being part of the Hyatt’s Chop, Simmer, Saute competition in March. Both experiences have made me want to experiment and challenge myself even more. I was in the Hyatt competition in March, turned 50 in April, and then was Cook of the Week in May. I’m thinking if I can do all this at 50, what will 60 bring?