Meet this week's Cook of the Week Challenge judges
Penny Kazmier of South Barrington, 2011 Cook of the Week winner, the first year of the contest
Kazmier's winning dish was stuffed pork tenderloin with root beer adobo glaze, sweet potato hash and cranberry chutney. What she's looking for in the winning contestant? "The winning contestant should be someone who loves food and is able to think like a scientist creating something with the right balance."
Donna Johnson, owner and operator of Don's Dock
Donna is an owner and operator of Don's Dock, a family-run seafood restaurant in Des Plaines. She is also a seasoned traveler, having spent the past 10 years exploring countries around the world. These excursions have introduced Donna to new foods and culinary techniques, her favorites of which she has brought home to her family and restaurant. She can't wait for her next adventure, where she will tour Italy and discover the joys of pasta.
Jennifer Plonka, Prepared Foods Team Leader, Whole Foods Market, Wheaton
Jen is the Prepared Foods Team Leader at Whole Foods Market Wheaton. She attended Kendall College in Chicago and received a Certificate in Professional Cookery. She loves being creative in the kitchen as well as trying new and seasonal recipes.
Michael Pennisi of Carpentersville, 2012 Cook of the Week winner
A physics teacher at Schaumburg High School. His winning dish was sautéed salmon over pureed sweet potatoes with Brussels sprouts slaw.
What he's looking for in the winning contestant? "The ingredients and rules in this competition tend to be complex. So to me, synthesizing that complexity into a recipe accessible to home cooks is where the challenge lies."
Joanna Miller, Director of Business Development, America's Baking and Sweets Show
Joanna Miller's career has blossomed being part of America's Baking and Sweets Show the last three years. As the director of business development at ABSS, Joanna has taken her passion to another level. She truly loves working on the show with sponsors and exhibitors and has become a knowledgeable leader and authority in the industry. The successful 2013 and 2014 shows are a reflection of her hard work and dedication.
Additionally, her long-standing passion for baking served to influence her decision to join ABSS. Her sweet tooth was inherited by her husband and two children, who share her cravings for baked and sweet products. Together, they've invested many evenings watching baking and cooking shows on television and baking together as a family.
John Engle, President and CEO, King Oscar, Inc.
John Engle is president and CEO of King Oscar, Inc., a manufacturer of brisling sardines and the No. 1-selling sardine in the United States, as well as a growing line of premium canned seafood including skinless and boneless sardines, kipper snacks, anchovies and mackerel fillets. He is a 30-year veteran of the Consumer Packaged Goods industry, where he has held a variety of executive positions with industry heavyweights such as General Mills, Schering-Plough and Bumble Bee Foods.
John is best known for his passionate approach to product innovation and for his unwavering commitment to the development and execution of strategic business practices that result in long-term profitable sales growth. He resides in San Diego, California, with his wife of 25 years, Janet, and their two sardine-loving children.