Meet the judges for this week's challenges

M. Eileen Brown, Assistant Vice President/Director of Strategic Marketing and Innovation at the Daily Herald

As director of strategic marketing, Brown heads the events division of the Daily Herald. This focused group has been around for only three years, but during that time more than 7,000 readers have attended at least one of our events.

Brown also writes the Soupalooza column each month in the Food section. She's a self-proclaimed soup-aholic and shares her favorite recipes with readers. Some soups she's come across at restaurants or in cookbooks, and she usually has a flavorful spin of her own to add.

Jamie Andrade, 2014 Cook of the Week Challenge Winner

Jamie Andrade of Elk Grove Village was the 2014 Cook of the Week winner. Her winning dish? Cornmeal-dusted sturgeon with sweet potato pumpkin puree topped with a whiskey orange brown butter sauce. She learned all about cooking for her family through experimentation - no formal training. She works in logistics. "My dad's family used to own a pizza shop years and years ago, so when I was little we did make-your-own pizza nights. We'd make the dough, make the sauce and everything else." What she's looking for in the winning contestant? "I'm looking for someone who has a good use of the ingredients and makes them work cohesively. I want to see the contestants put up a solid dish that makes me think, 'Hey, I've had a can of pumpkin in the pantry forever. I'm going to try this one.'"

Mario O. Portanova, Director, Porte Brown LLC,

Throughout his 32 years in the accounting and tax profession, Portanova has specialized in the grocery and restaurant industry, providing valuable counsel for his numerous clients. As a director at Porte Brown LLC in Elk Grove Village, his experience and interpersonal savvy allow him to go beyond the basic accounting services. Portanova grew up in Chicago working in the grocery and restaurant industry and attended DePaul University, where he received his bachelor's in accounting. He lives in the Chicago area with his family.

Angela Dennison, Healthy Eating Specialist, Whole Foods Market, Naperville

Angela Dennison has 11-plus years in the natural and organic food industry. She has been the Healthy Eating Specialist with Whole Foods Market Naperville for three years, with a special emphasis on plant-strong diets. She loves different types of foods, inventive recipes and has an appreciation for all things culinary. Angela has a B.S. in nutrition and dietetics.

Cindy Adams, Owner, Nothing Bundt Cakes

Adams is the owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes, Mount Prospect. A native of Wheaton for 24 years, she had her first bite of the scrumptious cake in 2013 and knew she had to be a part of the brand. Within three months, Adams quit her job and sold her house to be a proud owner of a Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise. Her bakery has been open for just over a year and she couldn't be prouder of her team.

Mike Coughlan, Owner/operator of Village Tavern and Grill, Carol Stream

Mike Coughlan is the owner/operator of the Village Tavern and Grill of Carol Stream. Mike was raised in the Boston area and had the fortunate experience to be tutored by the late Chef Arthur DiAgastino. Mike headed west to pursue his two passions of cooking and skiing. He ended up in Breckenridge, Colorado, as the sous-chef at the Breckenridge Inn and Resort. After several years, Coughlan perused an opportunity in Houston with TGI Friday's.

While in Houston, he also spent time with The Four Season's Hotel and a casual theme restaurant chain. He eventually moved on to San Antonio, Texas, where he teamed up with Walter Payton's Entertainment One Group, which led him to Chicago. After seven years he went out on his own and opened the first Village Tavern and Grill with a partner in Schaumburg. Village Tavern and Grill, Carol Stream, followed, along with Pilot Pete's in Schaumburg and Village Grill and Tavern in Buffalo Grove.

Mike now has no partners and is the sole operator of VTG, Carol Stream. Mike's philosophy is fresh food, good service and big portions in a friendly, clean environment. He also is pro-community and believes in giving back locally. This is evident with local sports teams and his Eat Out 2 Help Out program. Mike resides in the area with his wife and two daughters.