Ashley Thomas

Connect Who or what inspires you to cook?

My family inspires me the most. They are the driving force behind what I do. Some of my warmest memories of food are from my childhood, which is why I love comfort foods so much. I enjoy seeing the reaction that people have after eating something that I worked hard to prepare for them. I adore taking inexpensive ordinary meals and serving them to the ones I love.

What's your all time favorite dish to make?

The one memory I have of being taught how to prepare a dish was Baked Mac and cheese, my Aunt was the one to show me how it was done. I say show because it was for a holiday and we all know we’re not allowed to experiment on holidays with the Mac and cheese. It took me years of trial and error but I have to say that I have perfected the recipe and it’s a family and friend favorite.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were to win the $25,000. I would finish school, do some small home renovations, and put some of the money towards opening an Event space with a fully functional kitchen.