Tina

My passion for food started very young! My mom was a hobby baker as well as a really great home cook. Primarily she made lots of traditional Polish foods, but that laid the foundation for a love of food. I was taken into foster care at 7 and I found myself making a lot of my own meals, and meals for other kids. Eventually I realized that I had a fairly developed palette. My love for food and cooking has helped me form community and share love through food and cooking as I grow my chosen family.

I think my favourite dish is one that is comforting and nostalgic. I love making spanakopita. One of my foster parents used to make deep dish spano for my birthday every year and it became a dish that really encompasses the feeling of home. Phyllo is flaky and buttery, the spinach brings so much depth of flavour and nutrients, feta adding salt and richness, minced onion and garlic to elevate, dill for freshness. It’s truly a favourite.

If I won the $25k I would be able to help my mom and brother, I would be able to pay off some of mine and my partner’s debts, and I could invest in starting the small business of my dreams. It would be an absolute game-changer!