Karen Mills

Connect What is your signature dish?

I don’t have a signature dish as much as a signature approach. I love studying multiple recipes for the same meal, then blending ideas to create something budget-friendly, healthier, and approachable for beginner cooks. Some experiments turn out amazing, others become learning experiences, but each one helps me grow my skills and confidence in the kitchen.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

Growing up in a rural area with only over-the-air television, I learned to cook at 12 using family cookbooks, library recipes, and by watching Justin Wilson and Julia Child on PBS. Their creativity and passion inspired me to experiment in the kitchen. I still love watching chefs cook, learning new techniques, and expanding my personal collection of recipes and ideas.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would transform my current classroom at a local nonprofit into a fully equipped teaching kitchen. Right now, we teach with a rolling cart, a single electric burner, and donated supplies. This funding would help us reach more students and teach practical, budget-friendly cooking skills to people who grew up relying on prepackaged foods. I want to share the confidence, creativity, and savings that come from learning to cook from scratch.