Monica Shorts

What is your signature dish?

I don’t have one - if I’m cooking it - it’s gonna have me written all over it! I do special menus for food gatherings with family and friends and putting my signature touch to everything as well as naming them is all part of the fun! But the true signature is the love I put into cooking for everyone and the way it brings folks together - it’s a beautiful thing!

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My mom and grandma inspired me to make food that not only tasted good but looked good too. I’ve been watching Food Network and other food shows since I can remember, and if I see something I like I’m inspired to try it. I’m also inspired by what I see on social media and I’m not opposed to whipping up a TikTok or Instagram recipe either. I’m inspired by food from around the world and if I can bring it home to my kitchen - even better!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’d build an outdoor kitchen in my backyard and plant a community garden! The outdoor kitchen would give me the much-needed space to bless family, friends and neighbors with more good cooking and foodie fun! The community garden is just a further extension of that but most importantly, it could give us the opportunity to learn how to grow our own fruit and vegetables. It also gives families and folks of every age a fun, productive activity that yields “good fruit” every season