Tina Hamel

I have a few signature dishes. Some I've cultivated over time like pulled beef barbecue and cole slaw. Some I developed for my food truck, Bite My Sammie, LLC. The Italian Grinder Sammie and the Porkie Pig-Out along with apple cole slaw were big hits that friends and family still ask me to make. I'd have to say one of my favorites would be my seasoned beef brisket cooked in the oven slow and low for hours. Smokey, sweet spices with a touch of heat for just the right depth of flavor.

My mom. She is my inspiration in life. She was a hard worker, a good wife, a great friend and a loving Mom. I learned from watching her. She wasnt a fancy cook, she cooked becuase she loved her family and her food was made with love. Lots of love. She passed in 2010 from kidney disease. There isn't a day that goes by that I dont think of her! She was truly my inspiration, my best friend and the best, most loving Mom.

Being that I'm in the twilight years of my career, I'd love to purchase a vacation home with a big kitchen to spend time with my children and grandchildren. Sharing my love language of cooking with them, the recipes filled with love...thats my dream. So that they can pass it along to more generations to come.