I’ve always had a poetic view of food. Hunger-enticing aromas swirling about my place at the table and causing a most soul-filled joy. With the first bite, I pause, relishing the beauty of the flavors dancing on my tongue. Food is the element that brings us to the table, where life is lived and memories are made. ~Karista Bennett
For me, culinary school was more than just learning how to cook, it was a door that opened my eyes to the beauty and soul-filling joy that fresh, local, delicious food brings to life.
I’ve come a long way since those early days as a new chef. After moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2002, I put my culinary skills to the test and began working as a prep chef and cheese specialist. A few years later I found myself working as a private chef, culinary instructor and freelance food writer in Seattle, Washington.
In 2013, another move took us down the road a few miles to the beautiful state of Oregon. At that time, I decided to jump full-time into the delicious world of food writing, recipe development and food photography.
During the early years of my career, I developed and taught culinary classes for the IACP Award-winning culinary school PCC Cooks in Seattle, Washington.
In 2013, I was honored to be selected a DaVinci Wine Storyteller, Culinary Arts category. From 2011- 2015, each year DaVinci Wine chose four professionals from the world of art, journalism, photography and culinary arts to travel to Italy and learn about the creation and history of DaVinci Wine. I had the glorious opportunity to visit local grape farmers, wine artisans and specialists, along with a handful of culinarians that make this region of the world so delicious. I often say, I left a little piece of my heart in Italy.
I have been a regular on-air recipe expert for KATU Channel 2, AM Northwest Morning Show in Portland, Oregon, and On-Air Talent for the Oregon Blueberry Commission. My books, The Oregon Farm Table Cookbook, 101 Home-Grown Recipes from the Pacific Wonderland and For The Love Of Seafood, 100 Flawless and Flavorful Recipes That Anyone Can Cook are available wherever books are sold.
When I’m not writing or cooking, I can be found outside hiking the beautiful Pacific Northwest with my cattle dog, Gus, reading assorted British mysteries and poetry, or sipping a luscious Oregon wine.
Wishing you light, love and peace,
Karista
