Kathy Ellis grew up in a time where ‘cooking’ was opening cans, broiling a steak, and making salads with iceberg lettuce and little else. Veggies were boiled and TV dinners were a staple. Her mother was a good cook but because her dad was a meat and potato kind of guy she kept it simple. So, the extent of her cooking lessons at home was limited, but starting around the age of seven, she was compelled to cook. She’d watch the Galloping Gourmet and Julia Child and then make something, usually with Bisquick. At 16 she had her first dinner party: a turkey dinner with all the fixings for 13 friends. She was a sous chef for a French deli and imported cheese store while working toward her BA degree in psychology. After that she fell into her career as a child, marriage and family therapist but continued with her love of cooking. As a hobby, she started a tiny company selling flavored vinegar that she made (all county fair best of show winners!), dried tomatoes from the garden, and spice blends.
For 35 years as a therapist she’s worked with people of all ages and all walks of life. At times food was a part of the conversation. She learned how food is dealt with in people’s lives on an individual and personal level. And, of course, we know tradition, cultural and family influence shapes what we eat.

Now that she’s retiring as a therapist and moving to Italy, she’s starting a new career in food and photography. She also launched a new radio show where she talks about a variety of things, from how to be happier, lose some stress, and ways to better enjoy life (which for her includes cooking and food).

Kathy will be hosting the Writing session TASTE - Putting Flavor into Words on Saturday at 3:30 PM.