Food, the preparation and presentation has always been an important part of my life. I began cooking in the 2nd grade. So many people have been a great influence in my culinary life! I have had the pleasure of meeting many inspirational cooks and chefs throughout my career. Ruby Bromley in Clarendon Texas was the first such person, followed over the years by Jacques Pepin, Tyler Florence, The Pioneer Woman and many more too numerous to mention.
I started cooking for the public in 1997 as a volunteer. My first real cater was for the Amarillo Botanical Garden luncheon. It was so much fun; I could not believe people got paid to do this type job. Liz Cantrell attended the luncheon and asked me to write about it for Accent West Magazine, the rest is history. What started as a small volunteer project quickly blossomed into a real job. Still, my heart has always led me to provide an equal amount of in kind work as profitable work each year. I am so grateful that I have the honor and privilege to cook for other people.
For 20 years I have owned my own catering company, “Dining by Design”. I retired from catering in 2018 but still continue to help my friends on a volunteer basis.
I am so excited to be able to recap all my experiences in this blog spanning the past 22 years. I look forward to sharing photos, recipes, resources and memories with my readers.
I am on the way to the Aspen Food and wine Festival in this photo. I takes place every summer over Father’s Day weekend. I look forward to sharing with you all. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have - beckymckinley@gmail.com.
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