"The purpose of Silhouette of a Southern Cook is to bring people together one meal and relationship at a time."
About the Cook
I am Tonya Jacob-Haggerty and I’m a Southern Cook. I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, the birth place of Jazz and Creole cuisine. I’m also a first-time author of Silhouette of a Southern Cook, How Cooking Relates to Relationships. I have been cooking these family recipes for more than thirty years easily. I’ve also had hotel banquet and catering experience which enhance my culinary etiquettes.
I’ve always yearned for a vehicle to teach people how to cook. It started with the vision of a cooking file like the one Betty Crocker had years ago when I was a young girl. As time went on, the vision changed to a cookbook of my mother’s and grandmothers’ awesome recipes. Cooking has been a part of my life as long as I can remember, from my very first Easy Bake Oven to my first experience in the kitchen as a sous chef working with my mother. I learned what seasonings went with what dishes, how to cut certain seasoning for certain dishes, and most importantly, how to clean, prep, and present food. Times have changed, but the techniques still apply today when cooking. Although now, we have so many gadgets that make cooking and life easier in the kitchen.
I had the opportunity to work as an administrative assistant to the publisher of Black Collegiate Magazine in New Orleans some years ago. From that experience I was inspired to try my hand as a writer; however, I was discouraged by a fellow co-worker, who said that it would be almost impossible if I was not already well-known in the writing industry. I could not let this dream die without a fight. God has granted me the wisdom to write and life has granted me the experience and knowledge of cooking and relationships to share with you. I just believe that this book will help all who are interested in cooking and having a meaningful relationship. The purpose of Silhouette of a Southern Cook is to bring people together one meal and relationship at a time. Through this book and website, I am very proud to share my dream and aspirations with you. I pray that it will help encourage each and every one of you to bring out your inner cook and fulfill all your dreams as well. Thank you for supporting me in this effort may God bless you all.