BONNIE STERN is the founder of the Bonnie Stern School of Cooking in Toronto, which she opened and operated from 1973 to 2011. She has studied and taught cooking around the world, hosted three national cooking shows, and for 17 years, wrote a weekly column for the National Post. She has conducted popular workshops for the James Beard Foundation in New York City and leads culinary tours to various delicious destinations. Bonnie is also the creator of a groundbreaking book club in which authors are invited to discuss their work during thematic dinners. She has authored 12 bestselling cookbooks, including Bonnie Stern’s Essentials of Home Cooking, which won a coveted International Association of Culinary Professionals award. Bonnie is the recipient of many awards, including the Ontario Hostelry Institute’s Gold Award, the Premier’s Award, and, in 2021, Bonnie was inducted into the Taste Canada Hall of Fame.

In addition to being Bonnie’s daughter and sous-chef, ANNA RUPERT is a speech-language pathologist, health and social care manager, researcher, and consultant in Toronto. Anna holds master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and International Health Policy from the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics, respectively. Anna’s research and consulting has focused on the inclusion of rehabilitation services (like speech pathology) in global health systems, health system funding and planning, and the relationship between early childhood mental health, childhood trauma, and communication development. Clearly, she has multiple interests! Anna has been cooking with Bonnie since she was able to sit unsupported on the kitchen counter and hold a wooden spoon (there is photo evidence). This is her first book.