Preparing meals for friends and family is something I have always enjoyed. Coming from a long line of excellent cooks, I practically grew up in my Grandmother Rainwater's Snack Bar (that's Texan for 'diner') in Plano - a suburb of Dallas. There, I would accompany her to the Farmer's Market and I discovered my passion for fresh ingredients cooked simply. Delicious!

I also inherited my mother's joy of cooking and love of cookbooks; my ever-growing collection contains over 950 so far.

From various chefs, I have learned everything from Brazilian cuisine to preparing special diets, and have always dreamed of cooking professionally. I am a pastry chef at heart, and I love to bake! At age 9, I began my personal cooking 'career' when I received numerous requests for Donna's Famous Pound Cake which was created by mistake. To this day, it is rare for me to follow a recipe. I guess reading all those cookbooks has taught me to cook without them.

In January of 2001, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Chronic pain caused me to inspect my diet as I looked for sources of relief in addition to medication. Some publications have indicated that preservatives, MSG, aspartame - even wheat and certain peppers may exacerbate this condition. After talking to other fibromyalgia sufferers and reviewing these publications, I decided to restrict my diet to just my own healthy cooking. After only a few weeks I began to feel less pain and more energy. Within the first several months I was able to do things I hadn't been able to do for the past year! I even lost 25 pounds, and have kept it off. As a result, I decided that I would like to help others who don't have the energy or the time to eat healthy meals at home. You don't have to be diagnosed with a disease to recognize the benefits of heart healthy cuisine!

To assist me in making Twisted Fork PCS a reality, I attended and graduated from the United States Personal Chef Institute. I am a member of the United States Personal Chef Association, and I'm working towards my Personal Chef Certification. As a member of the USPCA, I have access to hundreds of proven recipes, and I am provided with a great network of professional and personal chefs. I also continue to keep my skills sharp by taking culinary skills or nutrition classes, attending meetings of the Puget Sound chapter of the USPCA and reviewing new products, services and techniques as a Charter Member of The Cooking Club of America.

As a member of the Woodinville Chamber of Commerce, I enjoy participating in annual community events such as the All Fool's Day Parade & Basset Bash, Benefit Auction, Golf Tournament, and I especially look forward to the first days of Spring when the Farmer's Market season begins. I will have a booth each Saturday during the season. Stop by and try a sample!

Before you get the idea that cooking is my life (and why wouldn't you?) - I also enjoy designing websites, reading and creating both abstract and graphic art. Take a look at some of my abstract artwork. My pen name is Braxaná. Why? Because I like the name!