'The Great American Cookbook Competition': Get to Know Merry

Merry Graham
Hometown: Newhall, CA

Proposed Book Title: 5 Sauces! 50 Recipes!

Book Concept: In 5 Sauces! 50 Recipes! I share five of my signature sauces that spice up 50, easy-to-make recipes and are scrumptious to taste, simple to make and sensational to see!

I am an award-winning home chef, published author, mother, and an all around Foodie. In 2012, Bobby Flay crowned me The Healthiest Cook in America! Although my cooking adventures have taken me all over the United States and Scotland, my favorite place is at home in my sunny Southern California kitchen. I love to be surrounded by my grown children, grandchildren, husband of 36-years, and any hungry belly that happens to find its way to my doorstep!

As a mother of four (including twins), my culinary horizons expanded to include practical, nutritious, kid-friendly and efficient meals to feed my family of six. For twenty years I educated my children at home.

I often volunteer my cooking services in any capacity they are needed: for special events and large gatherings, teaching casual cooking classes for friends, and writing my food blog, “A Merry Recipe”.

Soon to be 60, I have no plans to slow down. I regularly open my home to host weddings, birthdays, Bible studies, showers and special occasions – sprinkling each dish with love and offering each guest who comes, a motherly embrace before feeding them a merry meal.