Competitor Profile
Team Seward
HEAD COOK: Valonda Seward
COMPETITION: World Pasta Championship
QUALIFYING EVENT: Pass the Pasta
Valonda Seward of Yosemite Lakes, CA won the Grand Prize in the "Pass the Pasta" contest in December 2013 and was featured in "Country Woman" Magazine. Her Garlic Shrimp & Orzo Pasta Salad qualified her to compete in this years World Food Championship's newest category - Pasta!Valonda, also known as "~V" is a self taught chef and comes from a long line of self taught cooks who weren't afraid to try anything. A mother of three boys and an entrepreneur. She is currently working on a product line to put on the shelves soon. Having entered and won many contests, one of which landed her a series of her own on the Food Network. Valonda continues to run a small cake business in her sleepy hollow town.
Valonda has had recipes published throughout the past years. She is a recipe developer, Writer/blogger, Award winning home chef and all around food enthusiast. "I believe that my creativity and ability to work well under pressure gives me a competitive edge. I enjoy experimenting with flavor combinations and cooking for family and friends, but once I discovered the world of competitive cooking contests, I was hooked!"
"The best advice I was ever given as a child growing up with foodie parents was unspoken ... don't be afraid to try new things and my dad would say 'it’s all in how you cook it.' Which is very true"
Her Mantra is to keep it Simple, Savoring and Satisfying.
Having competed in the Bacon Division at the World Food Championships 2013, Valonda is excited to return with her best friend Genevievre Bourgeois as her sous chef. "Gen's style of cooking is just like mine. She throws combinations together and the results are delicious... we work really well together and have fun in the kitchen" The two are teaming up as the "PastaDivas" in this years competition.
It is Valonda's goal to win in the championship and be able donate to the Autism Awareness and Autism Speaks organizations. "Having a child with Autism, it is important to me to help others understand and be aware of the day-to-day challenges families go through"
Valonda is looking forward to representing Just A Pinch in this years event along with the chance to reconnect with old friends and to meet new competitors! Arrivederci!!