
Culinary Specialist Kristi Larson
Meet Taste of Home Culinary Specialist Kristi Larson! Kristi conducts Cooking School shows throughout the country, focusing primarily on the Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Utah and Nevada areas. Kristi says, “I am always excited to come into a community and share my love of cooking with new people.” She goes on to say that she “always has a great time at shows because the audience makes it fun!”
Kristi is originally from Othello, Washington and she now resides near the Salt Lake City, Utah area. Kristi earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Science Education from Brigham Young University – Idaho. She has previously worked as an independent kitchen consultant and for a national bakery chain. Some of Kristi’s favorite activities include reading, watching movies, and of course, cooking!
To learn more about Kristi, take a look at some of her answers to questions below!
Tell us something about yourself that very few people know? I don’t like to wear socks, even in the middle of winter. I try to find shoes that work well without them!
How did you develop your passion for cooking/food? I’ve been cooking from a very young age, and find it to be enjoyable and relaxing. I started out helping my mom and grandma make cookies. I learned quickly that if I was the one making them, I was also able to eat them fresh from the oven!
What is the best thing you ever ate? That’s really hard to narrow down. Chocolate dipped key lime pie is definitely up there.
What is a funny or memorable moment that has happened in your own kitchen? A few years ago, for Christmas dinner, I was asked to make my grandma’s traditional 3 layer gelatin salad. I didn’t let the second layer set up long enough, and when I poured the top one on the salad, it went underneath the middle layer. It looked awful, but still tasted good.
What was your favorite food growing up? Dill pickles.
When did you start cooking? Who taught you to cook? My mom let me help her when I was probably 4 or 5 years old. I remember when I was pretty young, and I was mixing up some pancake batter from scratch. I was trying to measure the salt, but the container slipped out of my hand and into the bowl, spilling quite a bit into the batter. We tried to scoop as much of it out as possible, but they were still a bit salty. I learned my lesson – don’t measure over the bowl!
Hi Kristi,
I’m trying to sign up for the kitchen. I have a business card for Pam Sharp. She has two disconnected numbers and I left a message on the cell phone. I was pulled from the line (Costa Mesa) had helped in the kitchen last year and would love to help again in Santa Maria. Can you help me?
Looking forward to seeing and helping again.
Sheila Johanknecht
Hi Sheila,
If you’d like to help in Santa Maria, you can connect with the Santa Maria Times, as they are sponsoring the event. Eric Villegas will be the culinary specialist at that show, but if you are able to assist him, I’m sure you’ll have a great time.
Thanks,
Kristi
Hi kristi I attended the cooking school in Nampa Idaho and was curious where you purchased those interesting salt and pepper shakers. I thought they were real neat and would like a set.
Thanks NickCole Bortz
Hi NickCole! The salt and pepper grinders are made by Chef’n, and are available at Target: http://www.target.com/p/Vibe-Mini-Magnetic-S-P-Ball-Set/-/A-10836700. Happy shopping and cooking!!
Kristi
Kristi,
I attended the Nampa Idaho show April 2012…The strawberry slicer you use where can one be purchased….
Thank you
Tammie Bryant
I found it here: http://www.amazon.com/Chefn-Strawberry-Slicester-Hand-Held-Slicer/dp/B002XOHZYU/
Hi Kristi…thanks for the wonderful and great fun show you did in Billings last night. It was just the best … hope that you will come back…Gotta start cooking up some of those awesome dishes you made. Wish I would have won one of them….lol
Your new cooking buddy
Barbara
Billings, MT
Hi Barbara,
I’m so glad that you had a good time! Maybe you’ll win one of the dishes next time
Let me know what you think of the recipes after you’ve had a chance to make some of them!!
Kristi
Hi Kristi,
My name is Sherry and I attended your show in Billings,Mt on the 23rd of this month (September), anyway I had a blast and you are a great inspiration!! I was wondering if you would tell me where I could get the salt and pepper grinders and the other handy kitchen gadgets that you use. Thanks, once again. Hopefully I will be able to meet you in person one day.
Sherry Watson
Hi Sherry! Thanks so much for stopping by; I’m so glad you enjoyed the show! You can find the salt and pepper grinders at Target, or online here: http://www.target.com/p/Vibe-Mini-Magnetic-S-P-Ball-Set/-/A-10836700. I also purchased my mandoline slicer there, and it’s made by Chef’n, just like the salt and pepper grinders. The 3 blade herb shears are from Norpro, and can be found here: http://www.norprowebstore.com/knives/norpro-triple-blade-herb-scissors-1537-342.aspx or on Amazon.com. If there’s anything else you want to know about, just ask! Hope to see you in Billings next time!!
Happy Cooking
Kristi
Hi Kristi,
I just attended the my first cooking school on Saturday, Oct 1, 2011 in Chico, CA, and had such a great time. There was so much excitement and so much information crammed into such a short time. Loved all of the demos and the time really did seem to just fly by. I just really enjoyed your class and am so excited to try so many of the recipes you not only demonstrated but out of the new cookbooks that were purchased that night. I wanted to thank you for inspiring me to get my pants back into the kitchen and start cooking up a storm. I cant wait to get the chance to go to Taste Of Home Cooking School again. Thanks for the great show!!!
Hi Debbie,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad you learned a lot and are inspired to get back into the kitchen Please let me know what you think of the recipes! Hope to see you at another Taste of Home Cooking School!!
Happy Cooking,
Kristi
Good morning Kristi,
I was at your show last night and during the show you used a mandoline slicer to slice up an onion. I was hoping you could tell me were I could purchase one like the one you used or if you could tell me what the brand it is.
Thank you
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth! My mandoline slicer is made by Chef’n. The Dented Chef in Modesto told me they carry products made by Chef’n, so if they don’t have it in stock, they should be able to order it for you. I found the one I’m using at Target, and they are available on Amazon.com as well.
Hi Kristi,
I attended your show the night of the 4th. in Modesto Calif. You said we can follow you on Face Book. I tried the search and could not find you.Hope this works.Lol!!!
Hi Sue,
You can find me on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/kristi.tasteofhome.
Happy Cooking!
Kristi
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hey Kristi,
My mom and i attend the show in ogden utah (sept 27th) every year. Just wanted to say thank you for making it a fun night, we always have a great time. Sorry it took so long to post this (i have a new baby life gets in the way)
Kamie
Thanks Kamie! I’m glad you and your mom had a good time. And congratulations on your new baby!!
I attended your show at Thanksgiving Point in September. I love the cooking shows. I just saw today that another show is coming to Sandy, Utah in December. Do you know, is that the same show as early this fall or will it be different. Thanks, Krista
Hi Krista,
I’m so glad you enjoy our shows! Yes, the show in Sandy will have the same recipes as the show I did at Thanksgiving Point.
Happy Cooking!
Kristi
Have a super show tonight in Hayward!!
Kristi,
I enjoyed your show last night in Sierra Vista on 11/8/2011. I do have a question about your white mixer. I want one like that would you please indicate the brand name?
Thank you,
Ms. Bo Mathes
Hi Bo!
Thanks for coming to the show, I’m glad you enjoyed it! The mixer that I use is made by Sunbeam, and it works great!
Happy Cooking
Kristi
Kristi,
There are many models of Sunbeam and I liked the one you have. Would you have the Make/Model #.
Thank you,
Bo
I have the Sunbeam Mixmaster 2366, which is no longer being manufactured, unfortunately. Hopefully you can find another model that you might like
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Enjoyed your cooking school last night in Bakersfield. The indication burner made me think about adding it to my Christmas wish list. Can you email me the brand and model you are using? Ive been reading reviews and figured you would know which ones are most reliable. Thanks again for a great show. My friends and I go every year.
Thanks for coming to the show! The induction burner I use is Vollrath 59500P; it’s a professional version, so it’s pretty expensive. You might see if a local appliance store like Urner’s has any suggestions for you; I’ve seen some at other appliance stores as I’ve traveled around. Good luck!
Kristi, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the cooking school that you did in Bakersfield last Tuesday. You did such a great job; I look forward to attending again next year. I was interested in some of the kitchen gadgets, especially the mini salt and pepper grinders. If you could let me know where I can get them, I would really appreciate it. Thanks
Hi Dee! I’m so glad you enjoyed the show, thank you for your kind words! My salt and pepper grinders are made by Chef’n, and are usually available at Target. I’ve also seen them on amazon.com.
Happy Cooking!
Kristi
Kristi, thank you for the information. We tried the marinated pork roast with the raspberry sauce…it was wonderful. Have a wonderful holiday. Hope to see you next year’s cooking classes
I’m glad you liked the pork roast, it’s one of my favorites! Happy Holidays to you as well!!
Hi Kristi it’s Verity! I had a lot of fun helping out at the Bakersfield TOH show. I hope to do it again. You really had it running smooth. (I was going to post the pic we took but wasn’t sure where to do that or if you have your own separate page.)
Hi Verity! Thanks so much for stopping by our blog
I had a great time in Bakersfield, and I really appreciated your help. Thanks for the picture on Facebook!
Happy Cooking!
Kristi
P.S. You can find me on FB at: Urban Cupcakes Verity
P.S.S. LOL Found your page : ) But again, thanks for letting us participate in helping you with your show.
Hi Kristi, just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your show in Bakersfield, CA on Nov 15th. This was my second year attending the show with my aunt and little sister. Each year I have learned so many things. For example last year I learned the differences between the 3 and 4 bumps on bell peppers. From this years show I will be making the Chex pb and chocolate blast for Christmas so I am excited for that. Among a few other recipes I have found on the site. Can’t wait for next year’s show! Happy Holidays!!!
Hi Karen! Thank you for your kind words, I’m so glad to hear that you enjoy our shows! I’m sure you’ll love the Chex PB & Chocolate Blast – it’s one of my favorite snacks!! I hope you have a great holiday season, and make lots of yummy food!!
Happy Cooking!
Kristi
Hi Kristi, I was at your Salt Lake show Friday night (and thoroughly enjoyed myself, by the way). I remembered in the promotion to the show that it said a free year’s magazine subscription came with the class … and then you said during the presentation that there was a coupon in my gift bag for a free year’s subscription to one of two TofH magazines. Only when I got home and looked through my bag, there wasn’t anything like that. Can you help me? Thanks!
Hi Ann,
Thanks for coming to the show, I’m glad you had a good time! I’m sorry you didn’t get the postcard for a free subscription. If you’d like to email me at kristi_larson@rd.com, I can take care of it for you. You can choose from Simple & Delicious or Taste of Home. Just let me know which one you’d like, along with your mailing adress, and I’ll send it in for you!
Thanks,
Kristi
I bought the mandoline that you used for the demo at target and love it. Now I need the onion glasses. I forgot where you bought them? I had a great time assisting you along with the other ladies at Bakersfield. Have a Healthy and wonderful holiday season.
See you next year.
Sheila Johanknecht
Hi Sheila,
I purchased my onion goggles on Amazon.com, but you can probably find them on other sites and maybe some kitchen stores as well.
Happy Holidays!
Kristi
Hi Kristi. I attended your cooking school in Kalispell Thursday. I almost slipped in my husband’s puddle of drool when you made the peanut butter cheesecake! I was wondering if you can tell me what kind of food processor you were using. It seemed quieter than usual.
Thanks.
Jo
Hi Jo,
Thanks for coming to the Cooking School! I use a Cuisinart Food Processor on stage. Let me know if you make the cheesecake, and what you think of it – I love it!! Happy Cooking!
Kristi
Hey Kristi,
It’s almost that time again for the show, but I didn’t see a show scheduled for Idaho Falls. Are you coming here this year? I hope so, it’s alway fun to see you.
Thanks,
Denise Stears—–your favorite roommate
Hey Denise! It’s good to hear from you! We’re not doing a show in Idaho Falls this spring, but it’s a possibility this fall. It would be great to see you!!
Hi Kristi,
Was wondering if you will be in Ca. for a spring show or somewhere close to my area. L.A.
I also love the mandoline that I now use that you introduced us to in Bakersfield in Nov.
Happy Cooking!
Sheila Johanknecht
Redondo Beach
Hi Sheila,
The only show in CA this spring will be in Colusa; check back in July or August to see where we’ll be this fall!
Kristi
Kristi,
Wonderful show last night in Pocatello, Idaho!! You had an amazing strawberry slicer during the dessert segment. Where did you purchase it? I also have the same problem of the slicers I use not being strong enough and breaking.
Margaret
Thanks Margaret! I found my strawberry slicer on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Chefn-Strawberry-Slicester-Hand-Held-Slicer/dp/B002XOHZYU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1333667722&sr=8-2
I’ve also seen it in kitchen stores like Sur la Table, so you might be able to find one when you’re out shopping, too!
Happy Cooking!
Hi, Kristin,
I was at the fall cooking school in Ogden with my mom and sister, and won the marinated pork roast with raspberry sauce. My husband and I both loved it – in fact, I made it for Easter dinner this year instead of ham. I told a coworker about the recipe, but she doesn’t use alcohol. What can be subsituted for the merlot?
My mom and I are looking forward to seeing you again on April 24th for the spring show!
Smiles,
Kim
Hi Kim,
I’m so glad you’re enjoying that recipe! To substitute for the Merlot in that recipe, I would suggest using about 3/4 cup red grape juice + 2-3 Tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
I hope you have a good time at the show in a couple of weeks, we have some delicious spring recipes!
Kristi
Thanks, Kristi! My co-worker was delighted to get the recipe with the substitution information.
Looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks.
Kim
Whoops – my finger didn’t cooperate.. I meant to say “Hi, Kristi” not Kristin. Sorry!
Kim
Kristi,
Is there a spot on the TOH web site where all of the past cooking show recipes are posted? That way if I can’t locate my magazine I could still find the. Thanks.
Pat
Unfortunately, there isn’t a location where all of the recipes can be located. If the recipe was originally from a Taste of Home magazine or cookbook, you should be able to search for it on our website. If the recipe was from one of our National Sponsors, we aren’t able to publish it on our site, but you might be able to find it on their website.
My mom and just saw your show in Lewiston and we have a bet going on what the term omomy means. Can you tell us again.
Thank You,
Tricia
Hi Tricia! The term is umami, and it refers to the savory flavor you get from different foods (including mushrooms). It’s considered to be a 5th taste, in addition to sweet, sour, salty and bitter. I just found a great article that explains it really well: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119706514515417586.html.
Thanks Kristi for a fantastic night in Twin Falls Idaho!!
Thank you, and thanks for coming to the show!
Just came home from the Nampa show, my daughter won the Chicken Kabaobs, verrrry good!!!! We Love it and cant wait until next Spring! Thanks Kristi
Thanks Alberta, I’m glad you enjoyed the show, and had a chance to taste the yummy chicken!
I was also at the Nampa Show, for my first time and loved it. I will definately anticipating next years show. Kristi, you showed us a strawberry slicer gadget….where can I get one?
I’m glad you had a good time! I purchased my strawberry slicer here: http://www.amazon.com/Chefn-Strawberry-Slicester-Hand-Held-Slicer/dp/B002XOHZYU. Hope to see you next year!
Nampa Show was wonderful As Always Your GREAT Love your always Back in nampa
OK So how or where do I find the strawberry slicer
I cant wait to make your strawberry shortcake and the Taco cassarole
Was a Great Night Out
Thanks Sherry! In case you didn’t see the link I just posted on your other comment, the slicer can be found here: http://www.amazon.com/Chefn-Strawberry-Slicester-Hand-Held-Slicer/dp/B002XOHZYU
Thanks so much for another great Taste of Home cooking show! My MIL and I had a great time, this was our second year and we’ve decided to make it a tradition. You do a wonderful job up there presenting and you seem to be having so much fun. Our show was at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound. Hope to see you again next year!
Thanks so much for coming, I’m glad you had a great time!
Attended my first Cooking School at Grand Mound yesterday. Had a great time. Will try to make this an annual event. Very enjoyable. My neighbor & I had a blast. Where did you purchase your scoop/spatula tool?
Thanks for coming to the show! I’ve seen the tool at a few different stores, but you should be able to get it at Sur la Table: http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-190041/?affsrcid=Aff0001 or buy a set of 12 from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Tovolo-80-5316-Silicone-Scoop-Spread/dp/B0049MV6B2
Hi Alice, sorry for the delayed response, it looks like my first attempt a few days ago didn’t go through! I’ve seen the spatula at Sur la Table: http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-190041/Tovolo-Silicone-Scrape-and-Scoop-Multi-Purpose-Scrapers, or a set of 12 on amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Tovolo-80-5316-Silicone-Scoop-Spread/dp/B0049MV6B2. Thanks so much for coming to the show, and I hope to see you next time!
My daughter and I attended a cooking show for the first time at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound (Chehalis-Centralia) Wa. We really enjoyed it and plan to attend again so don’t stay away from this area too long!!
My daughter (15yo) blames me for not winning any of the great prizes though because I was cheap and bought seats too far back. Next time she wants a couch!! HaHa!
I love Taste of Home Cookbooks and have collected them for years. I just might make going to cooking shows a “mom & daughter day” more often and in different areas. Thank you for coming.
Thanks for coming to the show, and for stopping by our blog! I’m glad you had a good time in Grand Mound, and hope you win something next time we’re in town!
Kristi,
I am in the process of getting ready to stock the holiday inventory. I am contacting cooking schools (especially cooking schools for youth) to send some free inventory. Could you forward the cooking school address? Oh yeah… you can take a look at the website: http://www.cuffitts.com
Thanks,
Fe
hi can u come and show me how to cook?
Kristi,
Had a blast at your show today in Carson City!!! Thank you so much! What was that two sided spatula – spreader spoon that you were using today???
Sarah
Thanks Sarah, I’m so glad you had a good time! Here are a couple of places where you can find the spatula: http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-190041/?affsrcid=Aff0001 or buy a set of 12 from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Tovolo-80-5316-Silicone-Scoop-Spread/dp/B0049MV6B2