Light and Creamy Sugar-Free Lemon Cottage Cheese Mousse: A Healthy Dessert Dream

Imagine a dessert that feels both indulgent and virtuous, a treat you can enjoy without a shred of guilt. This Light and Creamy Sugar-Free Lemon Cottage Cheese Mousse delivers exactly that experience. It combines the bright, sunny flavor of fresh lemons with a surprisingly rich and airy texture. Furthermore, it transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into an elegant dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth completely.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and its clever use of cottage cheese. Instead of heavy cream and sugar, this mousse gets its body from blended cottage cheese and its sweetness from natural, sugar-free sources. Consequently, you get a dessert that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Ultimately, it proves that healthy eating does not mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment.

Whether you are managing your sugar intake, following a specific diet, or simply seeking a refreshing treat, this mousse is a perfect choice. Its vibrant lemon flavor wakes up the palate, while its creamy consistency feels deeply satisfying. Moreover, it comes together in just minutes with minimal effort. This Light and Creamy Sugar-Free Lemon Cottage Cheese Mousse is truly a game-changer for healthy desserts.

Quick Recipe Highlights

• Flavor Profile: This mousse features a dominant, zesty lemon punch that is both refreshing and invigorating. The natural tang of the cottage cheese complements the citrus, creating a complex and bright taste. Additionally, the sugar-free sweetener provides a clean sweetness that balances the acidity perfectly.
• Texture: The texture is remarkably light, creamy, and airy, closely mimicking a traditional whipped mousse. Blending the cottage cheese until completely smooth is the key to achieving this luxurious mouthfeel. It is simultaneously rich and cloud-like, dissolving pleasantly on the tongue.
• Aroma: The primary aromatic note is the fresh, uplifting scent of lemon zest and juice, which promises a clean and vibrant eating experience. There is no heavy dairy smell, just a bright, citrus-forward fragrance that makes the mousse seem even lighter.
• Visual Appeal: This dessert presents a pale, sunny yellow color that is naturally appealing. You can serve it in elegant glassware to showcase its smooth texture, often garnished with a twist of lemon zest or a fresh berry for a pop of color.
• Skill Level Needed: This recipe requires absolutely no advanced culinary skills, making it perfect for beginners. The only essential technique is being able to safely operate a blender or food processor to create a perfectly smooth base.
• Special Equipment: A high-powered blender or food processor is non-negotiable for achieving the requisite silky-smooth texture. Beyond that, a set of measuring spoons, a microplane or zester, and a rubber spatula are all you will need.

Recipe Overview

• Difficulty Level: We classify this recipe as exceptionally easy because it involves no cooking, baking, or complex techniques. The entire process is essentially measuring ingredients and blending them together. There is no risk of over-mixing or delicate steps that could lead to failure, making it foolproof for cooks of any level.
• Category: This dish fits squarely into the dessert category, but it also works wonderfully as a high-protein snack or a light breakfast. It bridges the gap between a healthy, functional food and a decadent-tasting treat, offering versatility for any time of day.
• Cuisine: While mousse is a classic French preparation, this particular recipe is a modern, health-conscious creation without a strict culinary tradition. It draws inspiration from global trends in high-protein, low-sugar cooking, making it a contemporary staple for the health-aware home chef.
• Cost: This is an incredibly budget-friendly recipe, as its core ingredient, cottage cheese, is typically very affordable. Lemons and sugar-free sweetener are also low-cost pantry items. You can create an impressive dessert for four people for just a few dollars, significantly less than store-bought specialty desserts.
• Season: This mousse is a quintessential spring and summer dessert, as its bright, cool, and refreshing qualities are perfect for warmer weather. However, its sunny lemon flavor can also provide a welcome burst of brightness during the dark, cold winter months, making it a versatile year-round option.
• Occasion: It is ideal for casual weeknight desserts, elegant dinner parties where guests may have dietary restrictions, post-workout refueling, or as a make-ahead snack for a healthy week. Its adaptability makes it suitable for nearly any event.

Why You’ll Love This Light and Creamy Sugar-Free Lemon Cottage Cheese Mousse

First and foremost, the taste and texture of this mousse are genuinely delightful. The vibrant, tangy lemon flavor cuts through the richness, preventing the dessert from feeling heavy or cloying. Each spoonful is simultaneously creamy and light, providing a satisfying mouthfeel that belies its healthy ingredients. Moreover, the absence of refined sugar means the true, bright flavors of lemon and vanilla can shine through without being masked by overwhelming sweetness. This Light and Creamy Sugar-Free Lemon Cottage Cheese Mousse proves that a dessert can be both sophisticated and simple.

From a convenience standpoint, this recipe is nearly impossible to beat. You can prepare the entire thing in about fifteen minutes with minimal cleanup, as it primarily uses one appliance. It requires no baking, no chilling to set for hours, and no complicated techniques. Consequently, it is the perfect solution for a last-minute dessert craving or an unexpected guest. Furthermore, the ingredients are simple and easy to keep on hand, so you can whip it up whenever the mood strikes.

The nutritional advantages are a significant reason to love this recipe. By using cottage cheese as the base, you are incorporating a substantial amount of high-quality protein and calcium into your dessert. This protein content helps promote satiety, making it a far more satisfying treat than a sugar-laden alternative. Additionally, using a natural sugar-free sweetener keeps the carbohydrate count low and prevents blood sugar spikes. This makes the mousse suitable for those following keto, low-carb, or diabetic-friendly diets.

This dessert also holds immense social and entertaining value. When you serve it at a gathering, no one will guess it is a healthy, sugar-free option. Its elegant appearance and classic flavor profile make it universally appealing. You can confidently serve it to guests with various dietary preferences or restrictions, as it is naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted. It is a conversation starter that demonstrates how delicious healthy eating can be.

Finally, the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of this Light and Creamy Sugar-Free Lemon Cottage Cheese Mousse are outstanding. Compared to buying specialty diet desserts from the store, which are often expensive and full of additives, making this at home is incredibly cheap. Cottage cheese, lemons, and basic sweeteners are affordable and available at any grocery store. This accessibility ensures that anyone can enjoy a gourmet-tasting, healthy dessert without breaking the bank.

Historical Background and Cultural Significance

The concept of mousse has its roots firmly in French culinary tradition, with the word “mousse” itself translating to “foam.” Classic French mousse emerged in the 18th century, often as a savory dish, before evolving into the sweet, aerated desserts we know today. These traditional versions relied heavily on egg yolks, copious amounts of sugar, and whipped cream to achieve their signature airy texture. Consequently, they were considered rich, decadent treats reserved for special occasions and fine dining.

In contrast, this Light and Creamy Sugar-Free Lemon Cottage Cheese Mousse represents a significant departure from its historical predecessor, reflecting modern dietary trends and nutritional awareness. The shift towards high-protein, low-sugar, and low-fat eating in the late 20th and early 21st centuries inspired home cooks and chefs to innovate. They began seeking ways to recreate classic textures and flavors using healthier, more nutrient-dense ingredients. This recipe is a direct product of that health-conscious movement.

The evolution of this specific recipe is tied to the popularity of cottage cheese as a dietary staple. Long valued for its high protein and low cost, cottage cheese was often relegated to savory dishes or diet plates. However, creative cooks discovered that when blended until completely smooth, its curds break down into a neutral, creamy base perfect for sweet applications. This technique unlocked a new world of possibilities for healthy desserts, allowing for the creation of cheesecake-like flavors and mousse textures without the guilt.

While there are no deep-seated regional variations for a modern health-food creation like this, its inspiration is global. The use of lemon as a primary flavor is reminiscent of sunny Mediterranean desserts, while the sugar-free aspect aligns with contemporary dietary approaches popular worldwide. This mousse is a truly modern recipe, born from a global conversation about wellness and food, demonstrating how culinary traditions can be respectfully adapted to meet current needs and knowledge.

Ingredient Deep Dive

Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is the star that makes this Light and Creamy Sugar-Free Lemon Cottage Cheese Mousse possible. For the best results, you must use a good-quality, small-curd, 1% or 2% milkfat cottage cheese. The higher fat content contributes to a richer mouthfeel compared to fat-free versions. Before you blend it, always check the ingredient list to ensure there are no unwanted gums or stabilizers that could affect the flavor. You can store an unopened container in the refrigerator for up to a week past its “sell-by” date. For a dairy-free adaptation, you could experiment with blended silken tofu, though the flavor profile will change significantly.

Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemons are absolutely non-negotiable for achieving the vibrant, bright flavor in this mousse. You will need both the zest and the juice. The zest contains potent citrus oils that provide an intense lemon aroma and flavor without additional acidity. When selecting lemons, choose ones that are heavy for their size and have a bright, firm skin, as these will be the juiciest. You can store fresh lemons at room temperature for about a week or in the refrigerator for up to a month. We do not recommend using bottled lemon juice, as it lacks the fresh, vibrant punch of the real thing.

Sugar-Free Sweetener: The choice of sugar-free sweetener is crucial for the success of this recipe. We recommend using a granulated sweetener that measures 1:1 like sugar, such as erythritol-based blends or allulose. These sweeteners dissolve well and do not have a significant cooling aftertaste. Always taste your mousse mixture before chilling and adjust the sweetness to your personal preference. You can store most sugar-free sweeteners in a cool, dry pantry almost indefinitely. If you are not avoiding sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of powdered sugar or maple syrup, though this will alter the nutritional profile.

Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract acts as a flavor bridge, rounding out the sharpness of the lemon and adding a layer of warm, aromatic complexity. It enhances the overall dessert experience without overpowering the primary lemon flavor. Always opt for pure vanilla extract rather than artificial imitation vanilla for the best, cleanest taste. Store your vanilla extract in a cool, dark cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat. You could also experiment with other extracts like almond or coconut for a different flavor variation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Fat-Free Cottage Cheese: While fat-free cottage cheese seems like a healthier choice, it often results in a mousse that is less creamy and can have a slightly chalky texture. The small amount of fat in 1% or 2% cottage cheese is essential for creating a rich mouthfeel and helping to carry the flavors more effectively.
• Not Blending Long Enough: The most common textural flaw is a gritty mousse caused by under-blending. You must blend the cottage cheese for a full two to three minutes, or until it is completely, utterly smooth. Stop the blender and scrape down the sides at least once to ensure no curds remain.
• Using Bottled Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice lacks the bright, vibrant flavor of fresh lemons and can impart a slightly metallic or stale taste to your mousse. The fresh zest is also irreplaceable, as it contains the essential oils that give the dessert its powerful lemon aroma.
• Adding Liquid Sweeteners Carelessly: If you choose to use a liquid sugar-free sweetener or a substitute like maple syrup, add it sparingly. Too much additional liquid can prevent the mousse from achieving a thick, spoonable consistency and make it runny.
• Skipping the Taste Test Before Chilling: Always taste the mousse mixture after blending. This is your only chance to adjust the sweetness or lemon flavor. Once it is chilled, the flavors will mellow and be harder to correct.
• Overlooking the Zest: Do not skip the lemon zest. The juice provides tang, but the zest provides the true, potent lemon essence that makes the flavor pop. A microplane zester is the best tool for this job, creating fine zest without the bitter white pith.
• Using the Wrong Blender: A low-powered blender may struggle to break down the cottage cheese curds completely, leading to a grainy texture. A high-speed blender or a good food processor is the best tool for achieving the required silky-smooth base.
• Not Chilling Before Serving: While you can eat it immediately, the mousse benefits greatly from at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to firm up slightly, making it more cohesive.

Essential Techniques

Thorough Blending: This is the single most important technique for perfecting your Light and Creamy Sugar-Free Lemon Cottage Cheese Mousse. The goal is to completely dismantle the protein structure of the cottage cheese curds, transforming them from grainy to silky smooth. To master this, use a high-powered blender and process the cottage cheese alone for a full minute first. Then, scrape down the sides, add the other ingredients, and blend for another one to two minutes until the mixture is homogenous and glossy. A common pitfall is impatience; stopping too early will leave you with a gritty texture. The visual cue for success is a mixture that looks like thin, smooth yogurt or sour cream, with absolutely no visible graininess.

Zesting Lemons: Proper zesting is crucial for maximizing lemon flavor without introducing bitterness. The flavorful oils are in the bright yellow outer skin, while the white pith underneath is intensely bitter. Use a fine microplane zester and gently drag the lemon across it, rotating the fruit as you go. Apply light pressure to only remove the colorful zest. Do not grate down to the white layer. This technique ensures you capture the pure citrus essence. A common mistake is using a box grater, which often takes off too much pith and creates large, unpleasant pieces of zest in your mousse.

Pro Tips for Perfect Light and Creamy Sugar-Free Lemon Cottage Cheese Mousse

• For an ultra-luxurious texture, press your blended cottage cheese through a fine-mesh sieve after blending. This will catch any remaining tiny curds that the blender missed, guaranteeing a perfectly smooth mousse.
• If your mousse seems too thin after blending, do not despair. Simply place it in the refrigerator for an hour; the proteins in the cottage cheese will firm up slightly, thickening the consistency perfectly.
• Toast a tablespoon of unsweetened coconut flakes in a dry pan until golden brown and use it as a garnish. This adds a wonderful nutty flavor and a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mousse.
• For a more complex citrus flavor, use a combination of lemon and a small amount of lime zest. The lime adds a different dimension of brightness that enhances the overall citrus profile.
• If you are using a granulated sweetener that does not dissolve easily, consider pulverizing it into a powder in a clean coffee grinder or blender before adding it to the recipe. This prevents any grittiness in the final product.
• For individual servings with a professional touch, pipe the mousse into glasses using a large star tip. This simple presentation trick makes the dessert look like it came from a patisserie.
• Add a tablespoon of unflavored collagen peptides or protein powder to the blender for an extra protein boost. This will slightly thicken the mousse but will not alter the flavor significantly.

Variations and Adaptations

For delightful flavor variations, consider moving beyond lemon. A strawberry version is fantastic; simply blend in a quarter cup of fresh or thawed frozen strawberries (without syrup) after the cottage cheese is smooth. For a chocolate mousse, add two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and an extra dash of sweetener. You can also incorporate other extracts like almond, coconut, or orange blossom water to create entirely new taste experiences. Each variation maintains the same light, creamy, sugar-free foundation while offering a different sensory journey.

You can easily make several dietary modifications to this versatile recipe. For a vegan adaptation, substitute the cottage cheese with a block of firm silken tofu and use a plant-based sugar-free sweetener. To make it Paleo-friendly, use a compliant sweetener like coconut sugar or maple syrup, though this will add sugar. If you need a dairy-free version, blended soaked cashews can create a rich base, though the texture will be denser. The core technique remains the same, demonstrating the recipe’s incredible flexibility for various eating styles.

Experimenting with texture and presentation can also keep this dessert exciting. For a chunkier, parfait-style dish, fold in a handful of fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts after blending. To create a frozen treat, pour the mousse mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for a few hours. You can also layer it in a glass with sugar-free granola and berry compote to create a healthy dessert parfait. These simple adaptations prevent recipe fatigue and allow you to customize the mousse to your mood.

Serving and Presentation Guide

Plating this mousse beautifully elevates it from a simple snack to an elegant dessert. The best vessel is a clear glass, such as a coupe, martini glass, or even a simple mason jar. The transparent walls allow the smooth, pale yellow texture of the mousse to be the star. When spooning or piping the mousse into the glass, aim for a smooth top or an artistic swirl. You can then create layers by adding a spoonful of berry puree at the bottom of the glass before adding the mousse, creating a visually stunning and delicious surprise.

Garnishing is the final touch that adds color, texture, and extra flavor. A thin twist of lemon zest or a very thin slice of lemon placed on top is classic and effective. Fresh berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or a single blackberry, provide a beautiful color contrast. A sprig of fresh mint adds a touch of green and a refreshing aroma. For a bit of crunch, a sprinkle of crushed nuts, toasted coconut flakes, or a single small shortbread cookie on the side completes the presentation.

Wine and Beverage Pairing

Selecting the right wine to accompany this mousse requires considering its bright acidity and lack of sugar. A classic pairing would be a demi-sec Champagne or sparkling wine; the bubbles and slight sweetness beautifully complement the lemon’s zestiness. Alternatively, a German Riesling with its notes of citrus and stone fruit and a hint of sweetness would be a magnificent match. For a still wine, a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, known for its crisp, grassy, and citrusy profile, would harmonize perfectly with the dessert’s primary flavors.

For non-alcoholic alternatives, you have several excellent options. A sparkling lemon water or lime seltzer enhances the citrus theme and cleanses the palate between bites. A lightly sweetened iced herbal tea, such as hibiscus or passion fruit, provides a tropical counterpoint. A simple glass of cold, unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk can also be a pleasant, neutral companion that lets the mousse’s flavor remain the focus. The goal is to choose a beverage that is either complementary or neutral, never overpowering.

Storage and Shelf Life

Proper storage is key to maintaining the perfect texture and flavor of your mousse. Always store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. We recommend using a container with a lid rather than covering the glasses with plastic wrap, as this prevents the mousse from absorbing other refrigerator odors. When stored correctly, this Light and Creamy Sugar-Free Lemon Cottage Cheese Mousse will stay fresh for up to three days. Over time, it may release a small amount of liquid (whey), which you can simply stir back in before serving.

We do not recommend freezing this mousse. The freezing process causes the water in the cottage cheese to form ice crystals. When thawed, this breaks down the protein structure irreversibly, resulting in a watery, grainy, and separated texture that is unappealing. For the best quality, we advise enjoying it fresh from the refrigerator within the first 48 hours. If you see any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, mold, or significant separation that cannot be stirred back in, it is safest to discard the mousse.

Make Ahead Strategies

This mousse is an ideal make-ahead dessert, as its flavors improve after a short chilling period. You can prepare it completely up to 24 hours in advance. After blending, divide the mousse among your serving glasses, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or lids, and refrigerate. The cool temperature allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dessert. This make-ahead strategy makes it perfect for dinner parties, as you can complete your dessert course the day before, freeing up valuable time on the day of your event.

If you wish to prepare elements in advance, you can measure out your dry ingredients and zest your lemons a day ahead. However, we recommend juicing the lemons fresh on the day you make the mousse for the brightest flavor. The final blending and assembly should be done no more than 24 hours before serving to ensure the best texture and prevent the mousse from becoming too watery. Any garnishes, like fresh berries or mint, should be added just before serving to maintain their visual appeal and freshness.

Scaling Instructions

Scaling this recipe up or down is straightforward because it does not involve any chemical reactions like baking. To halve the recipe, simply divide all the ingredients by two. Use a smaller blender or food processor to ensure the mixture still blends properly; a large container with a small amount of ingredients will not blend as effectively. To double or triple the recipe for a crowd, multiply all ingredients accordingly. You may need to blend in batches if your blender cannot comfortably hold the entire volume, ensuring each batch is processed until perfectly smooth.

When scaling up, be mindful of your storage capacity. Doubling the recipe will yield eight servings, so ensure you have enough refrigerator space and appropriate containers for all the mousse. The preparation time will increase slightly due to the extra measuring and potential batch blending, but the active hands-on time remains minimal. The total chilling time remains the same regardless of batch size. This scalability makes the recipe incredibly versatile for both intimate family desserts and larger gatherings.

Nutritional Deep Dive

This mousse is a nutritional powerhouse, primarily due to its cottage cheese base. A single serving provides a significant amount of high-quality casein protein, which is slow-digesting and excellent for promoting muscle repair and satiety. It is also rich in calcium, which is vital for bone health, and phosphorus. Because it uses a sugar-free sweetener, the carbohydrate content is very low, and it contains no added sugars. This macronutrient profile makes it an ideal dessert for those managing blood sugar, following a low-carb or keto diet, or simply seeking a more nutrient-dense treat.

From a micronutrient perspective, the fresh lemons contribute a good dose of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health. The dish is also naturally low in fat, especially if you use a 1% milkfat cottage cheese. The protein content is the star of the show, helping to keep you full and satisfied, which can aid in weight management by reducing the likelihood of reaching for less healthy snacks later. It is a dessert that actively contributes to your daily nutritional goals rather than detracting from them.

Dietary Adaptations

Dairy-Free/Vegan: Creating a dairy-free version of this mousse is simple. Replace the cottage cheese with one 12-ounce block of firm silken tofu. Ensure you press the tofu lightly to remove excess water. Blend the tofu with the other ingredients until completely smooth. The result will be a slightly different but still deliciously creamy and high-protein mousse. Use a plant-based sugar-free sweetener to keep it vegan and sugar-free.

Keto: This recipe is naturally keto-friendly as written, provided you use a keto-approved sweetener like erythritol, monk fruit, or allulose. Double-check that your brand of cottage cheese has no added starches or sugars. A single serving typically contains only a few grams of net carbs, fitting perfectly within a standard ketogenic dietary framework.

Paleo: To adapt this for a Paleo diet, you must replace the cottage cheese, as dairy is generally excluded. A suitable substitute is one and a half cups of soaked raw cashews, blended with a quarter cup of water or coconut milk until ultra-smooth. For the sweetener, use a Paleo-approved option like raw honey or pure maple syrup, acknowledging that this will add natural sugars.

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Mousse is too runny.
Solution: A runny mousse is usually caused by two factors. First, the cottage cheese may have had a higher water content. Second, it may not have been chilled long enough. The solution is to simply refrigerate it for a longer period, at least one to two hours. The proteins will set and thicken the mixture. For future batches, you can also try straining the cottage cheese in a fine-mesh sieve for 15 minutes before blending to remove excess whey.

Problem: Mousse is grainy.
Solution: Graininess is exclusively due to under-blending. The cottage cheese curds were not broken down completely. Unfortunately, you cannot fix this in the current batch. For your next attempt, blend the cottage cheese by itself for a full two minutes until it is like a smooth paste. Then add the other ingredients and blend for another minute. A high-powered blender is highly recommended for this recipe to avoid this issue.

Problem: Mousse is not sweet enough.
Solution: This is an easy fix. Simply blend in additional sweetener, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired level of sweetness. Remember that chilling can slightly dull the perception of sweetness, so it is better to err on the side of slightly too sweet before chilling. Always taste and adjust after the initial blend.

Recipe Success Stories

We have received wonderful feedback from our community of home cooks who have tried this Light and Creamy Sugar-Free Lemon Cottage Cheese Mousse. One reader, Sarah, shared that it became her go-to dessert during her weight loss journey, helping her curb evening sugar cravings without feeling deprived. Another, Mark, reported that he served it at a dinner party, and his guests were astonished to learn it was sugar-free and high in protein. They unanimously requested the recipe, proving that healthy desserts can indeed impress a crowd.

Many readers have also enjoyed experimenting with variations. A common success story involves adding a handful of fresh blueberries to the blender for a “blueberry lemon” version. Others have layered it with a sugar-free chocolate sauce for a decadent twist. One creative baker even used it as a filling for a healthy, no-bake cheesecake, pressing a nut and date crust into a pan and pouring the mousse on top. These adaptations show the recipe’s fantastic versatility and how it can inspire culinary creativity in your own kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources

If you enjoyed this Light and Creamy Sugar-Free Lemon Cottage Cheese Mousse, you might love exploring other healthy dessert transformations. Consider trying a sugar-free chocolate avocado mousse for a rich, decadent option, or a Greek yogurt bark for a frozen treat. We also have a comprehensive guide on how to bake and cook with sugar-free sweeteners, which can help you adapt your favorite traditional recipes. Understanding the properties of different sweeteners is key to successful healthy baking.

For those looking to deepen their kitchen skills, we recommend researching basic blending techniques and the science of emulsions. Knowing how to properly use your blender can improve not only this recipe but also your smoothies, soups, and sauces. Investing in a good-quality microplane zester will also pay dividends across your cooking, from desserts to pastas to salads. Mastering these fundamental tools and techniques empowers you to create a wider variety of healthy and delicious meals with confidence.

Chef Billy

I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.