Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart: An Elegant Holiday Dessert

Creating a stunning holiday dessert can feel intimidating, but this Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart makes the process approachable and deeply rewarding. This dessert combines a buttery shortbread crust with a rich, gooey pecan filling, all crowned with a delicate chocolate snowflake design. The result is a show-stopping centerpiece that looks like it came from a professional bakery. Moreover, its balanced sweetness and sophisticated flavor profile will impress even the most discerning guests at your holiday table.

The magic of this Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart lies in its perfect harmony of textures and flavors. You get the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans against the smooth, velvety caramel, all contained within a crisp, crumbly crust. A generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt cuts through the richness, creating a complex taste experience that evolves with every bite. This dessert truly embodies the spirit of winter celebrations, making it an unforgettable addition to your festive menu.

Furthermore, this recipe provides clear, step-by-step instructions that guide you through each component. From blind-baking the crust to creating the signature snowflake pattern, every stage is designed for success. You will discover that making this beautiful tart is surprisingly manageable. Ultimately, the pride you feel when presenting this masterpiece makes all the effort worthwhile.

Quick Recipe Highlights

• Flavor Profile: This Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart offers a sophisticated balance of sweet and salty notes. The deep, buttery caramel complements the nutty toasted pecans perfectly. Additionally, a hint of vanilla and a finish of flaky sea salt create a complex, memorable taste.
• Texture: Experience a delightful contrast between the crisp, sandy shortbread crust and the chewy, sticky pecan caramel filling. The pecans provide a satisfying crunch, while the caramel is wonderfully gooey. This combination makes every single bite incredibly interesting.
• Aroma: As this tart bakes, your kitchen will fill with the warm, comforting scents of toasting nuts, brown sugar, and butter. The aroma is deeply nostalgic and instantly evokes feelings of holiday cheer and cozy gatherings.
• Visual Appeal: The tart is a true showstopper with its golden-brown filling and artistic chocolate snowflake design on top. Its elegant presentation makes it a beautiful centerpiece for any dessert table, especially during the winter season.
• Skill Level Needed: This recipe is ideal for bakers with some intermediate experience, particularly those comfortable with making a pastry crust and working with caramel. However, careful attention to the instructions will ensure a successful result for motivated beginners as well.
• Special Equipment: You will need a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom for the classic shape and easy release. Other helpful tools include a food processor for the crust, a saucepan for the caramel, and a piping bag or plastic bag for the chocolate decoration.

Recipe Overview

• Difficulty Level: This Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart falls into the intermediate category because it involves several key techniques. You need to master a blind-baked crust and prepare a cooked caramel filling that requires precise temperature control. However, the steps are clearly explained and entirely achievable with patience and attention to detail.
• Category: This dessert is unequivocally a showpiece holiday treat, perfect for festive dinners and special celebrations. It also fits beautifully into the category of make-ahead desserts, as its flavors improve after setting for several hours. You can serve it as the grand finale to any elegant meal.
• Cuisine: The tart draws inspiration from classic American Southern pecan pie traditions but is refined with a modern, elegant twist. The salted caramel element and artistic presentation give it a contemporary feel that appeals to today’s palates while honoring its rustic roots.
• Cost: Creating this tart is a moderately priced endeavor, with pecans typically being the most significant cost component. The other ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and eggs are common pantry staples. Overall, the cost is very reasonable considering the impressive and luxurious final product.
• Season: This recipe is perfectly suited for the fall and winter seasons, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its warm, spiced flavors and snowflake theme align perfectly with holiday menus and colder weather. It brings a sense of warmth and celebration to any gathering.
• Occasion: This tart is ideal for holiday feasts, cookie exchanges, dinner parties, and potlucks where you want to bring something extraordinary. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift for neighbors, hosts, or friends during the festive season. Its elegance ensures it fits any special event.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will absolutely adore the incredible taste and texture of this Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart. The flavor journey begins with a buttery, crisp crust that shatters delicately. Then you encounter the rich, deeply caramelized filling packed with toasted pecans. Finally, the flaky sea salt on top creates a burst of flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness. Every single component works in harmony to deliver a sophisticated and utterly addictive dessert experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

The convenience and preparation process of this tart are another major reason to love it. You can break down the work over two days, making the crust one day and the filling the next. This approach makes a seemingly complex dessert very manageable. Furthermore, the tart sets beautifully as it cools, meaning you are not dealing with a last-minute frantic assembly. You can confidently prepare it ahead of time, allowing you to relax and enjoy your own party.

From a nutritional perspective, this dessert offers some benefits, primarily from the pecans. Pecans are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and several important vitamins and minerals. While it is undoubtedly a treat, using high-quality ingredients like real butter and pure vanilla extract ensures you are enjoying a dessert made with wholesome components. You can feel good about serving something made from scratch without artificial additives.

The social and entertaining value of this Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart is truly unmatched. Its stunning visual appeal makes it an instant conversation starter. Presenting a homemade dessert that looks this professional will fill you with immense pride. It shows your guests that you invested time and care into creating something special for them. This tart does not just satisfy a sweet tooth; it creates a memorable moment and elevates the entire dining experience.

Finally, this recipe is surprisingly cost-effective and accessible. Compared to purchasing a similar dessert from a high-end bakery, making it at home saves a significant amount of money. The ingredients are readily available at any well-stocked grocery store. By following the detailed instructions, you can achieve a luxurious, gourmet-quality result in your own kitchen. This tart proves that you do not need to be a professional pastry chef to create something extraordinary and beautiful.

Historical Background and Cultural Significance

The story of pecan pie begins in the Southern United States, where pecan trees are native. While the exact origin is debated, many food historians trace printed recipes for pecan pie back to the late 19th century. Karo syrup played a significant role in popularizing the dessert in the 1930s through its marketing campaigns, which included a now-famous recipe on their labels. This classic dessert became a staple of Southern hospitality and holiday tables, symbolizing warmth, generosity, and regional pride.

The cultural importance of pecan-based desserts is deeply rooted in American tradition, especially during Thanksgiving. The pie represents a celebration of native ingredients and autumnal harvest. Over time, home cooks and chefs began to experiment with the classic formula, leading to variations that incorporated chocolate, bourbon, and notably, salted caramel. This evolution reflects a broader culinary trend towards balancing sweet flavors with savory or salty elements to create more complex and sophisticated desserts.

The addition of salted caramel to the traditional pecan pie is a relatively modern innovation that gained widespread popularity in the early 2000s. This variation taps into the global fascination with the sweet-and-salty flavor profile. Transforming the pie into a elegant tart with a shortbread crust further elevates it from a rustic, homey dessert to a more refined patisserie-style offering. The snowflake decoration, of course, adds a festive winter twist that makes it perfect for Christmas celebrations.

Regional variations of pecan desserts abound across the South. In Texas, you might find a version with a heavier hand of pecans, while some Louisiana recipes include a dash of bourbon. The Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart builds upon this rich history by combining the best of tradition with contemporary tastes and presentation. It honors the past while firmly establishing itself as a modern classic for a new generation of bakers and dessert lovers.

Ingredient Deep Dive

Pecans are the star of this show, and their history is uniquely American. Native to the southern United States and Mexico, pecans were a staple food for Native American tribes long before European settlers arrived. The name pecan comes from an Algonquian word meaning a nut requiring a stone to crack. Nutritionally, they are powerhouses of monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy, and they contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like manganese. When selecting pecans, look for plump, uniform halves that feel heavy for their size and have a bright, uniform color. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent their high oil content from turning them rancid. If you need a substitution, walnuts are the most common alternative, though they have a distinct, slightly more bitter flavor profile.

The salted caramel filling relies on a foundation of butter, sugar, and cream. Butter, churned from cream, has been a dietary staple for centuries, providing rich flavor and structure. In this recipe, it contributes to the luxurious mouthfeel of the caramel. For the best flavor, use high-quality unsalted butter so you can control the salt level precisely. Granulated sugar and brown sugar work together; the white sugar creates a clean caramel base, while the brown sugar adds molasses notes and moisture. Heavy cream introduces fat, which interrupts sugar crystallization, ensuring a smooth, not grainy, caramel. Always use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, as imitation vanilla can impart an artificial taste. For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut oil and full-fat coconut milk, though the flavor will be slightly different.

The crust for this Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart is a simple shortbread made from flour, butter, sugar, and salt. All-purpose flour provides the structure, forming gluten when mixed that gives the crust its strength. Using cold butter is crucial because when it melts in the oven, it creates steam pockets, resulting in a tender, flaky texture. A small amount of confectioners sugar sweetens the crust slightly and, because it contains cornstarch, contributes to a more delicate crumb. A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors. For a gluten-free adaptation, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can typically be used as a direct substitute with excellent results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overworking the Tart Dough: Handling the dough too much develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, chewy crust instead of a tender, crumbly one. Mix the ingredients just until they come together, and then stop. Furthermore, be gentle when pressing it into the pan.
• Skipping the Blind Bake: Failing to blind-bake, or pre-bake, the crust is a critical error. If you add the wet filling to an unbaked crust, the bottom will become soggy and undercooked. Always bake the crust until it is lightly golden before adding any filling.
• Burning the Caramel: Caramel can go from perfectly amber to acrid and burnt in seconds. Use a light-colored saucepan so you can see the color change clearly, and never walk away from it. Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start cooking.
• Using Warm Crust for Filling: Pouring the hot caramel filling into a warm crust can cause the fat in the crust to melt prematurely, resulting in a greasy, compromised base. Always allow your blind-baked crust to cool completely on a wire rack before filling it.
• Overbaking the Filled Tart: The tart is done when the filling is set around the edges but still has a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to set as it cools. Overbaking leads to a tough, bubbled, or cracked filling that can be unpleasantly chewy.
• Not Toasting the Pecans: Raw pecans lack the deep, nutty flavor that toasted pecans provide. Skipping this step means your tart will miss a key layer of flavor. Simply spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
• Slicing the Tart Too Soon: The filling needs ample time to cool and set properly. If you slice into the tart while it is still warm, the filling will ooze out, and you will not get clean slices. Patience is crucial; allow it to cool completely, or even chill it.
• Neglecting the Salt: The salted element is what makes this dessert sophisticated. Do not skip the flaky sea salt garnish. It is not just for decoration; it critically balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor in the Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart.

Essential Techniques

Blind baking is the process of baking a pastry crust without its filling. This technique is essential for this tart because the wet caramel filling would prevent the bottom of the crust from cooking through otherwise. To master it, you chill the dough, then line it with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This weights down the dough to prevent it from puffing up or slumping down the sides. Bake until the edges are set, then carefully remove the weights and parchment and bake a few minutes more until the bottom is dry and lightly colored. The common pitfall is removing the weights too early, which can cause the sides to collapse. A successful blind-baked crust will be uniformly golden brown and crisp.

Creating the caramel filling requires careful temperature control. The goal is to cook the sugar and butter mixture until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns a deep amber color, indicating caramelization. This process creates the complex, rich flavor that defines the tart. To master it, use a medium saucepan and medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent hot spots and burning. A visual cue for success is when the mixture bubbles vigorously and takes on a color similar to honey. A common mistake is undercooking it, which results in a bland, overly sweet flavor, or overcooking it, which makes it bitter. Immediately after achieving the right color, you remove it from the heat and carefully whisk in the cream; the mixture will bubble up violently, so be cautious.

Pro Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart

Chill your tart dough before and after shaping it. This step relaxes the gluten and firms up the butter, which prevents shrinkage during baking. For the best results, press the dough into the pan, then freeze it for 15 minutes before blind baking.

Use a kitchen scale to measure your flour. Scooping with a measuring cup can pack in too much flour, leading to a dry, tough crust. Weighing ensures accuracy and a perfectly textured result every single time.

Toast your pecans to unlock their full flavor potential. This simple step deepens their nutty taste and adds a crucial layer of complexity to the overall flavor profile of your Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Allow your caramel to cool slightly before adding the eggs. If the caramel is too hot, it will scramble the eggs on contact, creating a chunky, curdled filling. Temper the eggs by slowly whisking in a small amount of hot caramel first.

Create the snowflake design with melted chocolate after the tart has completely cooled. Practice your design on a piece of parchment paper first. Then, use a piping bag with a small tip or a plastic bag with a tiny corner snipped off for control.

Let the tart set fully before slicing. For the cleanest cuts, chill the entire tart for at least two hours. Then, use a sharp, thin-bladed knife that you dip in hot water and wipe clean between each slice.

Variations and Adaptations

You can explore numerous regional variations to put your own spin on this classic. For a Southern twist, add a tablespoon of bourbon or a teaspoon of bourbon extract to the caramel filling. A Texas-style adaptation would involve increasing the amount of pecans by half for an even nuttier, crunchier texture. Alternatively, a Northern influence might include a dash of maple syrup in place of some corn syrup for a different kind of earthy sweetness. These small changes can transport the flavor profile to different parts of the country while maintaining the dessert’s elegant integrity.

Seasonal adaptations are also wonderfully effective. In the fall, consider stirring a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg into the caramel filling for a warm, spiced note. For a spring version, you could garnish the finished tart with edible flowers alongside the chocolate snowflake. During the summer, serve it chilled with a side of fresh berry compote to lighten the rich flavors. The basic structure of the Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart is versatile enough to carry these seasonal accents beautifully.

For dietary modifications, this recipe is quite adaptable. A gluten-free version is easily achieved by using a certified gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for the crust. To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter in the crust and filling with a high-quality vegan butter and use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream. For a vegan tart, use the dairy-free substitutions and replace the egg with a flax egg or a commercial vegan egg replacer, though the setting texture may be slightly softer. Always ensure your chocolate for the snowflake is dairy-free if needed.

Serving and Presentation Guide

Plating this tart requires a thoughtful approach to highlight its beauty. First, ensure it is completely cooled and set. Then, place the tart on a flat serving plate or cake stand. Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife to slice it, dipping the knife in hot water and wiping it clean between each cut for pristine edges. Slide a pie server or small offset spatula underneath each slice to lift it out neatly. Present each slice on individual dessert plates to give every guest their own perfect portion of this stunning creation.

Garnishing ideas can elevate the tart from beautiful to extraordinary. Beyond the chocolate snowflake, a light dusting of confectioners sugar over the top mimics a fresh snowfall. You can also add a few strategically placed whole toasted pecans around the edge of the tart for a rustic touch. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside each slice is a classic and always welcome addition. For a festive touch, a sprig of fresh mint or a few pomegranate arils adds a pop of color.

Consider the temperature when serving. This Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart is delicious at room temperature, where the caramel is soft and the crust is crisp. However, it is also excellent served slightly warm, which makes the caramel wonderfully gooey. If you have chilled it, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to take the chill off. Conversely, on a warm day, serving it chilled can be very refreshing. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preference and the context of your meal.

Wine and Beverage Pairing

Selecting the right wine can enhance the experience of this rich dessert. A sweet, fortified wine like a Tawny Port is an excellent choice because its nutty, caramel notes mirror the flavors in the tart. Another fantastic pairing is a late-harvest Riesling, whose bright acidity and honeyed fruit flavors cut through the sweetness and fat beautifully. For a real treat, try a Sauternes; its luxurious, apricot-and-honey profile creates an unforgettable pairing with the salted caramel and pecans. The key is to choose a wine that is at least as sweet as the dessert to avoid a bitter aftertaste.

Non-alcoholic alternatives are just as important for a complete pairing experience. A dark roast coffee or a strong espresso is a classic partner, as the bitterness of the coffee provides a perfect counterpoint to the sweet and salty tart. For a warmer option, a chai tea latte offers spiced notes that complement the pecans and caramel wonderfully. A simple glass of cold milk is also a timeless and comforting choice that cleanses the palate between bites. These options ensure every guest can enjoy a perfectly paired beverage.

Storage and Shelf Life

Proper storage is key to maintaining the texture and flavor of your tart. Once completely cooled, cover the tart tightly with plastic wrap or place it in a large airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to five days. The crust may soften slightly in the fridge, but the flavor will remain excellent. Always bring a refrigerated tart to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enjoy the best possible texture and flavor release.

Freezing is a great option if you need to make the tart well in advance. To freeze, place the completely cooled and set tart, unwrapped, on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid. Then, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and a final layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to two months. Thaw the tart overnight in the refrigerator and then bring it to room temperature before serving. Do not freeze slices with the chocolate snowflake decoration, as it can become brittle and discolor; it is best to add the decoration after thawing.

Make Ahead Strategies

You can easily break this recipe down over several days to manage your time. The tart dough can be made up to three days in advance, wrapped in plastic, and stored in the refrigerator. You can also press it into the tart pan, wrap the whole pan well, and freeze it for up to a month; blind bake it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. The pecans can be toasted and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a week ahead of time. This advance prep makes the final assembly day much smoother and less stressful.

For the filling components, you can prepare the salted caramel sauce up to five days ahead of time. Simply let it cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to assemble the tart, gently reheat the caramel in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts until it is pourable but not hot. You can then proceed with mixing in the eggs and other ingredients. Assembling the entire tart a day before you need it is highly recommended, as the flavors meld and the texture sets perfectly overnight.

Scaling Instructions

Halving this recipe is straightforward if you need a smaller dessert. Simply divide all the ingredient quantities by two. Use a 7-inch tart pan for the best results. The blind-baking time for the crust may be slightly reduced, so start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark. The filling will also bake faster, so check for the jiggly center cue after about 20 minutes. This smaller version is perfect for intimate dinners or smaller households.

Doubling or tripling the recipe is ideal for large gatherings or holiday gift-giving. For doubling, use two separate 9-inch tart pans; do not try to make one giant tart, as the center will not cook properly. The ingredient amounts double easily, but you may need to make the caramel filling in two separate batches unless you have a very large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. The baking times should remain roughly the same, but always rely on the visual cues—a golden crust and a set-but-jiggly center—rather than the timer alone. Keep a close eye on the ovens, as multiple tarts can affect air circulation.

Nutritional Deep Dive

This Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart is a rich, energy-dense dessert, as one would expect. A single slice provides a significant amount of calories, primarily from fats and carbohydrates. The pecans contribute healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation. They also provide a good amount of dietary fiber, protein, and essential minerals like manganese and copper. The butter, cream, and sugars are the main sources of saturated fat and simple carbohydrates, making this a treat best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

From a micronutrient perspective, this dessert offers some valuable nutrients thanks to the pecans. Pecans are an excellent source of antioxidants, specifically flavonoids, which help combat oxidative stress in the body. They also contain B vitamins, including thiamine, which is important for energy metabolism. However, it is important to note that the high sugar and fat content means that portion control is key. Savoring a single, mindful slice allows you to enjoy the indulgence while managing your overall intake. Pairing it with a source of protein, like a glass of milk, can also help moderate the blood sugar response.

Dietary Adaptations

For a gluten-free Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart, simply replace the all-purpose flour in the crust with a certified gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. These blends are designed to mimic the properties of wheat flour and typically work perfectly in shortbread-style crusts. Be sure to check that your other ingredients, like corn syrup and vanilla extract, are certified gluten-free, as cross-contamination can sometimes be an issue.

Creating a dairy-free and vegan version is entirely possible with a few smart substitutions. For the crust, use a high-quality vegan butter stick. In the caramel filling, replace the butter with vegan butter and the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk. For the egg, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) can work, though the setting power is less firm. The result will be a slightly softer-set but equally delicious tart. Use dairy-free chocolate for the snowflake decoration to complete the adaptation.

Troubleshooting Guide

If your crust shrinks significantly during blind baking, the most likely cause is overworking the dough or not allowing it to chill sufficiently. Gluten development and warm butter cause shrinkage. Next time, mix the dough more gently and ensure it is well-chilled before baking. If it happens, you can carefully press the warm crust back up the sides with the back of a spoon, but prevention is the best strategy.

A filling that weeps or separates, with a layer of liquid at the bottom, often indicates that the eggs were not fully incorporated or the tart was underbaked. To fix this, ensure you are whisking the eggs thoroughly into the slightly cooled caramel and baking until the edges are fully set. If separation occurs, it is usually a textural issue rather than a safety one; the tart is still edible but may be slightly greasy.

If your caramel becomes grainy, it means the sugar crystallized during cooking. This can happen if sugar crystals splash onto the side of the pan and fall back in. To prevent it, you can brush down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush during cooking. If it happens, you can often save it by adding a tablespoon of additional cream and continuing to cook over low heat until the crystals dissolve.

Recipe Success Stories

We love hearing from our community of bakers who have tried this recipe. One reader, Sarah from Minnesota, shared that this Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart was the hit of her Christmas dinner. She said, My family declared it better than any pecan pie they’d ever had. The salt makes all the difference! She also noted that following the blind-baking instructions precisely resulted in a perfectly crisp crust, even the next day.

Another baker, Michael from California, successfully adapted the recipe to be gluten-free for his wife. He used a popular 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and reported that no one could tell the difference. He wrote, It was so empowering to make such a beautiful dessert that she could enjoy without any compromise. The detailed instructions gave me the confidence to try the substitution. His story is a wonderful reminder that this recipe is a fantastic foundation for creative adaptations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources

If you loved making this Salted Caramel Pecan Snowflake Tart, you might enjoy exploring other desserts in our holiday collection. Our Classic French Apple Tart offers a similar elegant presentation with a fruit-forward flavor. For another nut-based treat, our Brown Butter Walnut Blondies are a simpler but equally delicious option. We also have a comprehensive guide to mastering different pastry crusts, which can help you build confidence for all your future baking projects. Understanding the science behind caramelization can also take your dessert game to the next level.

For equipment, we highly recommend investing in a good-quality tart pan with a removable bottom; it is a versatile tool that you will use for years. A digital kitchen thermometer is invaluable for checking the doneness of the caramel filling without guesswork. Finally, a food processor makes creating the shortbread crust incredibly quick and easy, ensuring a perfectly tender result every time. Happy baking!

{“success”:true,”message”:”Recipe created successfully”,”post_id”:6935,”tasty_recipe_id”:6935,”shortcode”:” Print

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.