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Page 35 September 2013 By Amanda Goossen Twenty years ago while teaching in her preschool classroom, a student asked Arcadia resident Sandra Gonzales what she wanted to be when she grew up. “Even then I knew someday I wanted to go to culinary school,” Sandra said. “I told that student that someday I wanted to be a chef.” Three years ago, after teaching preschool for 18 years, Sandra decided to go after that dream. Enrolling in the Scottsdale Community College Culinary Arts Program, she said she was thrilled to be studying under Chef Dominic O’Neill, an Arizona Hall of Fame Chef. After graduation, Sandra began brainstorming ideas for her catering business. Within the year, Whisk and Chop was born. The first event, only weeks after starting the business, was for more than 900 people at The Village at Gainey Ranch. With a tight-knit family, this mother of three children, Robert, 24, Laura, 19, and Katherine, 17, has everyone helping out. Laura, a graphic designer, helps create menus and designed her mother’s business cards. When witnessing mother and daughter in the kitchen, it’s obvious they work together when cooking as well. It’s as if they are an extension of each other as they finish each other’s sentences or reach for the milk when the other needs it, without having to ask. “We all do something. Everyone!” Robert said. “Whatever my mom needs.” As Sandra works hard in her kitchen, it’s obvious her children are her biggest fans. Robert and Laura sit on barstools prepared to help, but are intent on watching their mom do what she does best. “My mom has always been the best cook I’ve ever known,” Robert said. Laura pointed out, “Sometimes it’s hard to go out to eat because I know I could have a better meal at home.” Grilled cheese and apple sandwiches are sizzling on the stove as tomato basil soup simmers. Chocolate chip cookies tempt everyone in the room, arranged on a platter in a kitchen designed completely from recycled materials. Preschool teacher goes after dream, becomes chef The cabinets were from a friend remodeling her kitchen and no longer in need of them. The large, rustic island is a table from a secondhand store and the glassware from various estate and garage sales. “One thing really cool about my mom is she’s not afraid to try new things,” Robert said. “She’s incredibly imaginative and innovative, especially in the kitchen.” As Sandra scoops Greek yogurt into parfait glasses to be layered with chocolate chip cookies and fruit, her creativity shines. “I like knowing my kids can have a treat after school that isn’t just a treat, it has some health value,” Sandra said. “I want them to learn to eat elegantly, and to be constantly evolving their pallet.” In the Gonzales house, there simply is no other way. Continued on page 37 Sandra Gonzales and her family make imaginatively simple food, with a rustic twist. Finally becoming a chef was a dream come true. Photos by Heather Kinkel. 602-956-0178 4144 E. Indian School Join us for Food, Football & Fun! Saturdays and Sundays at the TeePee! brunch available Saturday and Sunday