The Utah Dinner Project

Hi, I’m Diane and I’m excited you’ve stopped by the Utah Dinner Project.  Nothing gives me more joy than sharing a cooking tip, recipe, or just some random food fact with someone. But what I really love is inspiring others to find out that cooking can indeed be fun and as easy as it is healthy.  I love helping you save money while eating well and you hearing the praises from those who have enjoyed what you cooked for them.

I am a wife, mother of two creative and talented adult children, and Grammy to three adorable and amazing grandkids! Throughout my 25-year culinary career, I’ve conducted cooking classes for the home cook in my home, at local grocery stores and kitchen stores. I’m a cookbook author and presented weekly dishes cooked live on a local TV station for 8 ½ years. I’ve been a Chef Instructor and Culinary Director at the Utah Viking Cooking School and founded and operated an American Culinary Federation Approved Culinary Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, that also offered hands-on cooking classes and private event culinary experiences to adults and kids.

I love the challenge of creating a delicious dinner with what I find in my pantry and freezer and using up those leftover bits and stray items in the fridge before they are destined for the compost-hurray for less kitchen waste!  

Now that I’m in my 70’s, I want to inspire you with useful information, encourage you to get creative, and empower you to become a better cook so you can prepare a dinner for your family that is fast, easy, healthy and budget-friendly. I’d love for you to join me, whether you’re a can-hardly-boil-water beginner or someone who knows your way around the kitchen!  What’s for dinner? You’re in the right place!