As we finished college, we were faced with the freedom – and challenges – of entering the daily grind, including a new way to eat.

Getting tired of the pre-cooked, fast-food rut, we both longed for something healthy, easy and affordable – and something we could relate to. At first, all we found were top chefs and high-end cooking shows by the best of the best. A little intimidating for first-timers in the kitch.

So, we decided to do something about it. And we created the very thing we had hoped to find for ourselves: First Kitchen. An easy, accessible, step-by-step approach to getting to know your kitchen, your tastes and your skills.

"We faced the same challenges as most young adults in our first kitchen.

Our new DVD does more than give you recipes. It shows you how much fun making your own meals can be."

- Allison & Mollie

Allison

As co-creator of First Kitchen, Allison served as the inspiration behind the DVD. As she approached graduation and began to move into the "real world," she realized the importance of basic cooking skills. Recognizing this need she applied her business knowledge to the development of the concept of First Kitchen –– basic cooking techniques for young adults.

Allison is a recent university graduate with a double major in Business and Journalism. She has recently launched herself in the real world with a career in marketing and consumer research. Outside of work Allison enjoys International travel, decorating, spending time with friends, family and her dog, Millie. She keeps up-to date on the latest trends in fashion, art and of course, food.

"The idea for this DVD grew out of my own need to learn basic cooking skills. I didn’t know the first thing about cooking, so I was intimidated in the kitchen. I now realize how easy it is and how much fun it can be!"

- Allison

Mollie

Mollie’s recent degree in Food and Nutrition was inspired by her love for food and healthy eating. She plans on becoming a Registered Dietitian.

Mollie was active on her college campus as the Vice President of her honor society and a recipient of academic scholarships. She served as a Nutrition Health Advisor for the college’s anonymous question/answer program. She has been a volunteer for several hospitals and clinics for nutrition-related counseling. She recently journeyed across the world to Bangladesh where she experienced first hand the nutrition issues faced by women in developing countries.

Mollie is currently employed as a nutrition educator helping pregnant women and children make healthy food choices.She is also staying busy with First Kitchen activities as well as developing recipes for Green Mountain at Fox Run, a women's retreat for healthy weight loss. She enjoys trying new foods and dining at local restaurants, but what she loves most is to entertain her friends with a homemade meal!

"I grew up with a love of food and cooking. Of course, this is what inspired me to get my degree in nutrition. Making this DVD was a great way to combine my love of food and the science of nutrition."

- Mollie

Alta

Alta Engstrom, RD, LD; Executive Producer

Alta brings her years of experience in food and health and her passion for good food to this project. As former director of nutrition for General Mills, Inc, she led efforts to develop and market good-tasting healthy foods, provide nutrition education to the public, ensure clear and accurate food labeling and health claims. She published many articles on America’s eating and nutrition trends and was awarded top honors in her field. Currently, she combines managing her own business, A Three Inc., with her position as communications director at Green Mountain at Fox Run – a women’s retreat for healthy weight management – where she co-authored “Recipes for Living: Ideas and Advice for Delicious, Healthful Meals.”

"After many requests to teach basic cooking skills to young men and women with little or no cooking or kitchen experience, an idea evolved: Why not put this information in a DVD––a format that would appeal to young adults? So with the inspiration and help of Allison and Mollie, First Kitchen is here."

- Alta