MONTICELLO - Cheri Hillier has enjoyed cooking for as long as she can remember.

"My love of cooking came from my dad," Hillier said. "He was a cook in the Army. He could whip up something unique in a jiffy. He was never traditional. I would be at the stove with him at eight, nine years old."

After years of working as a sales representative for a hotel chain and events director for a large charity, Hillier decided to put her career where her heart is.

Hillier, a rural Monticello resident, is taking her cooking experience on the road, creating tasty dishes such as seafood lasagna and pesto-stuffed chicken breast for anyone who will invite her into their kitchen.

She is also an avid vegetable gardener, who infuses her creations with fresh tomatoes, peppers, onions and squash during the growing season.

"I can cook anything, including your own recipes," Hillier said. "I wouldn't call myself a gourmet cook, but I have a wide range, from home cooking to dinner parties for busy executives."

On the home front, Hillier uses her clients' kitchens to cook meals for a week, one to eat the same day, the others to be enjoyed on the following days. Hillier also does the grocery shopping.

Her typical order is five entrees with side dishes, for $250, not including cost of groceries. But she will also cook for one special romantic dinner, a shower or holiday party. Hillier can be reached at 493-2622.

Hillier said her goal is to promote healthy lifestyles and family unity.

"While I'm cooking, the women can spend more time with their children," Hillier said.

She recalled that when she was putting in long hours as a sales representative, while raising two children, it was not easy to come home and cook.

"The last added stress of the day was to get a healthy meal on the table for the family," she said.

Now that she is a devoted grandmother of three girls, Hillier likes the idea of working at her own business.

"I'm doing this to promote family unity in my own home," she said. "I'm looking to control my own life."

At the same time, Hillier is willing to drive as far as Macon County to cook for other families.

She has one client who is disabled and can not cook for himself. Hillier believes she could also help out someone who is recovering from surgery.

When a potential client contacts her, Hillier performs a detailed consultation, to discover food preferences and allergies and set goals.

"It's very personalized service," she said. "Clients may want to place an order once a week, once a month or just occasionally."

Judy Nixon, a longtime friend and former neighbor of Hillier's, recently signed on as a customer. Nixon said that Hillier is a gifted cook, who turns the simplest food into a delicious feast.

"No matter whether it is a simple sandwich or full course meal, it's fantastic food," Nixon said. "She makes everything fun. She also brings a gracious, pleasant attitude and plenty of smiles. And whether or not you pass on desserts, Cherie's desserts you don't pass on."

A FAVORITE RECIPE

Italian Chicken Fettuccini

1 package spinach or whole wheat fettucini

1 small sweet onion, sliced thinly

1 green, red or yellow pepper, sliced thinly

1 teaspoon minced garlic

3-4 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

½ bottle of zesty Italian dressing, light or fat-free

freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley

Bring water for fettucini to boil. Slice ingredients. Add fettucini to boiling water. Into large heated skillet add chicken, garlic, onion, pepper. Season to taste with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes, till chicken is tender.

When fettucini is done, drain and add to the chicken in the skillet. Add ½ bottle of zesty Italian to the dish and toss. Top with fresh parmesan and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with garlic bread or Italian green beans.

ON THE NET

www.culinarycuisine.org

Huey Freeman can be reached at hfreeman@herald-review.com or 421-6985.