“The first time I was introduced to Elise was through a DVD. The disc was handed to me from my boss who said, “This person could be a possibility for the show”. The show he was referring to was My Carolina Today. From the first time I spoke to Elise by phone, and then in person, I knew I was talking to a heart of gold. Elise has treated me like family since we first met. In fact, I tease her and call her “mom” and enjoyed her infectious laugh.

Here’s what I’ve learned from Elise about cooking. It isn’t something you do or treat like a chore. It is something you savor, enjoy and share. Cooking is a way to show people you love and care about them. I’ve also learned each ingredient means something to a dish. Elise makes salt and pepper seem so passé. She uses spices that once sat in my cabinet and collected dust. In essence, she makes you want to cook. I look forward to sharing moments in the kitchen with my children and passing on the love of food just like Elise has to her own children and anyone who just happens to walk in her kitchen.”

WNCN, NBC 17 Executive Producer My Carolina Today, Kimberly Green

“IF YOU ARE APPREHENSIVE ABOUT BEING IN THE KITCHEN…..OR FEEL INADEQUATE ABOUT COOKING OR BAKING IN GENERAL…..YOU MUST GIVE ELISE A TRY! I know this from experience. I didn’t even know what I was missing! I’ve never been confident in the kitchen and definitely am not a gourmet cook, so many of our family dinners were spent eating out at restaurants as I craved that time of fellowship with my husband and kids. I must tell you that Elise Johnson has inspired me to change my attitude about being in the kitchen, and has shared the blessings of cooking together as a family. I now understand that cooking is a family affair, and the joy of preparing food together is a treasure that I wish everyone could share with their family. Some of our most joyful times are spent in the kitchen “working” together. No duty and no child are too small for a “special” job in the kitchen during family time.

Elise has a truly contagious joy about sharing her love of cooking and baking together as a family, and I am so thankful to the Lord for the encouragement and instruction I have received, as well as the time we have spent together cooking with our children in the kitchen. Time is precious, don’t waste another minute (or dollar on unhealthy fast food), and let Elise come into your heart and home, sharing her love of food and family with you and yours.”

Jennie L. Cuozzo, Blessed wife and mother in Raleigh, North Carolina

“I belong to a group of moms who have children with Cerebral Palsy. The children are in wheelchairs so we look for activities to do with them that would engage and educate but also be fun and accessible. When I learned that Elise did cooking classes for children, I approached her about doing a class with our kids. All of them are nonverbal and have great difficulty using their hands.

Elise never flinched! Not only was she willing to try it, she was exuberant! Ideas of how she would adapt things and make it exciting for the kids began to fly from her mouth. I had never met anyone that was so willing to volunteer her time and home so willingly to accommodate us. She never once thought about the obstacles, only the possibilities. It truly was heartwarming. We just knew the kids would LOVE their new chef!

We were not disappointed. Wheelchairs positioned around the cooking island, moms and dads helping kids hold mixers, bowls, and spatulas, the children watched wide-eyed as the soup bubbled and the meringue on the Baked Alaska browned without melting the ice cream. A little side educational talk about the physics of that kept them totally attentive, not to mention being able to indulge in their finished product!

Such a delightful time was had by all. Not only was Elise professional, organized and educational as she worked, but she is SO MUCH FUN! This was a time the children will never forget and are asking when they can go see their favorite chef again.”

Mary Jane Bradley, Raleigh, North Carolina

My grandchildren, Collins and Catherine Earp, who at the time were 8 and 6, joined Elise’s Christmas Cooking Class for Children and the results were priceless. The joy that was written on their faces when I picked them up, (not to mention the chocolate and cookie crumbs!) was a picture to be remembered. Collins, who is now 13, loves to cook, and one finds him in the kitchen often, putting together cookies or brownies at the drop of a hat, or putting together a breakfast on weekends for his mom and dad, making pasta- his favorite- anytime. Catherine enjoys it as well, but Collins seems to be passionate about it. That all started from their introduction cooking with Elise! I cannot thank Elise enough for that experience for them, and her true love for the culinary arts is contagious!

Toni Benson, Raleigh, North Carolina

Elise’s joy of cooking and bringing families together in the kitchen is infectious! She has inspired me to try new recipes and introduce new flavors to my kids and they love it! I make time to cook meals now, and we all enjoy spending time together at dinner. Her Lasagna has become a favorite with our family and guests!
I want my daughter to grow up seeing it’s fun to cook, and not a chore, so when she has her own family someday they will be as close as we are. She has already served us a wonderful breakfast in bed with pancakes, eggs, bacon and biscuits!

Andrea Helton, Raleigh, North Carolina

“Elise Johnson is not only the best cook in the whole world; she is also your best friend! Elise cooks with her whole heart and soul and I believe her grandmother’s also. Elise makes the world a better place on a daily basis! Her heart is so beautiful, which is what makes her recipes so special! Let her in your heart and your life will also shine with beauty-even your cooking! Elise is bringing families together, communities together, and most importantly bringing all of us closer to God. Thank you, Elise, for all that you do and for doing it with your whole heart and soul. God Bless You!”

Joy Kagy, Hendersonville, NC

I just got finished eating the MOST delicious pork entree I have ever made! Thanks for that Tuscan Pork Chop recipe….. That was a HUGE success! My pork chops usually come out so dry…..this was easy (an hour to make and bake) and beautiful…..like you Elise! My family is active beyond belief with two college aged students, a homeschooled high school student and my Mom living with us. My meal planning time is limited at best. Providing well balanced meals that can be put together quickly and consumed at different times during the day has always been a challenge for me. Elise has put together many recipes that combine common ingredients, that I ready have in my pantry and refrigerator, in a way that is ‘gourmet’ without all of the fuss. Instead of having to use my family as ‘testers’ of my own creations, I can rely on Elise to give me an easy, yet elegant, recipe that is great every time! (Like her Tuscan Pork….what a hit!) I know that I have provided a great meal for my family and they appreciate the uniqueness of eating such delicious and fun meals. Thank you Elise for the time you have taken to deliver such elegant, non-threatening, recipes to our home.

Sandra Erickson, Raleigh, North Carolina