Meet Michele Morris

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Morris.

Michele, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a philanthropist, involved with several non-profits in the Denver area, devoting most of my time and energy to projects that give back to the community. After a successful 25-year career with a large international tech company, I launched my own business in 2006, and from the beginning, it was important for me to incorporate philanthropy into my business plan.

As a private cooking teacher, I knew that many people couldn’t afford the kind of lessons I was offering, and that many didn’t have access to the nutritional education or access to affordable food, so I started seeking our organizations to support. I’ve been involved with Cooking Matters Colorado for over a decade and have taught over 40 classes as a chef educator, helping families with limited budgets shop for and cook healthy meals. I also serve as an Ambassador for the organization, carrying the message about food insecurity in our state out to various organizations.

I actively support Slow Food Denver and have taught many classes within the front range schools, helping kids take what they’ve grown in their school gardens and create a meal from that bounty. I’ve also taught cooking classes as part of Slow Food Nation.

I began working with Project Angel Heart several years ago. Project Angel Heart delivers nutritious meals to improve quality of life, at no cost, for those coping with a life-threatening illness. I work in the kitchen to help prep ingredients and plate meals for delivery to their clients, and also serve as an Ambassador on Dining Out for Life day.

While most of my philanthropy has been focused around food, my life took an unexpected turn in 2017 when I lost my husband after a ruptured brain aneurysm. I wrote a memoir about my journey of grief, loss, and recovery, and decided to use that book as a platform to help others. I joined the Jamie Beck Family Foundation whose mission is to provide financial support to families impacted by brain aneurysms. All proceeds from my memoir support that work.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Life is never smooth – there are always twists and turns in the road, unforeseen struggles. But I believe in letting life take you where it may, and taking advantage of the opportunities that present itself along the way. When I was in the middle of a difficult parenting situation with teens, I had the opportunity to leave my corporate job and launch my own business. When my husband died, I had the opportunity to do something to honor his memory. Life is about noticing these opportunities and taking action.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am the owner of Cooking with Michele® and for the past 13 years, I’ve taught private cooking lessons to both adults and children. I am also a professional recipe developer and have created recipes for Niman Ranch and Prairie Grove Farms. I am a food photographer and trained sommelier, and I lead guests on a food and wine tour in Southern Italy every year.

My food writing has appeared in numerous regional publications, including The Denver Post, Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, Edible Front Range, the Gaiam Community website, and Nourish Food Magazine. My first cookbook, Tasting Colorado, was released in 2013 and won the coveted Colorado Book Award. My second cookbook, A Taste of Washington, was released on the fall of 2014, and like my first cookbook, features my food photography. I am the author of two popular blogs, one devoted to food and wine, and one covering over 150 destinations from my worldwide travels. 

My first memoir, Poco a Poco, was released in July of 2018 and won first place in the Colorado Authors’ League Writing Awards and a silver medal in the Nautilus Book Awards, which seeks, recognizes, honors, celebrates and promotes print books that inspire and connect our lives as individuals, families, communities, and global citizens. Proceeds from the book support families impacted by brain aneurysms.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents always made it clear I could be anything and do anything as long as I worked hard.

My first manager in the tech industry was a woman who modeled how to achieve in what was at the time largely a man’s world.

My business networking group helped me crystalize the food and wine business I wanted to launch, and my husband graciously supported my desire to step down from a highly lucrative career to pursue my passion.

Contact Info:

• Website: cookingwithmichele.com and michelemorrisbooks.com
• Phone: 720-344-8173
• Email: michele@cookingwithmichele.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookingwithmichele/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.morris.75
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CookWithMichele
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelemorriscooking/

Image Credit:
Joanne Capecelatro (only photo in chef coat)

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