Yvonne Stephens is a Chef, former fitness instructor and world-traveler. Born in the Netherlands, Yvonne currently resides in New Jersey and works as a freelance chef and food stylist. She holds a Culinary Science degree from The Art Institute of Philadelphia. While at The Art Institute, Yvonne has worked at QVC as the Assistant to Bob Bowersox of In the Kitchen with Bob.
Her passion for cooking comes from both her grandmother and mother, who cooked traditional Dutch meals every day. Much like her origins, Yvonne's career in culinary reflects many of the skills and cultural nuances she has learned along the way. At age 7, Yvonne moved with her family to Suriname. Her love for different cultures developed rapidly because of the cultural diversity of her next door neighbors; to the right Hindu and on the left were Creole. During those three years, she learned about the use of ingredients indigenous to those different cuisines. This passion for cultural diversity continues and motivates Yvonne to visit new places, try new cuisines and learning even more about healthy, delicious eating.
During her career, Yvonne also has produced cooking demos and educational programs teaching healthy cooking and easy to make meals. She is excited to share her knowledge through her books in a series called, Get Real with Healthy Eating. Her first book of the series, Amazing 7 Minute Meals was written to motivate people to go back to their kitchens and prepare healthy, easy to make meals in minutes. Through step by step instruction, Stephens urges readers to incorporate all six nutrients at meal-time (carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and water) and educates them on herbs, spices, hard and soft vegetables and fresh wholesome food. Stephens understands that lack of time is the main reason why people eat fast food or grab a frozen meal. Stephens shows that a lot of time doesn't have to be spent in the kitchen to prepare a delicious and healthy meal. Her book offers quick and easy recipes that are perfect for dieters, busy families, young professionals and college students.
Yvonne has appeared regularly on television and radio shows to discuss her book series, one of her appearances was even on Martha Stewart Living-Radio. The recipes in her new book, Amazing 7 Minute Meals originate from traditional world cuisine she found through her extensive world travels. Stephens knows that losing weight is a common frustration, and that keeping weight off can be an even greater challenge.
When Yvonne is not busy with her career or travels, she regularly gives back as an alumna of The Art Institute of Philadelphia. She is a frequent participant on our alumni panels and at events, sharing her experiences as an industry professional with students of the culinary program.