HOST
Dez has been a fixture in Winnipeg media for the past 20 years, including seven spent on Q-94 FM’s morning show “Beau, Tom and Dez.” In addition to her decades “on the dial”, Dez is a published writer and blogger, and has penned op-ed pieces for the Winnipeg Free Press. Dez has enjoyed stints performing at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, and has lent her voice talents to numerous advertising campaigns, documentaries and television imaging projects. When Dez is not on the air, she is probably helping her kids with their homework. Dez is delighted to share her love of preparing and enjoying fabulous food on this season of Great Tastes of Manitoba!
Manitoba Beef Producers
Joining us for Season 29 is Elisabeth Harms, Professional Home Economist for the Manitoba Beef Producers. Elisabeth is excited to be a part of the show, and bring you new recipes. She has had a passion for cooking and food since she completed her Nutritional Sciences degree at the University of Manitoba. Her true passion is to create new recipes, and experiment in the kitchen. Her family loves to try everything she makes, even the things that don’t turn out as expected!
Elisabeth is currently attending Red River College’s Creative Communications program to help her become even more creative (hopefully in the kitchen)!
Manitoba Turkey Producers
Jason’s love of cooking has taken him around the world, but there’s no place like home in Manitoba. The experiences he gained while travelling the world and honing his craft of cooking are very evident in his recipe development for Great Tastes of Manitoba. Jason believes that the versatility of turkey lends itself well to recipes from around the world. He enjoys the challenge of incorporating turkey into new recipes.
Jason is also heavily involved in the Manitoba culinary scene. He is the past President of Food & Beverage Manitoba and a member of the Canadian Culinary Federation. He is also the Corporate Chef and Director of Marketing & New Product Development for Granny’s Poultry. Developing new healthy and convenient poultry products for Canadians is Jason’s passion. He takes great pride in carrying on Granny’s tradition of bringing healthy, wholesome products from family farms to the dinner table of all Canadians.
Manitoba Canola Growers
Ellen Pruden is two things: bossy and a foodie. She loves to tell everyone why they should cook with canola oil. The canola industry has been a great place for her to indulge in her love of cooking and love for teaching. She is a person to watch out for as she was placed #51 on the Top 100 Most Fascinating Manitoban’s List for being the voice of canola, a great cook, loves to fish and all around great woman.
Ellen enthusiastically promotes Manitoban and Canadian cuisine through a local television show “Great Tastes of Manitoba.” She believes it is important to link where your food is produced. She is a foodie at heart, loves to cook and create as many different dishes as possible, using her husband and family as taste testers.
Manitoba Pork
Susan Riese is Manitoba Pork’s in-house food expert and Manager of Public Relations and Consumer Marketing Programs. Working with Manitoba’s largest livestock sector, Susan is passionate about the high quality pork our farmers raise. Knowing the care and effort required to get food from the farm gate to the plate has made Susan a strong advocate for “buying local.” She enjoys developing and testing new recipes in the comfort of her home, often with a glass of wine in hand. Generally easy going, Susan has been known to get anxious when her pantry gets messy or kitchen gadgets aren’t returned to their rightful place. Susan first appeared on GTOM in 2006, with an episode called Chops 101.
Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers
Chef Gordon Bailey is pleased to be the 2019 Great Taste of Manitoba chef in partnership with the MPSG. Gordon was born and raised on the prairies and started his cooking career here but with his thirst for adventure set out for a journey on the East coast of Canada that spanned 17 years. However after missing his home province and the bounty of food that Manitoba offers he returned 3 years ago and is currently a chef instructor at Red River College. One thing is for sure, he has a wealth of culinary experience and a passion for pulses! “The versatility and health benefits that pulses offer make them a go to for a lot of my menu options, not only are they easy to cook but the possibilities are endless whether looking to pair them with your favorite protein or let them be the star of the show!” He has worked with the MPSG in the past and looks forward to demonstrating and increasing the awareness of pulses in the upcoming television series for Great Tastes of Manitoba. “This year on the show I want to make people who might not cook with pulses see them in a different light, and for those who know them well inspire their recipes to a whole new level.”
Manitoba Chicken Producers
Gina Sunderland is the Food & Consumer Relations Specialist dietitian at Manitoba Chicken Producers. She specializes in communications and education of the public on the health and nutrition benefits of chicken and protein in the diet. Gina became a dietitian to combine her love of cooking, science and desire to help others lead healthier lives. With a flair for creative recipe development, a focus on family friendly chicken recipes, and fabulous television food demos, she is frequently called upon by the media as a nutrition expert. Her experience and interests revolve around healthy eating and gaining a greater understanding of agricultural-practices. As a key influencer in the marketplace, she believes it is important to bridge the gap between the public’s understanding of where nutritious food comes from, how it is produced, processed, and gets onto family tables. Gina holds a Master of Science degree in Applied Human Nutrition from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor of Human Ecology from the University of Manitoba.
Dairy Farmers of Manitoba (DFM) As a Registered Dietitian and nutrition educator Sarah delivers workshops and presentations to teachers and health professionals. Her other roles within the organization include coordinating the School Milk Program and managing Manitoba’s Dairy Best recipe webpage and social media.
People may be surprised to know Sarah has a background in theatre. This training has helped her prepare for her time in front of the camera on Great Tastes of Manitoba, since 2008.
Her first visit to a dairy farm was shortly after starting with DFM. Since this experience, her passion for dairy products and respect for Manitoba dairy farmers has continued to grow.
Sarah believes in a balanced approach to eating where choosing a variety of nutritious foods is key and allowing the occasional indulgence is encouraged. Sarah enjoys eating dessert regularly!
