We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine Benta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired by the hospitality of the people I have met and the stories they have shared, the delicious dishes I have sampled throughout my travels, the extraordinary places I have visited and lived, and the mind-blowing life experiences God continues to bless me with.

From my late Kurdish friend, who was the only survivor of her 12 siblings post the War in Iraq, who taught me how to cook fragrant rice, a Nigerian nurse sharing her spinach recipe, my West Indian Auntie who showed me be how to make Caribbean chicken, cabbage & dumpling soup, and to a trip to Arizona, where my coworker introduced me to authentic Mexican cooking and his Native Indigenous version of hot cocoa with a pinch of cayenne pepper.

My dishes are infused with love, history, hope, and flavors steeped with the Art and Joy of Cooking.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In 2014, after a 10-year health battle that was affecting my mental, spiritual, physical, and hormonal health; I pursued becoming a Holistic Health Coach to get to the root of my issues. I applied everything I learned and started healing my body.

Working with my clients, I quickly realized that healthy meals and cooking was a common need. I started cooking meals with my clients and friends, and eventually this led to assisting families in finding tasty alternative ingredients for their individual health needs, through cooking classes.

I was asked to teach a youth group and I fell in love with cooking with my young friends. Now I teach cooking classes and camps, virtually and in-person.

During the Pandemic, I added Art classes as a therapeutic outlet for my families, however in January 2023, we will relaunch with the focus being ‘The Art of Cooking with Friends’ only.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a lover of Nature 1. Hiking: Arabia Mountain, Stone Mountain, & Chattahoochee Bamboo Forest
2. Walking: The Beltline, Dekalb County Walking Trails
3. Food: Slutty Vegan and Belle and Lily’s Caribbean Brunch,
4. Encounter Church of Atlanta
5. Skating and Ziplining

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This journey would not be sustained or fun without the support, guidance, and motivation of my Encounter Church family, my Shepard Dr. Gabriel Powell, my Sister Circles, and my family.

Other: https://linktr.ee/CookingCanvasCreations

Image Credits
Precious Jewel Williams https://www.instagram.com/preciousjewelwill/

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