Melinda Winner is a 47 year young mother of three and grandmother of 5.She is an accomplished author as well as food service professional  that has won over 50 national recipe contests with her delectable recipes. Melinda competed on the food network's Ultimate recipe showdown in 2008 . Melinda was born with a birth injury leaving her with very limited use of her right arm. Melinda has had rheumatoid arthritis for 26 years. She also has 5 other forms of arthritis making for severe daily pain. Melinda quickly realized that there was a need for a book to help the physically challenged regain their independence in the kitchen, hence her second book a complete illustrated guide to cooking with arthritis. Available world wide in late July 2009.   Her first book Yankee cooking with Southern charm was released in May of 2008. It is a collection of Northern and Southern recipes she delevoped over the years work ing as a Chef. There are many one of a kind recipes such as; Red Cabbage cake that Melinda developed while owning  and operating her Gourmet brunch service in Gulfport Mississippi. Melinda has now devoted her life to helping the physically challenged regain thier independance in the kitchen. For futher information on how to join Melinda in her fight against arthritis : www.cookingwitharthritis.com

Helping the physically Challenged, Chef,Cooked off on the food network , Winner of over 50 national Recipe contests, cookbook author, redevlopment award from the Mayor of Jeannette