b'EDUCATIONA TASTE OF DREAMS COME TRUETHAT WORKS IN THE KITCHEN WITH NORA LERNER OF YOUNG CHEFS ACADEMYby Deb Silverthornrecovery. To them, it was a chance to have their mother close.Timing is everything. As I reevaluated my career and time with family, the Young Chefs opportunity came about, said Nora, who has been chopping yumminess with children since 2010.I felt it the minute I put my foot in the door, and its been more powerful and rewarding than I could imagine.Im always looking for opportunities beyond just cracking the egg, said Nora, cleared of cancer since 2014, whos had students bake for a cause, with bake sale proceeds going to the Cookies for Kids Cancer research foundation.Noras goal is to teach beyond recipes, for students tofind a confidence in the kitchen that expands throughout their lives.I know that what students learn here, the spirit behind what we do, how to follow rules and order, and so much more, will last them PhotoCredit: Deb Silverthornforever.Nora and her husband Diego have called Frisco, Texas home for 15years. When the aprons come off, they enjoytime outdoors and traveling with their daughters and friends.Noras dedication to professionalism, charity, and family life are lessons not at all lost onher daughters. Its time together," said I felt it the minute I put my foot in the door, and its been moreVanessa who, now 15 and helping as a kitchen assistant, favors powerful and rewarding than I could imagine," saidNora Lerner,time making empanadas and spinachsouffls with her mother. here with daughters Vanessa and Sabrina, sharing her enthusiasm"You cant pay for that experience, and Im so proud of her."over the 2010 opening of her Young Chefs Academy in Frisco.Editors Note: Young Chefs Academy is located at 8855 Preston Trace Blvd., Young Chefs Academy owner Nora Lerners recipe for successin Frisco.For more information visitfriscotx.youngchefsacademy.comor started long ago.A native of Argentina, her taste buds still tinglecall 972.335.4449.at the thought of her mother Silvias gnocchi and how as a child she learned to shape and curl them to perfection.Although she always dreamed of becoming a chef, for Nora, FS 10/19becoming a CPA and international tax consultant was the careerYoung Chefs Academy allows she first followed.While trying to become pregnant with a third child, Nora was diagnosed with endometrial cancer on her thirty- me to leave a legacy of the sixth birthday. Her world was rocked, and it was time to step back. heart of the kitchen and the After leaving the corporate world, Nora followed her firstborns AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION recommendation of a career swap. You love kids, and you loveflavors of tradition. to cook, said a then five-year-old Vanessa. You always teach me so much, and you can teach others too.Young as she was,-Nora LernerVanessa and her younger sister Sabrina had no idea the stakes at hand, they simplyenjoyed having their mother home during her GoodLifeFamilyMag.comNOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2019 51'