How many Suzys out there have contemplated starting your own business?
We admire women like that, too. So we're going to celebrate that chutzpah and introduce your fellow Fairfielders who have embraced the risk to become entrepreneurs. Each Thursday, we'll profile a homegrown overachiever.

Tracy Holleran
Owner of The Secret Ingredient, Cooking Classes with Tracy Holleran

Tracy, a wife and mom with two young girls, decided to merge her love of cooking and teaching when she launched her company last May. She teaches a wide variety of cooking classes in a low-key, casual atmosphere in her home. The classes are kept small (6-8 people) in order to ensure interaction with the would-be chefs. She currently teaches in her home but also accepts classes at customer's homes (what a fun idea for a girl gathering!).

When asked to recommend a must-have kitchen tool, Tracy says splurge on a good chef's knife. "You don't need ridiculously expensive pots, pans or gadgets, but a good knife is really essential."


Five Questions for Tracy Holleran

What's your favorite food? "That's like asking me to choose which of my kids I love more. If I had to narrow it down, I'd say pasta. However, my favorite newly discovered food is Greek yogurt."

Where do you go for take out? "I'm a La Salsa junkie!"

If you could change one thing about Fairfield, what would it be? "I wish we had a wider variety of ethnic restaurants."

Most Embarrassing Ipod Download:  "Mmm Bop" by Hansen

What's your favorite recipe? "My all-time favorite comfort food is pasta with ricotta cheese. My grandmother used to make it for me when I was a child."

In honor of Grandma, here's Tracy's "Just Pasta" recipe:
Mix cooked shells with ricotta cheese, a little pasta cooking water, a pinch of salt and lots of grated parmesan cheese. Add peas as an option.

For more on Tracy Holleran's cooking classes: www.thesecretingredientonline.com or email her: contact"> #255-0487