About Cook in the Kitchen: Serving Stillwater, St. Croix Valley and Twin Cities Area. Offering Personal Chef and Catering Services.

"I hired Molly to cater a company Halloween party for clients and employees. I was beyond impressed.

Molly is more than a Cook in the Kitchen, she’s a master of details: she creates food that is not merely eaten, but enhances the mood and seamlessly highlights the theme of your event. From the delicious pumpkin soup partnered with sage to the meticulously cornhusk wrapped tamales, each plate screamed Halloween! I loved it. The level of service and care Molly provided far outweighed my investment. With everything else I had to do to prepare for the event, it was a comfort knowing I didn’t need to worry about feeding my guests. Well done Cook in the Kitchen!"

- Lindsay Berger, Inkwell

Molly is ServSafe Certified and a proud member of The American Culinary Federation: Minneapolis Chef's Chapter.

About Maureen (Molly) Brandt, Cook in the Kitchen chef and founder

A Certified ProChef Level Three by the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and Certfied Executive Chef (CEC) through the American Culinary Federation, Molly has earned a reputation as an up-and-coming talent. While in training, Molly worked at the Food Network and was named a Food and Wine best student chef in 2006.

Upon graduating, Molly had the distinct honor of serving as a CIA teaching assistant. After her tenure at the Culinary Institute, Molly was invited to be guest chef for Dream Italy by CEO Giorgio Dell’Artino and worked with Dream Italy in China, planning and creating Italian menus for the company’s promotional events. Molly has worked in the kitchen at many reputable restaurants, most notably (and recently) the critically acclaimed, Michelin starred Cafe Boulud in New York City under Gavin Kaysen.

In addition to operating Cook in the Kitchen, Molly is co-founder and villa chef for Flavors of Italia, a company that offers intimate, culinary-focused vacations in Northern Tuscany.

My name has been the subject of debate for about three decades. For those of you new to this topic, I understand how my name ambiguity can cause you some undue frustration. Here, with this little blurb, I attempt to make things easier for you.

Long story short: my given name [insert drum roll here] is Maureen. However, to make things difficult my parents thought it would be hilarious to call me Molly, and it stuck. To clarify: on all official documents, e-mail correspondence, and networking propaganda, you’ll see me listed as “Maureen.” Not to be outdone, “Molly” will be seen on name tags or heard when I’m being introduced or introduce myself.

Still unsure? Don’t be shy. Yell “hey, you!” because I’ll answer to that, too.