Mariana Velasquez is an international food stylist/artist and chef. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Vogue, Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, and Gourmet, to name a few. A published author of three recipe books, she has also styled, art directed, developed recipes and collaborated on more than twenty cookbooks throughout her career. She collaborated on two books that received James Beard Book Awards. First Lady Michelle Obama hired Mariana to style the First Lady’s “American Grown” project. Born in Bogotá, Mariana lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband.

Why did you want to partner with Our Pantry?

I'm thrilled about having the opportunity to have  one of the core flavors of Colombian cuisine on American shelves. Our Pantry's products have soul because they tell the story of each chef's background and our inspiration. Having these sauces in one's pantry opens the possibilities for delicious food without having to have a drawer filled with spices or exotic ingredients in the fridge.

What is one of your favorite kitchen shortcuts?

Peeling ginger with the back of a spoon.

Why does Our Pantry's mission of having fully traceable ingredients resonate with you?

These days it is so hard to have a connection to the source of the food we consume and knowing how carefully each ingredient was chosen makes me trust the product.

Why is cooking special to you? 

Because it makes our home the center of reunion for friends and family.