Hall of Fame Award | 2021

Bonnie Stern is a Toronto-based cookbook writer and founder of the Bonnie Stern School of Cooking (1973-2011). In 1969, she earned a degree in English literature from the University of Toronto. After graduating, she enrolled in the prestigious Chef School at George Brown College. Her first book, At My Table: Cooking with Bonnie Stern, was published in 1980. According to Stern, her goal has always been to make cooking fun, rather than a chore. In the 1990s, Stern began writing a series of HeartSmart cookbooks that focused on healthy eating. The content of the books aligned with the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s efforts to encourage Canadians to adopt a healthier approach to cooking. Stern has been the recipient of many prestigious awards and played a significant role in shaping Canadians’ attitudes towards their food through her writing, teaching, media appearances, and collaborations with various associations.