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Maria Helm Sinskey head shot - Bon Appétit

Maria Helm Sinskey

Contributor

Maria Helm Sinskey is a chef and cookbook author. A graduate of the California Culinary Academy, Sinskey honed her pastry skills in Denmark before returning to the States to work the line at several venerable San Francisco restaurants, including Boz Scagg’s Blue Light Café, the Sherman House, and Plumpjack Café, which she left in 1999 to pursue a life combining family, food, and wine in the Napa Valley. Currently, she runs the kitchens at her husband’s winery, Robert Sinskey Vineyards, where you may find her laying out plots for her organic gardens, teaching, writing, and raising two children.

In 1996, she was named Best New Chef by Food & Wine Magazine, and has also earned the honors of SF Magazine Rising Star Chef, SF Chronicle Rising Star chef, in addition to appearing on many PBS and Food Network Shows. Her first cookbook, “The Vineyard Kitchen: Menus Inspired by the Season”, published by HarperCollins was released in September 2003. “Family Meals: Creating Traditions in the Kitchen”, published by Oxmore House, followed in November 2008.

Leftover-Turkey Pot Pie

This easy turkey pot pie recipe makes the most of leftover Thanksgiving turkey and store-bought pie crust—postholiday, we all deserve a break.

Easy Roasted Carrots

This easy recipe for roasted carrots with thyme produces a versatile side dish for any occasion.

Parmesan Toasts with Prosciutto and Fig Jam

Save this parmesan toast with fig jam recipe for the kids; they'll like the sweet-salty combination of the jam, Parmesan, and prosciutto.

Savoy Cabbage Rolls with Halibut, Browned Butter, and Capers

Using cabbage is a unique, unforgettable way to serve halibut, though you can use salmon instead.

Turkey Empanadas

This empanadas recipe brings together all the best Thanksgiving leftovers: turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Turkey Meatloaf with Mushrooms and Herbs

A turkey meatloaf recipe that promises to never, ever be dry and boring.