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About Ink&Knives
You won’t find any fancy culinary degrees on my walls...
Everything I know about cooking, flavor, and creating memorable food started with my mom in her kitchen. She was self-taught, and while the meals we grew up with were never fancy, they were always packed with incredible flavor. That foundation shaped the way I approach food today.
From Sous to Head
My competitive culinary journey began alongside my mom at the World Food Championships in Orlando, FL. In 2015, we earned 2nd Place in the Bacon Category, and in 2016 we returned determined to do better, this time in Orange Beach, AL—ultimately winning the category with bacon jam as the star of the show.
Blazing a new Trail
After that victory, I started experimenting with my mom’s bacon jam recipe, refining it, pushing boundaries, and developing my own signature version. Those experiments became the foundation of Ink & Knives, a brand inspired by my two passions: cooking and tattoo culture.
In 2017, I stepped into the spotlight, formalizing my brand - Ink & Knives and as head chef this time. My first major competition featured a Peanut Butter & Bacon Jam Burger—a combination that turned plenty of heads and won over even more taste buds. That burger earned the People's Choice Award at the Detroit Burger Bash and helped establish Ink & Knives as a rising name in competitive food.
The success continued with additional awards at Detroit Mac & Brews and a championship victory at the Culinary Fight Club Blended Burger Battle in Charlotte, North Carolina. Through every competition, one ingredient remained at the heart of the story: bacon jam.
My Mentor...My Mother
What began as a creative idea from my mom evolved into the product I cherish most today. When she passed away in 2021, she left behind a legacy of family, friendship, and unforgettable food. After taking some time away, I returned with a renewed purpose: bringing Ink & Knives Craft Bacon Jam back stronger than ever and sharing the bold flavors that made us champions.
Today, every jar of Ink & Knives Craft Bacon Jam honors her memory. To continue her legacy, 10% of all sales are donated to the CuisineWithColleen Scholarship Fund, which supports graduating high school students pursuing a culinary education. food.