We're excited to announce KC Quaretti-Lee as one of the Dessert Finalists for Real Women of Philadelphia!

KC comes to us from Venice, FL! KC loves to volunteer whenever she can, and just completed three years as Executive Director of Venice MainStreet - a company which enhances downtown Venice. This busy multi-tasker loves to challenge herself and is passionate about organizing local events and fairs. KC enjoys spending time with her artist-husband, Filippo, as well as with her son, Guiliano and daughter, Marina! Of course, she spends a hefty chunk of time in the kitchen as well and loves to create new dishes!

We caught up with KC and chatted about food!

What is the first dish you ever cooked?

Pineapple Upside-down Cake. I was in junior high and one of my favorite teachers mentioned Pineapple Upside-down cake was their favorite so I decided to make one from scratch and give it to them! I had never made a cake from scratch before so I made sure I followed the directions exactly. Luckily it turned out great!

If you could cook only one dish, what would it be?

One dish only! I'll say pasta because it's my husband Filippo's favorite and comfort food. He just isn't himself if he doesn't have his pasta and since he'sthe best husband in the entire world (OK girls, the best husband for me) I want to keep him happy!

Describe your biggest kitchen disaster.

A multi family ski vacation in Bear Valley. I had brought a frozen turkey to make when everyone, 15 adults and children, came to our rented house for dinner. I thought we could make do with the medium/large but not very deep roasting pan the home owners had in the kitchen. Boy was I wrong! The pan overflowed with the juices, dripping onto the hot oven floor and filling the house with smoke! The kids all thought if the funniest thing ever when the smoke alarm went off and we had to open all the doors and windows. The turkey ended up being delicious, with an unplanned smoky flavor, but I'm afraid the house still had a faint aroma of smoked turkey when we left three days later!

Who taught you how to cook?

My mother worked and didn't have much time so our family dinners were the standard meat, potatoes and canned veggies for dinner. But she did enjoy baking pies and cookies on the weekends so I got to see and taste her sweet delights. In fact, the best pie my husband ever had is mom's wild blackberry pie! So I guess Mom passed her Dessert Genes on to me...Thanks Mom!

And here's more from KC in her own words!

I am a firm believer that we should seize every opportunity that we are presented with. Stepping outside of our comfort zone and taking chances enables us to grow and learn. I am so proud of my entire RWOP family - each and every one of you! Starting eight weeks ago, very few of us were comfortable in front of a camera, nor were we tech savvy, we didn't know each other at all, nor did we think of ourselves as a national spokesperson types. Well, look at us now ladies! I stand in awe of all my RWOP sisters; you are this country's core goodness and strength!

Funny enough, I have videos my sweet husband filmed years ago with me as the star of ....my own cooking videos! Yes, there are more than one and I even got my two kids, Giuliano and Marina involved! I watched the videos again after starting this contest and all I could think was: How funny, this is exactly what I've wanted to do for years and....that I sure was skinny and young back then! So when I told Filippo about this contest and my wanting to try out, he didn't bat and eye, just smiled and said to let him know when to start filming...isn't he just the best! Giuliano and Marina's favorite weeks were, yes, you guessed it...desserts! So, I'm so happy I have the opportunity to participate in the dessert category, it is such a fitting tribute to my mother and it absolutely thrills Giuliano and Marina!