Nicole's first book, Secrets From A Caterer's Kitchen, (2001) continues to receive rave reviews. The publication of her second book, Cooking for Company, (2003) delighted her students and fans who were hungry for more great recipes and entertaining tips.

Nicole makes frequent television appearances including The Food Network. She teaches cooking and entertaining across the country at schools like Sur La Table, Draeger's, Central Market, Viking and L'Acadamie du Cuisine and has developed the Catering Comprehensive Seminars for catering professionals who want to take their business to the next level.

In addition to writing and teaching, she has served as a Spokesperson for such prestigious companies as The California Almond Board, Gevalia Kaffe, Salmon of the Americas, E. & J. Gallo Wines and Safeway Market.

Nicole also contributes articles to such national magazines as Bon Appetit, Better Homes and Gardens and is a frequent writer for the Source Magazine published by SAM'S CLUB.

Prior to writing her latest books, Nicole enjoyed an exciting, diverse career in the culinary arts. She completed the diploma course at La Varenne in Paris and stayed on to work as chef at a chateaux in Burgundy. In California, she owned her own restaurant, directed one of the country's most prestigious catering operations and produced a line of gourmet food products.

For six years, Nicole was the Director of Catering at the Los Angeles Music Center where she catered the Academy Awards four times, prepared a state luncheon for HRH Queen Elizabeth II, and produced galas in honor of three American presidents, foreign dignitaries, divas and Julia Child.

After leaving the Music Center, Nicole owned and directed operations for Nicole Cottrell Productions, Inc. for 12 years. Her company catered elegant events for clients such as the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, the Tournament of Roses and the Kirov Ballet. Her company also manufactured packaged foods for fine grocers like Vons/Pavilions, Gelsons, Trader Joe's, Larry's and Neiman-Marcus.

Nicole is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP); International Coach Federation (ICF); Women Chefs and Restaurateurs (WCR); and Slow Food. She currently lives and cooks in Seattle, WA. She flies out of Seatac.