Debi and Jim Pedersen are native Californians who make their home in California's Napa Valley. Graduates of Pacific Union College (Angwin, CA) and Andrews University (Berrien Springs, MI), they have been married since 1977. From the very beginning of their marriage they have found themselves working side-by-side in the kitchen with their mutual passion for the culinary arts. They particularly enjoy creating and experiencing the cuisines of California and the Mediterranean.

Debi holds a Master's in Home Economics. She has been an educator for a number of years and currently is employed in the Trust Department of the Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. She has contributed to two cookbooks. Her interests include custom sewing, interior design and collecting cookbooks. She has also helped cater numerous church functions.

Jim is a minister, holding a Master's of Divinity degree. Since entering the ministry with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, he has pastored five congregations and now is an administrator for the denomination's Northern California region. He was a finalist in the first Kellogg's "Taste of Goodness" cook-off held in Battle Creek, Michigan during the summer of 2001. His interests include trains of all sizes, music, and collecting RCA Victor memorabilia.

In addition to being the parents of two daughters, Stacey and Lisa, Debi and Jim enjoy traveling and browsing antique stores.