Whitney Dineen: Fattening up Hollywood, one cookie at a time!

Whitney Dineen grew up in Chicago, in a household that was passionate about cooking, eating and entertaining. Her mother taught gourmet-cooking classes, and her grandmother never knew how to make less than seven her pies at a time. Whitney's destiny seemed certain to incorporate the culinary skills she learned at the feet of her mother and grandmother.

While attending University of Illinois in Chicago, Whitney was discovered by a local modeling agent and began an unexpected career as a plus-size model. She modeled in New York City before moving to Los Angeles in the early nineties.

When she wasn't modeling, she was in the kitchen, baking delights to share with friends. Soon, her friends began asking her to send baskets of her wonderful cookies and candies to send to business associates, agents and production studios. Word spread like wildfire and the rest, as they say, is history. Working on her own (by referral only), Whitney's sensational creations are in great demand by many leading studios. Her loyal customers include Steven Spielberg, Jerry Bruckheimer, Phil Rosenthal, Ron Meyer, Kirstie Alley and many others of Hollywood's elite.

Most recently, Whitney is working on a dessert cookbook of family recipes entitled, Sweet Things. She is also outlining her next cookbook, "Kitchen Comfort's."

Whitney has been a plus-size model for more than 15 years and is presently modeling with the FORD agency. Her clients include Lane Bryant, Marshal Fields, Macy's, Liz Claiborne, Danskin and many more. She has appeared on several fashion TV segments in the Los Angeles market, as well as on NBC's nationally syndicated show, "The Other Half" (hosted by Dick Clark).

Whitney's delicious goodies have also been featured on NBC's celebrity show, "Extra" and well as "The Other Half" and HGTV's "Smart Solutions." You can even order your own delicious batch at Whitney's Cookies.

When asked why she enjoys baking so much, Whitney says, "It's the best way I know to nurture the people I love! My childhood, as so many others, was filled with wonderful tastes and smells. I just want to capture that 'innocent time' in the form of goodies, and share it with everyone. No matter what diet or exercise program you follow, everyone can benefit from a little cookie love!"

Whitney has a myriad of other interests including knitting, embroidering and all things crafty. She loves to entertain her friends with meals that range from home-style meatloaf with garlic-mashed potatoes to duck ravioli with shitake mushrooms and cranberries. If you ever find yourself invited to her house for dinner, elastic waistbands are recommended. The bread will always be fresh and the desert, positively sinful!

Whitney currently resides in Pasadena, California, with her husband, Jimmy.