Terri DeBonillas

Meet Terri - founder and creator of L.A. Farm Girl. After tragically loosing her son to cancer, Terri found an outlet for her grief in one of her life-long passions, the kitchen. Now Terri is concocting unique jams featuring delicious and unconventional flavor combinations that keep us coming back for more. L.A. Farm Girls Vanilla-Bourbon Berry Compote is featured in our July Basket.

What Inspired You To Start Your Company?

I’ve always loved to cook, even as a child. I enjoyed putting together unconventional ingredients and creating exciting new flavor profiles. But in 2009, I lost my 17-year old son to brain cancer and grief was consuming me. I couldn’t see my future without him. It was suggested that I find something you enjoy and do it until you find some relief. Life will never be the same without him but when I’m in the kitchen creating; it gets a little bit better and my spirit is free.

Tell us about your products.

All my products are handcrafted jams and created in small batches.

What Does Being A Small-Batch “Craftsman” Mean To You?

Robust, bold and concentrated flavors

What is your favorite small-batch treat?

Pink Lady Apple Kombucha

What Drew You To Food?

I think that the love of food was just an innate attraction.

Where Does Your Food Inspiration Come From?

Because I enjoy food, I’m always thinking of how I can enhance the experience. It comes from a very sacred place from within. I dream it, I experience it, I experiment with it, and I create it and share it with you. It’s an artful process.

Are You Working On Now?

I know its summer but I’m working on recipes for my Fall collection. Gingerbread Cookie Jam – lots of spices and pieces of holiday in the mix.

Do You Have a Favorite Product?

Pink Lady Apple Kombucha – I’m addicted

Latest Ingredient Obsession?

Generally to bring in acidity to a recipe, lemon juice is used. Lately, I’ve been using tangerine juice in conjunction and it really supports the fruit mixtures nicely.

What Did You Have For Dinner Last Night?

Tandoori Caesar chicken salad with Pepitas and Cranberries

What Person, Living Or Dead, Would You Most Like To Have Try Your Product?

I wish my dad were here to taste my products. He was the guinea pig when I started cooking. I think he would love my creations.

What’s The Best Piece Of Advice You’ve Gotten In Building Your Business?

Never give up, no mater what. Stay true to you.

What Advice Would You Give other craftsmen?

Never give up, no mater what. Stay true to you.

What Other Local Food Craftsmen or Chefs Do You Admire?

Sqirl in Silverlake

If You Had To Choose Your Last Meal, What Would It Be?

Tyler Florence’s Fried Chicken, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Southern Collard Greens, Sweet Cream Biscuits & Gravy and Collard Greens