Ty Chauvin enjoys cooking, and he’s produced a cookbook that serves up not just food, but resilience.
A Grade 12 student from Lasalle Secondary School, Chauvin has been cooking since kindergarten, and his publication is made possible by Make-A-Wish Canada.
His cookbook, “My Wish on a Plate! Just Ty It!”, combines Chauvin’s favourite recipes with those of family and friends. The appetizers, soups, sides, sauces, mains and desserts are a feast for the eyes as much as the palate.
This cookbook, however, is about so much more than Chef Ty’s personal passion. It contains the reflections of a resilient young person determined to achieve their goals.
When he was granted a wish by Make-A-Wish Canada, only one aspiration stood out for him: To publish his very own cookbook. Ty is a giver, so he invites others to join him on his culinary journey.
When asked which dishes he enjoys the most, Chauvin cited a couple of things.
“One of my favourite recipes in the book is the stir fry. It’s so good, so quick, and so easy to make. Another great recipe I love to make is fresh pastry dough. It’s easy and versatile, and can be used for a number of other recipes in the cookbook.”
Ty was diagnosed with multiple health issues at birth, including heart disease. Throughout his 17 years, he has had multiple surgeries. Only recently he discovered that he has a rare genetic syndrome as well.
Ty’s story unfolds from the first page to the last through heartwarming photos from his childhood, endearing notes from his family, friends and health-care providers, and wonderful wishes from a team of supporters.
Despite the challenges, Ty perseveres. He never gives up and is an inspiration to many. His determination is evident in all the things he has endured, overcome and accomplished.
“What makes me persevere is knowing that there are some things I can’t change, so I embrace it and adapt to situations. I've had to learn to live with a number of health issues — you just need to keep going and never give up.”
Asked what inspires him most, Chauvin credits those closest to him.
“My friends and family inspire me. I like to make new recipes that we can try together. Creativity inspires me. For instance, I like to see what I have in the fridge to work with and pull something together to make a creative dish. It’s a lot of fun to be creative. And I think that’s what drives me. Knowing I have people around me who motivate me and inspire me is a great thing. I want to teach people how to cook. With this cookbook, I want to inspire others to try cooking, even if they don’t think they can.”
Ty acknowledges his family has been instrumental.
“My parents were the best and most helpful growing up. They always taught me to work hard for what I wanted and that has stayed with me. They are always so supportive and right by my side with everything I have been through and dreamed of doing.”
Looking into the future, Chauvin plans to attend Laurentian University in the fall and study science and education.
In spite of his love of all things culinary, Ty has another career goal in mind. “I would like to be a high-school science teacher one day,” he said.
Proceeds from the sale of “My Wish on a Plate! Just Ty It!” are being donated to Make-A-Wish Canada, SickKids Hospital in Toronto and NEO Kids here in Sudbury. If you would like to purchase a copy of Ty’s cookbook, go to his website, MyWishonaPlate.com, and complete the order form. The book costs $40 (which includes all shipping and taxes).
And, as Chef Ty says on the back of his cookbook, flour flying in mid-air, “That’s a Wrap!”
Ty Chauvin’s words of inspiration
“... keep going and never give up...!”
James Stewart is a writer in North Bay. Inspire is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.
