The Sunnyvale Sun

Community

Local invention featured in local cooking classes

By Emilie Crofton

When friends Debbie Stephens Stauffer, a Cupertino resident, and Kathleen Whitehurst of St. Helena invented DaysAgo in 2005, they never imagined the success, awards and extensive press coverage that would follow--including appearing on TV with Oprah Winfrey.

Now their invention, a small digital device to help people remember how long food has been open, can be found at Whole Foods in Cupertino, 20955 Stevens Creek Blvd. It will also be featured in two of the store's upcoming cooking classes.

"Cooking for a Week in a Day," where chef Josh Hanoka will show participants how to prepare seven two-person meals in one day, is scheduled April 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"The Fine Art of Sauce Making" takes place April 20 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and focuses on classical sauce-making techniques and how to use them for a variety of new and old styles sauces.

Whitehurst will participate in the April 19 cooking class, promoting the invention and giving out free DaysAgo samples.

"It's will be a great demo opportunity," she says. "We'll explain how to use the product, track preparations and see which type is better for buyers' needs."

Stephens Stauffer sold her half of the company in October 2007 after having her third child but says she's excited about the invention's continued success.

"We've been able to take an idea from invention to the market- place," she says. "I never thought it could be so successful in boutique stores to major retailers like Whole Foods market."

Stephens Stauffer says the experience and lessons she has learned along the way have benefited not only herself but others in the community.

"I've been able to be a resource to a lot of Cupertino residents and aspiring entrepreneurs, giving them feedback on how to get started," she says.

Although initially invented to track food and items in the fridge, the women say their product is being used in a number of different ways including tracking water filters, pet medication and aquarium cleaning.

"The concept of the DaysAgo is still great and has yet to reach its full potential," Stephens Stauffer says. "It's more than just a food product; it's a lifestyle product."

For more information on the cooking classes call 408.257.7000. For more information about DaysAgo Digital Day Counters, call 800.401.4906 or visit www.howmanydaysago.com.