Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000

Quarter-Finalist

Denine Kirby

I bring passion & healing through heritage foods! Winning lets me share my creations & flavors bringing the Eat 2 Live message to the world.

Currently 6

in the Quarter-Finals

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LIMITED-TIME: 2X VOTES

You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!

Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday the 22nd of May at 7PM PDT

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Who or what inspires you to cook?

I’m inspired to cook by the power of food as medicine & its ability to transform. My passion comes from my own journey & helping PCOS women feel their best through nourishing, flavorful meals. I’ve seen firsthand how foods can heal, balance hormones & restore energy. I draw inspiration from traditional healing practices, herbal remedies & joy of community. Food is love & culture! Cooking isn't just a skill; it empowers, educates & creates lasting wellness.

What's your all time favorite dish to make?

Lasagna—a masterpiece of comfort & nourishment. Layers of perfectly cooked Hearts of Palm sheets cradle a rich, tomato-based savory filling that blends deep, slow-simmered flavors. It's veggie-packed & infused with healing ingredients; lasagna is a labor of love, crafted with care. Aromatic herbs & hearty, creamy sauce create a dish that’s both soul-satisfying & nourishing—a true expression of warmth, tradition & wellness. Promise, you won't miss the cheese!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I'd expand on my dream of a wellness-focused food business, creating nourishing & healing meals for women, especially those managing PCOS and hormonal imbalances. I’d invest in quality ingredients, equipment & space to prepare and share my food. Additionally, I’d use the funds to develop educational resources—helping women understand how to "Eat to Live" & "Food as Medicine". This wouldn’t just be a business—it would be a movement.

James Beard Foundation

Help Denine Kirby become the next Favorite Chef with a tax-deductible donation. Your support helps create a more equitable and sustainable future in the restaurant industry.

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