Frances Jordan

My mom is my daily inspiration. Although she’s no longer here, I feel her presence every time I step into the kitchen. She taught me how to cook, opening my world to new flavors. Each day, I wake up with the goal of making her proud. It may sound sentimental to some, but I carry her lessons and love in everything I do. There’s nothing more important to me than honoring her memory and living by the values she instilled in me.

My go-to dish is my spin on my mom’s homemade baked mac and cheese. I love making it for family and friends’ events, it makes me feel like my mom is still with us, celebrating. It’s my favorite recipe, and while I may be biased, it holds so much meaning. Cooking it brings back memories of her love and warmth, and I feel connected to her every time I share it. It’s more than just food, it’s a way to honor her and keep her spirit alive in my heart.

Winning $25,000 would be life-changing for me. I would use the funds to start my own food truck business, allowing me to share my love for cooking with people everywhere. By taking my food on the road, I wouldn’t be limited to just one location, and I could introduce more people to the joy of great food. This would be a dream come true, giving me the chance to create a unique food experience and connect with communities far and wide.