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

Semi-Finalist

Maria Collier

I'm a soulful pastry rebel with a poet’s heart and a business mind, baking up dreams with French finesse and a dash of boldness.

Currently 3

in the Semi-Finals

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

Voting for the Final 12 ends Thursday the 29th of May at 7PM PDT

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Who or what inspires you to cook?

What inspires me to cook pastries is the way something simple, flour, sugar, butter, can be transformed into pure joy. Pastry is delicate, precise, and full of emotion. It’s an art form that lets me express myself, honor tradition, and bring happiness to others. Whether it’s the flaky layers of a croissant or the silky finish of a tart, each creation tells a story and that connection is what keeps me inspired.

What's your all time favorite dish to make?

One of my all-time favorite meals to make is surf and turf. There’s something satisfying about balancing the richness of a perfectly roasted prime rib with mushroom sauce and the sweetness of a 16 oz lobster tail. I love pairing it with a silky, caramelized fresh fruit crème brûlée to end the experience on a high note. It’s the perfect blend of bold flavor and finesse.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I had $25,000, I’d pour it into my biggest dreams, first, publishing my cookbook, a labor of love filled with recipes and stories from my heart. I’d open my bakery café, a cozy space where people feel at home and connected through good food. I’d also give back by supporting research into natural remedies, something I truly believe in. This gift would help me share love, healing, and joy one plate, one page, one person at a time.

James Beard Foundation

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