Mariam Alaeddin

Connect Who or what inspires you to cook?

People do! I view cooking as an expression of love. I purposefully cook larger amounts of food and pass the food on to my neighbors, friends and family. My parents both had me helping them in the kitchen while growing up. They loved hosting dinners at home and that's where my love started.

What's your all time favorite dish to make?

Alaya bandora (Jordanian stewed Tomatoes)! Everyone who follows my Instagram knows I make this often. My father made this every weekend for breakfast and taught me and my brother. So, on special occasions like birthdays and mother's/fathers day we would wake up early to make it for them. It's so easy, it's literally just tomatoes, onions and chilis with some salt and pepper. Not only is it easy it's also versatile! It's a great base to make other dishes or new recipes!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I've always dreamt of running a food truck or pop up. The $25,000 will help me start that business! Like I said, I love cooking for other people and to be able to spread the love to my community would be a dream come true!