Mary Osgard

Connect Who or what inspires you to cook?

Growing up, my family's love for cooking sparked my own passion in the kitchen. Watching my parents and grandparents prepare meals with care, showed me that food is more than just nourishment, it's a way to bring people together. Their recipes, stories and traditions have inspired me to experiment with flavors and techniques, turning cooking into both a creative outlet and a way to honor my roots. Every dish I make carries a piece of them, keeping our family's love alive through food.

What's your all time favorite dish to make?

Though I don't have one favorite dish, Filipino food is my favorite to make because it's rich in flavor and tradition. Dishes like adobo, pancit and lumpia making cooking exciting and rewarding. I love how every meal brings warmth, reminding me of family gatherings and childhood memories. The variety of ingredients and cooking techniques let me be creative while honoring my roots. Cooking Filipino food isn't just about taste, it's about culture, love and home.

What would you do with the $25,000?

After winning the $25,000 prize, I would love to take myself and my family back to my birthplace in the Philippines. I have so many family members that I haven't seen in over 30 years, Besides visiting with my relatives there, I would like to take my family to the various provinces so they can experience the love, foods and culture that have shaped me into the person I am today.