Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
My passion is to cook to express me, a brain tumor survivor. Cooking celebrates life so pick me as a story of strength & courage on a plate.
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Receive Text UpdatesMy signature dish is pork tenderloin with potato gnocchi, broccolini and demi-glace. Cooking meat is my strength, influenced by my German heritage. Tenderloin simply seasoned with salt, pepper and a maple bacon spice, delivers rich umami flavour. A velvety demi-glace adds depth, while the dishes colours are balanced and inviting. Broccolini can be substituted with root or seasonal vegetables for variety.
Who is your culinary inspiration?I am inspired by Chef Baechler, my culinary teacher who’s patience motivation and positivity made a lasting impact. As a Brain Tumour survivor, I struggled with speed but he supported me during and after class helping me overcome these challenges. I am forever grateful for his belief in my potential. He built my confidence, encourage my independence and strengthened my skills. His passion for cooking is truly inspiring and contagious.
What would you do with the $25,000?I live in a small rural community of about 1,000 people and aspire to start a “Teaching Kids to Cook” program. It would teach children how to prepare healthy meals rather that rely on junk food, building essential life skills. Funding would help secure a space, insurance and needed tools. Keeping the program affordable is a challenge and any support would greatly help me make this initiative accessible to all.
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