Christin Valencia

What is your signature dish?

My signature dish is Peas N Mac. It may not sound glamorous, but it tells my story. Raised by a single mom, I learned to make it when I became a mom. For under $15, it feeds 4–6 people and delivers something priceless: comfort, memories, and full bellies.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

Obviously people will say Carla ha-ha, but in my case it is true. Carla Hall inspires me with her joyful spirit, authenticity, and ability to make food feel personal and welcoming. Alex Guarnaschelli inspires me with her confidence, spunk, and deep devotion to Italian cuisine. Both remind me that great cooking is about more than recipes—it's about passion, creativity, and sharing a piece of yourself with others.

What would you do with the $25,000?

$25K would be the start of my dream life. I’d move to North Carolina and find a piece of land near a lake to build a simple tiny home. I’d start a vegetable garden, grow my own food, and finally live closer to nature. I’d also have space for animals, fresh air, and a slower, more intentional way of living—rooted in creativity, peace, and the joy of making something meaningful from the ground up.