Elizabeth Esquivel

What is your signature dish?

My signature dish is paella with my own twist. I love turning simple ingredients and even leftovers into something full of flavor, comfort, and love. Cooking for me is about creativity and making people feel at home with every bite. One of my favorite moments was making a huge paella from leftovers and watching everyone go back for seconds until there was nothing left. That feeling means everything to me.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My grandmother is my biggest inspiration. Growing up, I was never really allowed in the kitchen, so when I moved to the United States and started missing home, she taught me how to cook over the phone. The smells and flavors of her food brought me comfort and reminded me where I came from. Through her, I discovered that cooking is more than food — it’s love, memories, family, and passion. She inspired me to cook from the heart.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Winning this money would truly change my life. I would use it to take care of my dental health after years of health struggles that affected my teeth. It has become something urgent, and getting the treatment I need would help me not only smile again, but also enjoy eating and cooking without pain or worry. It would give me confidence, relief, and the chance to keep doing what I love most: cooking for others.