Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000

Jessica Baldonado

As a self-taught gourmet chef, I’ve turned a lifelong passion into a professional craft, pouring heart and soul into every dish I create.

Currently 2

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You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!

Voting for the TOP 15 ends Thursday the 18th of June at 7PM PDT

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What is your signature dish?

My signature dish is an evolving canvas- a fusion of my Southern and Southwestern roots, crafting dishes that honor my heritage. My vision blends flavors like Hatch NM chiles with slow-smoked soul foods.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My culinary journey began as a child, learning the sacred connection between the knife and the flame. My real role models were the legends who brought the kitchen to life on screen— the mastery of Emeril Lagasse, the precision of Gordon Ramsay, and the foundational icons like Julia Child, and Ina Garten. Watching them transform raw ingredients into art sparked a fire in me that has never gone out.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Winning this prize would be evolutionary. It provides the platform to rebrand and showcase my culinary vision to the entire nation, proving that passion and self-taught mastery can reach the highest levels of the craft. Beyond the kitchen, this victory allows me to expand “No Crumb Left Behind,” ensuring that my success translates directly into feeding the less fortunate. I am not just cooking to be one of the greatest chefs; I am cooking to lead with purpose, excellence, and passion

James Beard Foundation

Vote for Jessica Baldonado to be the next Favorite Chef while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting the James Beard Foundation and their mission to lead chefs and the broader culinary industry toward a new standard of excellence.


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