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

Quarter-Finalist

Jessica Gridley

I cook from the heart—bringing people together through bold flavor, beautiful presentation, and unforgettable moments.

Currently 9

in the Quarter-Finals

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

Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday the 23rd of July at 7PM PDT

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What is your signature dish?

Food has always been my way of showing love, and my butternut squash lasagna captures that best. It's the dish family and friends request again and again, bringing comfort and connection to every table. I'm also known for my stuffed mushrooms and Meyer lemon curd cheesecake—recipes made with the same care, creativity, and heart that I put into everything I cook.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My mom is the reason I fell in love with cooking. She welcomed me into the kitchen at a young age and taught me that food is about more than ingredients—it's about creating memories, celebrating life's moments, and caring for the people around you. Every meal I prepare carries a piece of the lessons and love she shared with me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to invest in and grow my catering business by purchasing equipment, expanding my menu offerings, improving marketing efforts, and increasing my capacity to serve more clients. This funding would help me build a stronger foundation for long-term success and create more opportunities within my community.

James Beard Foundation

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