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

Jessica Walker Watson

I would love to start my own tea house filled with delicious wellness-inspired food, happy chatter and flowing whole leaf tea.

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

Voting for the TOP 10 ends Thursday the 25th of June at 7PM PDT

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What is your signature dish?

I don’t think I could pick just one. My top three go-to dishes are my famous hot honey fried chicken, blueberry buttermilk swim biscuits and beef stew. All of these have sent many visitors home with a smile, happy brain and full tummy.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My culinary inspiration is my paternal grandmother, or as I call her, my Granny. She taught me that food can heal bodies, bring a community together, sooth aching hearts and feed the soul. With every meal she cooked, she poured love into those who matter the most - her friends, family and even a stranger or two. She knew that what and how you eat, determines your mood. Now, I carry on her legacy by serving a lot of love and a little sass.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were to win the $25,000, I would combine it with my savings and open my tea house. My local area is so desperate for a place where locals feel loved, connected and well fed. They’re looking for somewhere just like Granny’s front porch. If I were to win, I’d open the best little tea house and eatery anyone has ever seen!

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