Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I was raised in a large Italian family. My love of cooking comes from making dishes that make people happy.
You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!
Want to learn more about our competition?
Learn MoreWant to be notified if their position changes?
Receive Text UpdatesItalian sausage with red and green bell peppers, onions and lemon, homemade Chicago style giardiniera and gluten free baguettes or pasta. This is a dish I grew up on and have shared with many friends. Since I've been gluten free for over 15 years due to a wheat allergy, I have adapted many recipes to meet this dietary restriction.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My Dad is my first inspiration. I grew up with my Dad bringing home groceries from different cuisines; such as Asian, Greek and German. We would cook dishes together as a family and it helped me understand cultures through food and appreciate ingredients. Watching Chef Alex Guarnaschelli on various cooking shows has inspired me to challenge myself with more complex flavors and ingredients. I gained confidence in my cooking ability by watching her.
What would you do with the $25,000?I would love to go to Palermo and Catania Sicily where my great grandparents were from. I want to understand the culture and food of my heritage, take cooking classes and search for long lost relatives.
Vote for Kate Caruso 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.
