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

Kathy Clark

I blend passion with purpose cooking to honor my mother’s legacy while striving to inspire and empower the next generation of young chefs.

Currently 14

in their Group

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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 waffles. I take this classic comfort food to the next level, focusing on perfecting the texture and infusing unique flavor profiles that turn a simple breakfast staple into an unforgettable culinary experience. Ive created Bama Pulled Pork Waffle, Slider Waffles, and Chilli and Waffles.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My mom is my ultimate inspiration. Having us at a young age, she went from only knowing Hamburger Helper at sixteen to creating incredible, unique dinners everyone craves. She never relies on cookbooks; instead, she builds her own vibrant flavors from scratch. Her resilience, creativity, and intuition in the kitchen taught me that cooking isn't just about following a recipe—it’s about heart, soul, and imagination.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the funds to give back to my mom, thanking her for every sacrifice she made for our family. With the remaining foundation, I plan to launch my own community culinary classes for youth. My goal is to create a safe, inspiring space where kids can learn essential cooking skills, discover their own creative potential, and build confidence that will serve them for a lifetime.

James Beard Foundation

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