Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
This chapter is about joy, love, and giving back—sharing my time, talents, and blessings while growing through this competition.
You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!
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Eggplant Parmesan – It’s a luscious blend of creamy, crispy eggplant layered with rich, melty cheese and a velvety marinara that wraps around you like the coziest, most comforting blanket.
Who is your culinary inspiration?Long before Food Network or the internet, I would be found spending hours pouring over cookbooks, magazines, and recipe cards—a tradition I still love. PBS introduced me to legends like Julia Child, Graham Kerr, & Justin Wilson, while Food Network favorites such as Emeril Lagasse, Alton Brown, Bobby Flay, and of course Carla Hall ;-) deepened my passion for bold flavors and creative cooking. For me, culinary inspiration is endless, ever evolving, and rooted in both tradition and creati
What would you do with the $25,000?I would donate a portion to the James Beard Foundation, No Kid Hungry, and our local food bank. The remainder would be used to enrich my life with my husband, affectionately known as “Pookie,” and our beloved fur baby, Finn.
Vote for Lj Jaqua 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.
