Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I am adventurous by nature and enjoy trying new cultures. experiences, and food, of course! Traveling to countries enlivens my spirit.
Want to learn more about our competition?
Learn MoreWant to be notified if their position changes?
Receive Text UpdatesWhatever is in my fridge, pantry, and mind! Daily I think of what I'd like to try and then research recipes and put my own signature on it with what I currently have. Most of my dishes are made in one pot, are vegetarian, with the use of fish, fresh herbs and seasonings.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My grandmother and my mother-in-law have inspired my cooking and baking. I remember fondly watching my grandmother knead her dough into cinnamony sponges and bake them until the sugar sweetness was oozing out of them! Her spowchens + homemade noodles for her chicken noodle soup still make my mouth water thinking of them. My mother-in-law taught me to have confidence in my cooking, use my mistakes to make better dishes, and to be creative. She shared her love of fresh herbs +simple ingredients.
What would you do with the $25,000?Hmmmmm, I would definitely plan a vacation with our four daughters, sons-in-law, and grandson, Ian! An animal charity would also receive some of the winnings.
Vote for Maureen O 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.