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

Melanee Reyna

I'm not a trained chef but, I sure do cook up a storm! When cooking for my people, I want them happy, full, and ready for their day!

Currently 1

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

The first cut is on Thursday the 11th of June at 7PM PDT

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What is your signature dish?

I have a small take out cafe in San Antonio Texas, Go Spurs Go!! For the past 14 years our customers rave about our Oven Roasted Turkey, Albondigas, Home Style Meatloaf, Chicken Fried Chicken, and Chicken Salad Sandwiches.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

Growing up I loved watching cooking shows. I remember watching the Frugal Gourmet, I loved how he shared so much! As an adult I loved Paula Dean and Ina Garten both for different reasons. Rachel Ray gets some shade for some recipes but I absolutely loved her 30min meals it was a killer show. Seeing her run around her kitchen carrying 100 things to her work station all at once is something I totally relate to and do daily at my shop. She's a true inspiration to a cook like me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

The fun part!! My 25 year marriage just ended. I feel empowered. I would use this money to continue doing what I love with less worry. I would upgrade a few things within my shop and in November I'm already taking my shop crew on a cruise, but with these funds I'd make it extra special for my team, they definitely deserve it!

James Beard Foundation

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