Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I'm a passionate home cook; blending culture, flavor and heart - bringing friends and family together one unforgettable meal at a time!
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Receive Text UpdatesMy signature dish is onion rice, black beans and chicken 'chicharrones' - the meal my family craves every time I visit Puerto Rico and bring the extended family together. It's more than food; it's tradition, laughter, love and the flavors that turn every gathering into a celebration. It reflects warmth and a bold personality!
Who is your culinary inspiration?My cooking is rooted in hospitality, comfort and creating memories around the table, which is often the strongest inspiration any chef can have. Seeing my friends and family enjoying my food brings me so much joy!
What would you do with the $25,000?I would use the $25K to strengthen our retirement nest egg as I prepare for this exciting new chapter of life. After years of hard work, it would provide extra security, peace of mind, and the freedom to enjoy more time with family, travel to Puerto Rico, and continue bringing loved ones together around the table with the meals they cherish most.
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