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

Quarter-Finalist

rita vaughn

From newlywed who marinated lamb chops in vinegar and turned walnuts purple, I should at least be in line for “Most Improved!”

Currently 7

in the Quarter-Finals

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

Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday the 23rd of July at 7PM PDT

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What is your signature dish?

I began cooking in high school Home Ec. I was allowed reprieve from my BSN classes to take International Cooking in college. During grad school, I relaxed by learning Macrobiotics. After grad school, while employed full-time, I took Chinese, Tuscan, French & Ukrainian cooking classes with my fun money. I developed the ability to distinguish spices and began to replicate restaraunt dishes for my family. They would point to my soups: Borscht, Tom Kha and Zupa OGÓRKOWA But I have many.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My grandmothers were talented cooks and bakers. One great grandmothers’ maiden name was “Brodback,” which comes from the German “Brotbäcker” meaning “bread baker.” Family who remained in Germany run an organic vegetable farm and a bakery today near Speyer.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’d have to split it among things that make me happy. I’d take more cooking classes, donate to my favorite charities, and take my grandkids on a Christmas vacation.

James Beard Foundation

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