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

Scott Wentzell

Good food = good community. I cook to share joy and prove that high-quality, crave-worthy flavor belongs on every table (and in every belly)

Currently 2

in their Group

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

Voting for the TOP 15 ends Thursday the 18th of June at 7PM PDT

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What is your signature dish?

Sure, my banana bread has a literal fan club, but my real signature dish? It’s whatever happens when I open a nearly empty fridge, look at three random ingredients, and say, "Hold my spatula." My signature is pure creativity. I’m an at home culinary MacGyver, I don’t just follow recipes; I make kitchen magic out of spontaneous inspiration. If you can give me a random assortment of groceries and I can give you a plate that makes you do a happy dance, the ultimate cheer

Who is your culinary inspiration?

I grew up watching the TV chefs, but the real MVP of my culinary world is my mom. She didn't go to culinary school, she was entirely self-taught. Yet, no matter how chaotic the day was, she had a superpower for turning everyday ingredients into delicious meals that brought us together at the table. She taught me that great cooking isn’t about fancy diplomas; it’s about passion, intuition, and love. She’s the reason I cook today, and yes, she is one of my biggest food fans!

What would you do with the $25,000?

As a home chef, my cooking relies on spontaneous creativity, so I need a kitchen that can keep up with my wild ideas! Right now, my imagination runs at a Ferrari pace, but my kitchen setup gives '80s hatchback. I’d use the $25,000 to transform my space into a functional creative studio with upgraded prep areas and professional tools. No more fighting my equipment! I just want a space where I can master new techniques and cook amazing food for the people I love.

James Beard Foundation

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