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

Twana Barber

Inspired by my Southern grandmother’s recipes, I carry her love into every dish—honoring family, tradition, and heart.

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 Group Finalists ends Thursday the 9th of July at 7PM PDT

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What is your signature dish?

Southern soul food inspired by my grandmother’s kitchen—where love was always the main ingredient.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My culinary inspiration comes from Carla Hall’s soulful warmth, Gordon Ramsay’s passion and precision, Martha Stewart’s timeless creativity, and the legendary Julia Child’s fearless love for cooking.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Winning Favorite Chef would allow me to honor my grandmother’s legacy in the biggest way possible. I would use the $25K to patent and launch her beloved pie recipe into stores nationwide, sharing the same comfort, love, and Southern tradition that shaped my childhood. I would also complete my cookbook memoir—a heartfelt tribute to her life, our family journey, and the recipes that taught me food is more than a meal; it’s love, history, and connection passed from one generation

James Beard Foundation

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