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

Quarter-Finalist

Val Czamara

I build meals around bold flavors, contrasting textures, seasonal ingredients, and the joy of feeding people.

Currently 3

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?

My signature dish is whatever lets bold, fresh flavors shine. Perfect steaks, grilled pork chops, rotisserie Cornish hens, fresh pasta with seasonal sauces, or even a whole grilled turkey. I love taking familiar comfort food and elevating it with thoughtful layers of seasonal flavor. My goal is always the same: make the meal feel special and leave people talking about it long after dinner ends.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My grandma was my first culinary inspiration. She taught me that food is how you take care of people, bring them together, and create memories. She sparked the foundation, and from there my curiosity took over. I wanted to learn more, try more, and push myself further. Now, my 14-year-old son inspires me too. He’s adventurous, not afraid to try bold flavors, and honestly becoming a little bougie in the best way. Watching him love food that way reminds me why I keep pushing myself in the ki

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’d use the $25,000 to invest in my kitchen and bet on myself. Better equipment, the right tools, and the chance to grow into private chef work and unforgettable food experiences on my own terms.

James Beard Foundation

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