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

Vanessa Backer

From appetizers to desserts, I cook from scratch and from the heart. Every dish is made with love, and a lifetime of kitchen passion.

Currently 7

in their Group

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

The first cut is on Thursday the 11th of June at 7PM PDT

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What is your signature dish?

Sautéed criollo crab over tostones (fried plantains) AND Chicken in leek sauce served with French onion rice- my family loves it.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My inspiration is my family. As a Puerto Rican with aunts who married into Italian and Greek families, I grew up cooking across three rich cultures daily. Ina Garten and Pierre Franey shaped my technique and philosophy. Food, for me, has always been about love, heritage, and connecting with others

What would you do with the $25,000?

Upgrade our kitchen that so badly needs it (would allow me to work on cooking projects) and donate some to my favorite animal charity.

James Beard Foundation

Vote for Vanessa Backer to be the next Favorite Chef while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting the James Beard Foundation and their mission to lead chefs and the broader culinary industry toward a new standard of excellence.


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