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

Quarter-Finalist

Wendy Leonard

Food is my love language. I cook to heal, nourish & bring joy. Caring for my vibrant 93-year-old Mom - is why. Elder care awareness matters.

Currently 4

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?

~ Thyme & Tenderness Salmon ~ My signature dish is gently poached salmon in a homemade stock infused with fresh thyme and a hint of smoked paprika, ideally cooked to a silky, velvety finish (a sumptuous melt-in-your-mouth experience!), topped with a bright pesto-yogurt sauce, fresh cherry tomatoes, and flaky smoked Malden salt. It's served with Minnesota wild rice sautéed with spinach and oil-cured sun-dried tomatoes, alongside steamed asparagus finished with creamy Irish butter.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My culinary inspiration is Julia Child. I watched her on PBS after Sesame Street, and even as a child, she inspired me to tell my Mom, "I want to help make dinner." Julia's joy, humor, and fearless spirit taught me that cooking is love, creativity, and embracing every delicious mistake.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’d help caregivers nourish aging loved ones with dignity & joy. After I took over my mom’s meals, her doctor said her bloodwork had never been better—and to keep going. As we age, hunger, thirst & taste can fade. I’d share simple, beautiful recipes through videos and a book—helping families cherish this time, and put life back into their years.  

James Beard Foundation

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