A Winning Burger & a Big Contest (updated 9/4)

September 1, 2009 { }

UPDATE 9/4/09: I found out tonight that Food Network is not going to tape and air this year’s Build A Better Burger contest. I am dissapointed – of course I wanted to see myself on my favorite TV station but I’m also dissapointed for BBB. This is a huge competition that gives every home cook the chance to participate – and what’s more American than a burger? I hope that next year a big netowrk picks up the contest.

Can you tell I’m excited??!!???

Yes, it’s true! I am a finalist in the Build a Better Burger alternative burger category, one of America’s biggest and most prestigious cooking competitions. I’ve been dying to tell you but have been sworn to secrecy since August 19th.

Sutter Home announced the finalists yesterday on their website, along with the winning recipes. I created the Farmer’s Market Burger with Grilled Red Onion Relish and Peppered Tomato Mayonnaise. They even put my picture at the bottom of my recipe…and it will be available on the Sutter Home website for years to come.

I’m going to be competing for $10,000 on Saturday, September 26th in Napa Valley at Sutter Home Winery. And, I’m going to be on Food Network!!

I’m still in shock.

Joe and I love to watch Food Network Challenge. Every time a Bulid a Better Burger was on, Joe would say – “Honey, you could win that competition.” I’d tell him I wasn’t so sure. He persisted so I started working on a recipe to submit anyway.

I worked on my recipe for months. I’d cook it, we’d try it, talk about what worked and what didn’t, and then cook it again. And again. And again. In the end, I must have come up with one heck of a burger because in less than a month Joe and I are being flown to California.

As if being part of the competition wasn’t a big enough honor, there are so many other perks:

We get to stay in Sutter Home’s Victorian Inn, which is by invitation only.
There is a reception dinner on Friday night.
All expenses are paid.
We get to meet so many big names in the culinary industry.

The part I’m most excited about, though, is watching myself cook on Food Network Challenge re-runs! I’ll be able to sit in my own house and watch myself on t.v. I can hardly wait!!

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to be practicing my grilling skills and making burgers like crazy. It’s going to be a whirlwind but I’m most definitely up for it.

To address the gluten-free issue – the recipe is written in a way that is inclusive – that means that you can choose to use gluten-free products or not. I use gluten-free bread crumbs when I make this burger. As far as the bun goes, I either put it on gluten-free bread or eat it breadless – my favorite way to eat it. I rarely cook out of a gluten-free cookbook. Good food is good food. I find great recipes that I want to share with friends and family, and then make them work for me. There was a time in my life when I let my dietary needs stop me from living fully. Not anymore.

I talked to my niece, Allie, today and told her my big news. She was so excited for me, but more importantly I got to tell her that I’ve entered contest after contest and have never won anything. We were able to talk about holding on to your dreams and not giving up, even when it looks like you’re not making progress, even when you think you’ve failed. The only real failure is quitting.

If it wasn’t for my husband’s undying love and support, I would have never entered this contest. I’m not even sure I’d be cooking today. Joe has believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. He really does make all my dreams come true.

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Tags: build a better burger

Comments

39 Responses to “A Winning Burger & a Big Contest (updated 9/4)”

Lauren
September 1st, 2009 @ 8:11 am

Congratulations!! Thats amazing =D. I hope I can see the show in Canada – You’re going to do great!

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Meghan Hobein
September 1st, 2009 @ 8:30 am

So darn excited for you. I am a newer reader to your blog, about 3 weeks, but have made a number of your recipes and EVERYONE has been delicious…Shredded chicken soup, carrot muffins, and cottage cheese and fruit salad. YUMMY!!!I just think you have a great story and I hope this is just the beginning of making all your dreams come true. Best of luck to you, keep on going…

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Heather @CeliacFamily
September 1st, 2009 @ 9:03 am

Congratulations! I can’t wait to watch you on TV! And, the recipe sounds great. How exciting.

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Betsy
September 1st, 2009 @ 9:21 am

HOW EXCITING! I loooooove the Food Network, especially Food Network Challenge. I can’t wait to see you!

Best of luck…you’ll totally win this! Oh, and have fun!

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Linda- Kitchen Therapy
September 1st, 2009 @ 10:10 am

Are we looking at the next food network star? Congratulations!! You can win, you realy can.

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Amy @ Finer Things
September 1st, 2009 @ 10:45 am

So, so exciting! Congratulations!

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Linda Stiles
September 1st, 2009 @ 12:28 pm

Amy, congratulations, this is soooo exciting! What a dream come true! I can’t wait to see you on tv and to try your fabulous winning recipe! You go, Girl!

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Michelle Smiles
September 1st, 2009 @ 1:41 pm

That is incredibly cool! I love that show – good luck!

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karen
September 1st, 2009 @ 2:09 pm

That is INCREDIBLE!!! I love Challenge & the Burger ones I can even convince Tom (the Significant Other) to watch with me

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Amy
September 1st, 2009 @ 2:11 pm

All of your supportive comments mean so much! Thank you. It makes my heart warm and gives me that little boost I need. Today is hectic for me – lots of in and out of the house so I’m checking in when I can.

Sending a HUGE hug of gratitude to all of you!

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Katrina (gluten free gidget)
September 1st, 2009 @ 2:36 pm

THAT IS INCREDIBLE!!!!!!! I will have to make sure I DVR the show. You are so brave to enter! Congratulations and good luck!

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Linda
September 1st, 2009 @ 3:06 pm

That is exciting!!! Congratulations!

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Cathy
September 1st, 2009 @ 3:11 pm

Awesome, I actually just started following your blog yesterday..What a pleasant surprise.

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Amy Reply:
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:31 pm
I’m so glad you found me! Let me know if there’s anything in particular you’d like to see here. I love requests and accommodate them to the best of my ability.

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Sunny
September 1st, 2009 @ 3:15 pm

Yipee! What a great opportunity. Have a wonderful time.

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Allie Hock
September 1st, 2009 @ 4:46 pm

Amy, I’m so proud!!! I really can’t believe it.

I told one of my english teachers, Mrs. Burkitt, that my aunt Amy is going to be on the Food Network, and she wants to DVR it!! Lol, i love you so much!

Tell Joe and the dogs I said Hi, btw, your website is looking pretty supreme.

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Amy Reply:
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Hey Allie – You are fabulous. I know…Joe and I are still a little shocked. I’ve been grilling like crazy. I wish you were in Big D to taste them. I love you so much, too. Hope you can visit soon.

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Kim, The Food Allergy Coach
September 1st, 2009 @ 5:22 pm

That is incredible! We watch the Food Network all of the time! Be sure to let us know when it will air so I can set the DVR! We’ll be rooting for you! GO AMY!

[Reply]
scale junkie
September 1st, 2009 @ 5:39 pm

WOW! I’m so excited for you Amy, congratulations, you definitely deserve this and I’m hoping you’re the winner! Have a fabulous time. I’m going to look for it on Food Network and DVR you!

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Cari Snell
September 1st, 2009 @ 9:10 pm

That’s fabulous! Congratulations Amy! I will be rooting for you!

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Monica
September 1st, 2009 @ 9:23 pm

I only get to watch Food Network when we’re on vacation, so I’m not familiar with the show. But, I’m so happy for you and your husband. Enjoy every minute of it! Your post read like a love story. I really enjoyed it and it’s obvious you have a great man on your side.
BTW, I was just talking the other day about how suprised I am that I enjoy a burger so much without a bun…something I didn’t expect! I can’t wait to hear more about your burger and adventure.

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Jen
September 1st, 2009 @ 10:26 pm

I can’t wait to watch you on TV!!! This is such exciting news!!!! I’m seriously over-using all the exclamations marks because this is just so freakin’ great!!! Congratulations Amy!!!!! I’m wishing you all the best in this contest!!

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Mary
September 2nd, 2009 @ 5:37 am

I just discovered your site a few days ago, Amy, and am hooked! Congratulations on hitting the big time! Thanks, too, for your comments about never giving up … that’s what life is really all about!

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Amy Reply:
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Hi Mary – I’m so glad you found my blog and that you find it useful. I’m not sure I hit the big time, but I am going to enjoy this wonderful opportunity.

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Alta
September 2nd, 2009 @ 7:09 am

Oh I am so excited for you! You’ll have to let us know when the episode airs, so we can all be sure to watch (or in my case, I’ll end up recording it and watching it ASAP – I’m not so good with catching live shows, lol!) and be excited with you! What a dream come true.

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Amy Reply:
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:21 pm
We don’t watch anything live anymore. Why watch commercials when you fast forward through them later. Thanks, Alta!! You’re so sweet.

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Irene Clark
September 2nd, 2009 @ 8:24 am

This is so exciting for you! Congrats! I’m a fairly new reader, and I have forwarded your blog to many of my friends. I share it on Twitter also. I want to let others know you can feel healthy/well if you give your body the correct foods. All your recipes are great and easy for people like me to follow. I don’t like to cook!

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Amy Reply:
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:20 pm
I am so touched that you not only find my blog helpful but that you have shared it with others. Thanks so much, Irene.

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Diane- The WHOLE Gang
September 2nd, 2009 @ 8:39 am

WOW!!! Congratulations. That is so exciting. I watch that all the time and think it’s a cool event. Wish I could go cheer you on at the event. I’ll be at Blogher Food in San Fran. Maybe we could meet up. I’ll be cheering you on!!!!

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Amy Reply:
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Isn’t it wild that so many GF bloggers will be in the same place at the same time. I can’t wait to hear all about Blogher. I am sure that you’ll have a great time. The competition is pretty far from San Fran so I doubt we’d be able to meet up though I’d absolutely love it. Thanks so much for your support!

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Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen
September 2nd, 2009 @ 9:11 am

You are awesome Amy! I am so excited for you! You totally deserve this and you are going to knock their socks off!

The rest of your post, including the interaction with your niece that this winning provided is equally as awesome!

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Kim
September 3rd, 2009 @ 3:51 pm

Congrats!!!! I am so excited for you!!!!

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Jessika
September 3rd, 2009 @ 8:47 pm

Wonderful news! Congratulations! I’m not surprised they chose you as a finalist since your recipes are delicious!

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Amy Reply:
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Thanks so much, Jessika. You are just too sweet.

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gfe--gluten free easily
September 9th, 2009 @ 6:16 am

Hey Amy–I realized that while I had added a link to this post I had never commented. First, you look terrific in the photo! Second, big, big kudos for being selected. Your burger sounds fantastic. And, last, I’m so sorry they’ve decided not to tape and air the Build a Better Burger contest this year. I assume that means it will still happen and you’ll get to do all the neat stuff, but it just won’t air … is that what’s happening?

Shirley

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Amy Reply:
September 9th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Yep, that’s it. The contest is still on as planned but no Food Network. I am completely over the dissapointment now. It took a few days but I have been practicing my burgers and am just so excited to be part of the competition.

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Sandy Gillett
September 9th, 2009 @ 8:56 pm

Congratulations! I am so happy for you! Joe sounds like a wonderful man. I love your blog, your philosophies and your recipes. You are very blessed! Have a wonderful trip!

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Amy Reply:
September 10th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Thanks Sandy! So good to hear for you. Did you read that Food Network isn’t filming the contest this year?? I was disappointed for a day but I’m over it. Can’t wait to go to Napa Valley and grill my burgers.

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Tiffany S.
September 13th, 2009 @ 8:23 pm

It’s on right now, and I got so excited but they must be airing last years! I just saw your update! Shoot! Big phooeee! I was so excited to see you on TV.

You are a big star no matter what! Stupid Food Network!

Congrats!

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