COMPETITOR

For the love

HEAD COOK: Kelly Velasco

COMPETITION: World Sandwich Championship

I am an award winning home cook that started entering online recipe contests in 2015. I just LOVE to create and cook for others! I entered the Gilroy Garlic Festival’s garlic recipe competition in 2016 and I was so honored to hear that my dish was chosen as one of the top 10 finalists. Being my first LIVE on stage competition , I was both thrilled and terrified at the same time. The Garlic Festival puts on an amazing competition. I had no idea how fun it was going to be! I survived and came home with a coveted garlic crown in 3rd place in my first competition. In 2017, I competed in the National Banana Pudding Festival in Tennessee and took home 2nd place. And then in 2018 I returned to Tennessee and became the National Banana Pudding Champion, taking 1st place with my razzle dazzle banana pudding. I have had wonderful experiences competing and joining WFC in 2021 as a first time competitor was truly amazing. Taking home a medal, some cash and bragging rights in 9th place in the sandwich competition was definitely the highlight of my year! Being able to share the experience with my daughters and my husband was even better!