We're excited to see the field of competitors who have already won their golden ticket and registered to compete at the 2024 World Food Championships. And we are always proud to announce our special guests and celebrity judges participating in our judging events across the nation - we're sure the championship food certainly helps! Best of luck to our 2024 competitors!
COMPETITOR
Melissa Baldan
COMPETITION: World Open Chili Championship
QUALIFYING EVENT: Just A Pinch category winner
Hello from San Diego! I am a mom and wife and I love to cook! I create yummy recipes in my own kitchen and never get paid (well, kisses are pay in mommy terms). I have created a lot of original recipes that I take pride in like my Strawberry Avocado Smoothies, Peanut Butter Cookies and many other dishes. In 2010 my daughter begged me to enter a local Chili Cook Off. I did and won! In 2012 I entered again and came in 2nd. And this year my husband encouraged me to enter the Just A Pinch contest. Turns out I sort of have a knack for whipping up a good pot of chili; Because, Just A Pinch has selected me as one of the finalists they are sending to Las Vegas to compete! I am really excited to come out and show Nevada what good chili tastes like... See you soon, Las Vegas. Love, Mel