 I'm a home cook. It's hard to be in this competitive element, but I'm ready to share my family's food with the judges. It's one thing to cook at home, and it's another thing to cook in a competition. Feeling pretty excited to be able to show any home cook from any background has recipes to share with the world. The Great American Recipe is literally the search for just that. It's what America is on a plate, and it represents that tapestry that we all weave together through food. It's this uplifting competition series that brings together home cooks from all over the United States, each with their own unique backgrounds and stories. I'm from the Northeast. I grew up in the Midwest. Portland, Oregon. Providence, Rhode Island. San Luis Obispo, California. I'm from the South in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It's a wonderful mix of traditions and cultures. It's great to not only taste, but hear the stories behind the food. This is a complete homage to my mom. She always had some form of cookie in our home. When I make these cookies, I feel like my mom is there. I absolutely love it. They really want to do their recipes proud. This smells so good. And to make sure that they're representing the best recipes that they can put forth. They're bringing it. The presentations are incredible. The flavor profiles are all over the map. And it's really, really good. This calamari is poppin'. It's always a challenge to cook outside of your comfort zone. And even though it's PBS, where you think everyone's a winner, there is only one. I just think the bonds that we've already made will be fortified and we'll go forward to, you know, be real good friends. You're very great. Speak for yourself. It's really something very positive. We're trying to help them bring out the best of what they do. I hope the viewers understand how great and diverse America is. Everybody has their own story because we're all on a journey. And to hear it come through food is just a beautiful thing.