Julie DeMatteo

1999 Grand Prize Winner

Ex-school teacher, who now works part-time in a real estate appraisal office, from Clementon, New Jersey

Inspiration for Down Island Burgers with Mango Mayo & Grilled Onions:

"My inspiration came from my fondness for Caribbean flavors. I have always loved the Jamaican blend of spices, and thought it would be good with pork. The mango-mayo added a little sweet balance."

Memories of BBB:

"One of the best cook-off experiences ever. Everything was first-class and everyone was so gracious, accommodating, and just plain nice. I was also very honored to win, considering the caliber of judges that year, including Chef Thomas Keller of the famed French Laundry."

Other Notable Wins:

Grand Prize, Pace Picante Sauce, 1991
Grand Prize, Alpine Lace/Weight Watchers, 1991
Grand Prize, Swift-Eckrich, 1991
Grand Prize, National Enquirer/Campbell's Soup, 1992
Grand Prize, Carolina Rice, 1994
Grand Prize, Green Giant, 1995
Grand Prize, Prevention Magazine, 1997
Grand Prize, Carolina Turkey, 1998
Grand Prize, Mrs. Dash/Molly McButter, 1998
Grand Prize, Kretschmer Wheat Germ, 1999
Grand Prize, Gold Kist Chicken, 2001
First Prize, Quaker Oats, 1991
First Prize, Spice Islands/McCormick, 1995
First Prize, Campbell's Soup, 2001
First Prize in Category, National Pie Championships, 2004
Second Prize, Cooking Light Cook-Off, 2000
Finalist, National Beef Cook-Off, 1992, 1993, and 2003
Finalist, National Chicken Cook-Off, 1993 and 1998
Finalist, Newman's Own, 1992
Finalist, Pillsbury Bake-Off, 1994, and category runner-up, 1996
Plus a few hundred more, both large and small