Clint Stephenson

2004 Grand Prize Winner

Rocket scientist from Friendswood, Texas, now a resident of League City, Texas

Inspiration for Grilled Avocado BLT Burger with Chipotle Onions

"To commemorate the 100th birthday of the hamburger in America, I was inspired to create this new recipe by combining two all-time favorites: burgers and BLT sandwiches. Since America is truly a melting pot of diverse races and cultures, the regional influences of our country are evident in the way we prepare our burgers.

My burger recipe is a tribute to the creative and trendsetting cooks across the country who have been instrumental in reviving a culinary sense of pride in Regional American Cooking. By combining fresh ingredients in a new and creative manner, I have developed an incredible new burger with layers of flavor throughout. This burger WILL ROCK YOUR WORLD!!!"

Memories of BBB:

"I was extremely nervous. I must have shook for around 15 minutes when my time came, but I just got into my cooking 'groove' and prepared the best burgers I could. I was informed I was the first person to ever burn the grass. I had caught my plywood on fire (unintentionally) with my chimney during the contest and had to stomp it out. I look back on that often and laugh. God does have a sense of humor.

The judges were all very gracious and hospitable hosts for my few minutes with them. Next came the awards. Mr. McNair and his crew were very entertaining. All of the contestants were called on to the stage. The drum roll began. The last word I recall hearing until my interview with the crew from the Food Network was 'Clint' at the end of the drum roll. At that point, everything became a blur. The best moment of the contest was when my wife and I were being interviewed by the television producer. He was asking her something and I was just watching her. She had the biggest, most beautiful smile I think I may have ever seen."