Karen Bernards

2007 Grand Prize Winner

Seed company owner from McMinnville, Oregon

Inspiration for Sweet-Hot Thai Burgers

“My inspiration for the burgers is my love of Thai food. I love the sweet Thai sauce and knew I wanted to create a burger using it. I also think the cilantro lime sauce and the Spicy Thai Kettle Chips added a little something to my burger.”

Memories of BBB:

Memories of BBB:

“My memory of BBB is one of amazement!  Everything was first class. I met some of the nicest people, both contestants and Sutter Home staff.  I still cannot believe that I was chosen to be there with all of those fantastic cooks.

“My time at BBB was way too short. I would love to go back and see everyone now that the pressure is off. I was extremely nervous. This was my first national cooking contest and I didn’t know what to expect. If this is how they are, I cannot wait to do another one. I still cannot believe I won the grand prize; it doesn’t seem real to me.

“Michele Moline (Sutter Home Marketing Event Manager) was great, and I really loved meeting her. She is amazing at putting this whole thing together and making everyone feel special.  Thank you, Wendy Nyberg (Sutter Home Brand Manger), for showing my sister and me the great food in New York. It was great meeting Mr. McNair (BBB Head Judge), and thank you for signing my cookbooks and for the nice things you said about my burger; I'm glad you enjoyed it. A BIG THANK YOU to the Trinchero family; this cooking contest would not happen without your support.”

Other notable wins:

This is Karen´s first big win, but she hopes not her last.