The Great American Recipe Season 3 winner celebrated a legacy dish

With three cooks vying for the title, The Great American Recipe Season 3 winner celebrated both well-executed food and a taste of their culture. In some ways, the last cook was a redemption from the first dish presented to the judges.

For the first challenge, the three finalists, Adjo, Jon, and Marcella needed to create a dish that celebrated their story. Using ingredients sent from their loved ones, the dishes were quite varied.

At the same time, this round was about the story. Even though the judges expected amazing flavor, it was more than just a tasty plate of food. It needed to give a glimpse into who they are as cooks.

Building on his momentum over the season, Jon won the first challenge. The judges appreciated his nopales. It was as if people were transported to abuela’s kitchen. It felt warm, comforting, yet slightly elevated.

In the last cook of the season, the three finalists needed to cook a meal that celebrates their heritage. As Tim Hollingsworth said, it should be a legacy recipe. The idea is that this dish is one that will be the cooks’ gift to future generations.

Marcella stuck to her Italian roots and served an osso bucco. A nod to her parents’ tradition, the polenta had the judges swooning. It was extremely luscious. When paired with the sauce, the flavor was perfection.

Unfortunately, her shank needed a little more time in the oven. Even though it was ok, it was a cooking error.

Adjo made two dishes for her final cook. First, she redeemed herself with her oxtail. After undercooking it in the first challenge, this oxtail was perfectly tender. Combined with the bold seasoning, it was a home run.

Additionally, Adjo made a guinea hen. While the bright flavors and varied textures was delicious, the poultry was a little chewy in parts.

Lastly, Jon made turkey with mole negro. It was a bold choice to not only make a mole in such a short amount of time but also to roast a turkey in that timeframe.. But, Jon’s beans were under and he chose not to put them on the plate. Also, his rice was a little toothsome.

Overall, all three cooks shared a piece of themselves. Although all the dishes had some errors, the judges looked beyond the mistakes and thought about the story. Given that they were seeking a legacy dish that could tie the past, present and future, The Great American Recipe Season 3 winner seemed obvious.

The final decision came down to the total journey. It was not just the hauntingly good flavors or the dish that evoked a personal memory for the judge. They celebrated the chef who healed the inner child and gave a voice to a cuisine that needed a champion.

The Great American Recipe Season 3 winner was Adjo.

Want to rewatch the season? Be sure to catch up on all the episodes via the PBS app or online.