We are so excited to introduce finalist Cynthia Price! Cynthia is a huge personality, and while she caught our eye with her charming videos, she made the cut because she's a tremendously talented home cook. Her recipe for Tilapia was amazing, and we're thrilled to count Cynthia as one of our 16 finalists!

We were lucky enough to catch up with this busy lady in her town of Arlington, TX to "grill" her about her passion for food!

Why is cooking so important to you?

Cooking is so important to me because it is a prelude to bringing the family together. It makes everyone happy. It's a time in which you find out what's going on in your children's lives and gives everyone a chance to express themselves. It's therapy for me. On another note, my cooking is also one of the reasons my husband Alonzo married me!

Do you follow recipes to the number and step, or do you improvise and use your judgment on measurements and ingredients?

I can follow recipes, but I usually end up adding my own spin on the dish! I'm all about tasting and perfecting whatever I cook. I have a pretty good palette and my guests are always seem pleased with the final product.

Who taught you how to cook?

My late mother, Lucille Benoit and the elder women in my church taught me how to cook. I was in a program growing up called Jr. Mission, where we cook dinner for members of the church every other Sunday...I loved it!

What is the first dish you ever cooked?

The first dish I ever cooked Mac & Cheese with chopped wieners for my brothers and sister. What they don't realize is...I saw them eating the wieners and throwing out the Mac & Cheese! My meals got better over the years!

And here's a little bit more about Cynthia in her own words. We can't wait to see you in Savannah, Cynthia!

I was born in Houston, TX. I married my high school sweetheart, Alonzo Price, who is the love of my life. The funny thing about it is that we went to rival high schools. We married young and went on to travel to various places through his military service to our country. I am a proud parent of two, Alonda and Alonzo Jr. I currently work at the Dallas Military Entrance Processing Station interviewing applicants to enter into the Armed Forces. I am also the Event Coordinator and unofficial cook for the Diversity Programs celebrated there!

This opportunity means so much to me because it has given me another chance to connect with my mother. We always loved cooking together; especially for holidays. For the last few holidays, it was tough for me celebrate without her. Last Christmas, I was able to cook and celebrate her memory and that felt good. I could actually feel her presence with me then, and I know she would be so proud of my being a finalist in this contest. I'm just thankful for the opportunity to be a part of a competition that is bringing women together and empowering them!