What has 2006 Alternative Burger Winner Liz Bennett been up to?

We caught up with Liz to see how she was doing since her 2006 BBB win:

If it’s possible to still be on a high 10 months after competing in and placing first in the Alternate Category for the Sutter Home Build a Better Burger 2006, then I’m still on Cloud 9. I only have to look at that fabulous burger chef statue that stands proudly in my kitchen to be reminded of how wonderful the entire BBB competition weekend was from beginning to end. Beautiful grilling weather, high-end food (both for eating and for the competition), fun and personable contestants, free-flowing Sutter Home wine, and gracious hosts on gorgeous grounds – what more could you ask for in a cook-off?These past months since last September’s competition have been busy for me in a very welcome way. In February I used part of the $10,000 BBB prize as seed money to start my own business, an event planning company. Working from home is great and has afforded me a little more time each week (2.5 hours every weekday not commuting to/from Seattle!) to devote to my favorite hobbies: food, wine, entertaining, and recipe contesting. The Opa! Burgers have benefited others too. Dinner for six with the burgers, sides and dessert have been auction items at three Seattle-area non-profit fundraisers so far.Participating in BBB 2006 was truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and so I was overjoyed to see that the rules for this year’s contest will allow me and other past Alternative Category winners to enter recipes in the Beef Category. I’ve been working on some different burger recipes, checking them against the Burgerbase and testing them with my husband and official taste-tester, Michael. I can only hope that one day I’ll be lucky enough to make it back to the Build a Better Burger competition. If you’re thinking of entering, don’t delay! This is truly one contest not to be missed.

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