South Carolina Native to Compete on National PBS Show, “The Great American Recipe”

Attendees will gather around the table together and enjoy a supper inspired by Daniels’ self-described Southern “Heart & Soul” food-style. Then, attendees will get a sneak peek of the first episode of The Great American Recipe, followed by an interview with Daniels and the host of SCETV’s By The River, Holly Jackson.

Daniels is a volunteer at her local food bank and cooks meals for families experiencing food insecurities. To honor that community spirit, in lieu of charging for the event, guests are asked to bring non-perishable food donations for Columbia’s Harvest Hope Food Bank.

Bambi Daniels grew up on her family’s farms in South Carolina — her maternal grandparents’ in Chester and her homestead, Davis Farm, in Blair — where meals were prepared using what they grew and raised. She still incorporates fresh ingredients in her recipes, and when she visits her Blair homestead, family and neighbors drop by to share fruits and vegetables from their gardens. Bambi loves cooking for her family, children and their friends and believes authentic connections are made and walls broken down when people sit down together at the dinner table. Her mother, Mary Emma, is her inspiration, but recent health issues have kept the matriarch from cooking. Bambi’s goal is to keep the family recipes — which carry the voices of her ancestors — alive. Her signature dish has been passed down from generation to generation: smoked mac and cheese with bacon.

Hosted by Alejandra Ramos, The Great American Recipe gives contestants from different regions of the country the opportunity to showcase their beloved signature dishes as they compete to win the title of the “Great American Recipe.” The Judges Leah Cohen, Tiffany Derry and Graham Elliot bring their professional insights and deep culinary knowledge to encourage and support the contestants along the way.

Co-produced by Virginia Public Media and Objective Media Group America, The Great American Recipe blends food, family and fun, highlighting the amazing variety of tastes and traditions found across the U.S., while capturing the roots of America’s diverse cuisine. From family favorites passed down through generations, to internationally influenced recipes that are quickly becoming mainstays of American cuisine, the series mixes camaraderie with competition, revealing rich personal stories and the inspiration behind the contestant’s favorite recipes.

The Great American Recipe will culminate in a finale that features the finalists preparing an entire meal for the judges to make their ultimate decision. One of the winner’s dishes will grace the cover of The Great American Recipe Cookbook, which will also feature recipes from all the contestants and the show’s host and judges.

The Great American Recipe premieres Fridays, June 24-August 12, 9:00-10:00 p.m. on SCETV.