Content Summary
- Inaugural Contest: Bauman College announces the winners of its 2026 Lentil Recipe Writing Contest, the first in a new series of student and alumni culinary challenges.
- Category Highlights: The post introduces Michele Tedrick (Best Written Recipe), Donna DeLeon (Most Creative Recipe), and Alesha Salahuddin (Best Presentation) for their innovative, lentil-based creations.
- Eating for Health®: Each winning recipe was judged on its alignment with Bauman’s core nutritional model, emphasizing whole-food ingredients and therapeutic benefits.
- Series Launch: This announcement kicks off a 4-part blog series that will eventually feature the full recipes and stories behind each winning dish.
On March 19, Bauman College celebrated the winners of its 2026 Lentil Recipe Writing Contest, the first in a series of recipe contests we will be holding. The award ceremony honored the talented students and graduates who created original vegetarian lentil recipes inspired by Bauman College’s Eating for Health® model.
This year’s contest shined a spotlight on the mighty lentil — an ingredient celebrated for its affordability, accessibility, fiber, protein, and overall health benefits. After blind judging, recipe testing, and thoughtful deliberation, three standout winners were selected.
Watch the 2026 Awards Ceremony
Experience the highlights from our ceremony, where we celebrated the creativity and dedication of our finalists. Hear from the judges and see the moment our winners were announced:
Meet the Category Winners
Best Written Recipe: Lentil and Mushroom Gravy by Michele Tedrick
Michele Tedrick earned top honors for Best Written Recipe with her Lentil and Mushroom Gravy over Whipped Rutabaga-Potatoes with Brown Butter and Crispy Sage.
Her entry stood out for its clarity, care, and professionalism, with instructions written so thoughtfully that another cook could recreate the dish with confidence.
Rooted in Midwestern comfort food memories and shaped by techniques she developed at Bauman, Michele’s recipe is both deeply personal and beautifully executed.
Most Creative Recipe: Spiced Lentil Cookies by Donna DeLeon
Donna DeLeon received the award for Most Creative Recipe for her original Spiced Lentil Cookies.
Donna took an ingredient most people associate with soups and savory dishes and transformed it into something sweet, warm, and unexpected.
Her recipe impressed with its originality, nutritional intention, and personal storytelling, turning lentils into a creative dessert that feels both playful and purposeful.
Learn more about Holistic Chef Student Donna DeLeon and her award-winning recipe.
Best Presentation: Sprouted Lentil Vegetarian Gumbo by Alesha Salahuddin
Alesha Salahuddin won Best Presentation for her vibrant Sprouted Lentil Vegetarian Gumbo.
Inspired by Southern roots and developed with a health-supportive lens, Alesha’s dish captured attention with its rich color, thoughtful plating, and beautiful use of ingredients like okra, herbs, and sprouted lentils.
Her recipe reflected both cultural connection and culinary care, making it as visually striking as it was nourishing.
Learn more about Holistic Chef Student Alesha Salahuddin and her award-winning recipe.
Celebrating the Bauman Community
Congratulations to Michele, Donna, and Alesha — and to everyone who entered. The judges were impressed by the incredible range of recipes submitted, from comforting savory dishes to imaginative lentil-based desserts. This year’s entries beautifully reflected the creativity, skill, and heart of the Bauman College community.
The Lentil Series: What’s Next?
This post is the first in a 4-part series celebrating the winners of the 2026 Bauman College Lentil Recipe Writing Contest. In the next three posts, we’ll spotlight each winner individually, sharing more about their inspiration, their culinary journey, and the award-winning recipes themselves.
- Learn more about Bauman College Alumnus and Holistic Chef Program Teaching Assistant Michele Tedrick and her award-winning recipe.
- Learn more about Holistic Chef Student Donna DeLeon and her award-winning recipe.
- Learn more about Holistic Chef Student Alesha Salahuddin and her award-winning recipe.
Have Work You Love
Learn more about Bauman College’s Online Nutrition Consultant and Holistic Chef Programs. Contact us to connect with an Admissions Representative today.