The initial phase of the competition, held from March 1-31 in collaboration with the National Peanut Board, spotlighted peanuts as the key ingredient, encouraging culinary partners to explore creative and diverse uses of this versatile legume.

BlissBomb, an LGBTQ-owned bakery in New York City, secured third place with its Spicy Orange Marmalade PB&J Donut, earning a $500 cash prize. 

“Aiming to represent the diverse textures and flavors a peanut can encapsulate, I created a caramelized peanut butter paired with bright orange marmalade amped up with chile peppers, tied together with chocolate, and topped with crunchy roasted Virginia peanuts and sea salt for an experience that is both novel and nostalgic,” says BlissBomb executive pastry chef Tarran Hatton.

The competition, supported by partners like the National Peanut Board and others, continues throughout the year. The upcoming phases will focus on lentils, blueberries and mushrooms, promising a diverse and exciting culinary adventure. Stay updated on this journey of flavors and innovation by visiting FOODWORKS or following them on social media (@foodworkslocal).