Lulu Chapa

"I am proud of being a simple home cook. After competing against participants who are professionals in the kitchen, I am now getting ready to participate in the live cook-off," said Lulu Chapa of Volo. "I am intimidated by cooking in front of a live audience, some of which are my friends."

"I became a part of this contest because of my kids and my husband, who asked me to compete since I was the only one in the family who hadn't participated in a cooking competition.

"The reason why I think I managed to get to this point is that I wanted to try to get out of my comfort zone, and my friends and family encouraged me to get where I am now," she said.

"In the finale, I would like to see beef or chicken. I haven't seen chicken in any of the challenges. I have been watching more cooking shows on Netflix, and I'm planning to attend cooking classes," Chapa said.

She says her husband, Oscar, who participated last year, will be her cooking assistant. "It's ironic since I was the one helping him cook when he made it into finals. I think we make a good team in the kitchen." As to having grown during the competition, Chapa said she has. "The mystery ingredients have added a challenge to what I usually make, pushing me to create familiar dishes with things you would never expect to see." As for what she'd say to someone contemplating entering this contest next year, she says, do it! "This is a unique experience that you will forever treasure."