In 2016, Cynthia Villarreal and daughter Ximena Martinez turned meal prepping to creating fresh dinner options that were ready in minutes. They used what they learned in Villareal’s nana’s traditional Mexican kitchen. Their creations then became La Casa de mi Abuela, a line currently of seven stews and products. The duo are now one of 20 contestants who will present their products for H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best.

A panel of judges will determine four winning products and award $25,000 to the grand-prize winner.

Passion and tradition brought together La Casa de mi Abuela by recreating Villarreal’s grandmother recipes. La Casa de Mi Abuela’s offerings are currently in more than 20 different stores and supermarkets throughout the Valley.

Villarreal’s inspiration is based on the values and traditions of a Mexican family. She began the dream to cook meals that bring many childhood memories to their dinner table.

“We take care of the cooking while they enjoy their family,” she said.

The selection process for the 2021 finalists is both ambitious and rigorous. The quality of the list of new entrepreneurs and innovators demonstrates the importance of their role in the industry’s driving force.

“We continue to be amazed at what Texans bring to the table and how their creations are received in stores,” said James Harris, director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity for H-E-B. “The creativity and resiliency of our Lone Star food, and now non-food, creators have elevated this contest with another year of unbelievable stories and products.”