Six Houston families compete for spot on HEB grocery shelves

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Saucy! Spicy! And oh, so sweet!

"Just kind of put the batter around the waffle machine," says Chef DeeDee Coleman, as she pours bright, shiny red batter onto a waffle iron. Her red velvet waffles tantalize the taste buds.

"I've been cooking since I was a little girl in my mother's kitchen standing on a step stool," said Coleman.

Originally narrowed down from a field of 600, Coleman is among 25 finalists with a product that could end up on HEB grocery shelves. She's up against other Houston chefs, like the Huertas.

"Something we've created in our home has turned into this," George Huerta says, while stirring gumbo with a huge smile.

Not your typical gumbo, George and Rubie use charro beans and Mexican-style rice to create a zesty combination.

"Beans in general are a Texas thing. Cowboys ate them on the prairie. We at them on the ranch," says Rubie.

At stake are $70,000 and a chance to get in with the big boys.

"Texas is a different kind of state," says James Harris with HEB. "It's great food and it really embodies the great fabric of Texas."

There are selections from sauces to Southern cuisine...

"We have flavors and a full line of products that is just as big as the State of Texas," says Michael Briggs, of Briggs True.

Each of the contestants has already won, by staying true to what they love.

"It was just a passion of mine. I had to keep doing it," says Coleman.

"Make our dreams come true," said Rubie.

"I really believe it can go far," George said.

The judge will announce the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners at 4:30pm Wednesday.