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San Diego mom 'Next Food Network Star'

NEW YORK, July 23 (UPI) -- A California mom who bills herself as "the gourmet next door" was selected "The Next Food Network Star" and the network's newest on-air personality.

Viewers text-messaged and voted on foodnetwork.com for Amy Finley of San Diego over Rory Schepisi, the backyard bistro enthusiast from Vega, Texas, the Food Network announced in a news release Sunday.

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As the last chef standing, the mother of two was awarded her own six-episode series, which will premiere this fall on the New York-based cable network, and a 2008 Mercury Mariner.

Food Network star Emeril Lagasse announced the 3-year-old competition's first female winner.

"I'm truly honored to have this opportunity and it just proves to my children that if you put your mind to something, you can make it happen," said Finley, a caterer and freelance writer. "I'm very excited about being Food Network's gourmet next door and spreading the joy of cooking."

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