Last summer I moved from Washington, DC to Minnesota, just in time to behold Minnesota’s pride: The State Fair. I had never seen any fair that rivaled it in sheer size and variety. As someone who loves food and cooking, the attraction which interested me most was the home arts area. It showcased the baked goods, vegetables, pickles, jams and more of eager competitors vying for the coveted blue ribbons.

The world of competitive cooking, local and State Fair recipe contests, as well as brand sponsored, commercial contests is fascinating. Some competitive cooks devote a great deal of time and effort to developing recipes and entering contests and even win prestigious prizes like the famous “Bake-off” contest multiple times. (There is even this Hall of Fame for noteworthy contesters.)

For some contestants, the incentive is the fun of competition, and for others, it is the prizes, which are sometimes small or large, and can be anything from a set of measuring spoons to an all expense-paid trip, to a small cash prize to a million dollars. I once won a pedometer in a recipe contest that featured sour cream, and I am terrifically proud of it.

Cooking (recipe development especially) is a way to test creativity and develop diligence. Entering a competitive cooking contest would be a great project for a family to undertake. Brainstorming and decision making prompts conversation. Imagine a reticent ‘tween getting excited by the idea, taking out her I-pod ear buds, and actually wanting to spend quality time with a parent. Imagine bored siblings getting along as they excitedly develop the next winning recipe. Wouldn’t it be great to turn the television off and make cooking a family activity? Wouldn’t it be great to celebrate a win together?

Malt-O-Meal has announced its 2009 recipe contest season, which will include 25 state fairs, offering great prizes all across the country. What recipe featuring Malt-O-Meal cold cereal will your family invent? For specific rules, contact your local fair directly.

Ready to get cooking? Here’s some resources:
• watch videos of winning Malt-O-Meal contest recipes
• for more competitive cooking contests, see State Fair Recipes
• see winning recipes for inspiration
• get advice and tips on how to win

Have you competed in the Malt-O-Meal cooking competition in the past? Write a post about your experience here! I’m looking forward to reading about your experience.

Jill Bloomfield

As a mother we have tons of responsibilities and duties to take care of throughout our day. We wear a ton of hats as a mom. And, much of the time moms feel they are taken for granted. We work hard and there isn’t a payday at the end of the week. However, our payday comes throughout everyday. No, nothing monetarily, but something worth so much more. A paycheck that is worth so much more than any bank can cash. I am talking about the sentimental things. The things our children do or say without even realizing they are giving us the strength as a mom to keep going and keep taking care of our family.

Happy Mother’s Day my fellow Mothers. I know you work so hard. And, you do it without thought or resist. Here are a few of the hats you and I wear everyday.

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