NEW: 5 Rhode Islanders Make Semis in $10,000 Hood Dairy Cook-Off

NEW: 5 Rhode Islanders Make Semis in $10,000 Hood Dairy Cook-Off

Five Rhode Islanders are among 30 New England semifinalists in the running to win $10,000 in the 4th Annual Hood® New England Dairy Cook-Off®.  The competition, presented by Hood Cream, will take place at its new location at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence on October 21st, 2012.  Johnson & Wales College of Culinary Arts played an integral part in the 2012 competition by selecting the semifinalist entries.

Hood New England Dairy Cook-Off

The Hood New England Dairy Cook-Off gives amateur cooks from across New England the chance to compete in a head-to-head cook-off.  All recipes are original and include at least one Hood dairy product in the following five categories: breakfast/brunch; soups/chowders; appetizers/side dishes; lunch/dinner (entrée); and dessert. 

Among the 2012 finalist judges is Michele Ragussis, a celebrated chef and a finalist on Season Eight of Food Network’s Next Food Network Star.  Ragussis, who attended Johnson & Wales, will help judge the dishes based on taste appeal, presentation/appearance, and creativity/originality.

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Additional final round judges will also include Chef Branden J. Lewis, Instructor, Johnson & Wales University College of Culinary Arts; Peggy Poole, Vice President of Quality Systems and Regulatory Affairs, HP Hood; Cindy Salvato, Chef and founder of Savoring Rhode Island culinary walking tours; and Linda Beaulieu, Cookbook author and writer for Providence Monthly.

The Rhode Island semifinalists

Gretchen Everin of Middletown – Creamy Confetti Chicken [on an English Muffin] (Breakfast/Brunch)

Christina Bamberger of East Providence – Creamy Southwestern White Chicken Chili (Soups/Chowders)

Valerie Szlatenyi of Wakefield – Mini Lobster & Corn Soufflés with Tarragon Brown Butter (Appetizers/Side Dishes)

Billie Fasulo of Pawtucket – Sour Cream Potato Gnocchi with Tomato Cream Sauce (Lunch/Dinner)

Mary Jo Fletcher LaRocco of North Kingston – Cranberry Limóncello Tarts in a Gingersnap Hazelnut Crust (Dessert)

“We could not be happier to bring the excitement of the Hood New England Dairy Cook-Off to Providence and to be a part of this great foodie city,” said Chris Ross, Vice President of Marketing, HP Hood.  “Johnson & Wales has been a great partner and we are honored to be able to benefit from their culinary expertise. We can’t wait to try all of the semifinalists’ creations.”

Each of the 30 semifinalists selected to attend the Cook-Off will receive a prize of $100.  One winner from each category will advance to the finals for the $10,000 grand prize.  Finalists who do not win the grand prize will each receive $500.

For more information on the Hood New England Dairy Cook-Off, log onto HoodCookOff.com. For more information on Hood, please visit Hood.com or become a fan of Hood at Facebook.com/HPHood or on Twitter.com/HPHood.