CABOT, Vt. — There was no shortage of great recipe ideas when it came to the health professionals who entered Cabot Creamery Cooperative's 'Feel Good Family Recipe' contest earlier this year. Healthcare professionals traded their lab coats for chef's hats and submitted their favorite family-friendly recipes, made with Cabot's Reduced Fat Cheddar, for judging in three key categories: Appetizer/Snack, Main Dish, and Soup/Sandwich/Salad.
Inspired by Cabot's farm family roots, Cabot's Health Team created the contest to seek out the best in family-friendly recipes. Why? Research shows that families, who eat together, eat better… that's a win-win for everyone at the table! So using Cabot's award-winning Reduced Fat natural cheddar cheeses as a starting point, the Vermont-based dairy cooperative asked health professionals nationwide to share their best "Feel Good, Family Recipes."
Submissions were remarkable and the judges (Registered Dietitians and Chefs at the New England Culinary Institute) had a real challenge to decide on the best of the best. It wasn't easy, but the results are in!
The Grand Prize was awarded to Daria Kiselica of Charlottesville, VA for her Cheddar-Stuffed Chicken in Phyllo.
First Place for Appetizer/Snack was awarded to Tracy Noerper of Nashville, TN for her Oatmeal Cheddar Blackberry Bars. Second Place honors went to Anita Shelton of Charlottesville, VA for her Spicy Cheddar and Roasted Pepper Spread/Dip. Third Place was awarded to Camilla Saulsbury of Nacogdoches, TX for her Vermont Harvest Cheddar, Sausage & Apple Wontons.
First Place for Main Dish was awarded to Lisa Urso of Williamsville, NY for her Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas. Second place honors went to Nancy Castellana of Stamford, CT for her Butternut Squash Risotto. Third place was awarded to Whitney Lee Randall of Long Beach, CA for her Fiesta Stuffed Peppers.
First Place for Soup/Sandwich/Salad was awarded to LeeAnn Weintraub of Sherman Oaks, CA for her Cabot Pepper Jack Chicken Burgers. Second place was awarded to Sharon Collinson of Newark, DE for her Crust-Topped Tex-Mex Chowder. Third place honors went to Catherine Silva of Reading, MA for her Black Bean and Veggie Salad with a Lime Cinnamon Vinaigrette.
"The quantity and sheer quality of entries for our 'Feel Good Family Recipes' contest was simply staggering," says Regan Jones, Registered Dietitian and National Nutrition Communications Manager for Cabot Creamery. "It was no easy task for our judges to select the winners. Every entry was unique and the variety of submissions for each category was amazing. We're thrilled with the results of the contest because everyone who participated is a winner by virtue of the fact they were willing to share their favorite recipes so families everywhere can enjoy.
"What we received took our taste buds away," Jones continued. "Well beyond the traditional comforts of mac-n-cheese and grilled cheese (which we of course love, too!), unique creations came pouring in: creations such as Butternut Squash Risotto, Oatmeal Cheddar Blackberry Bars and Cheddar-Stuffed Chicken in Phyllo made us all wish for a seat at the family table!"
Daria Kiselica's Grand Prize recipe netted her a stunning Alexandrite & Diamond Ring valued at more than $14,000 as well as a 3-night, 4-day getaway for two at Stoweflake Spa and Mountain Resort plus a spa treatment for two at the celebrated Spa at Stoweflake.
"I have been a fan of Cabot since I lived in New England more than 20 years ago," says Daria. "We used to visit Vermont, and Cabot Creamery, and I always loved knowing I was buying from a cooperative owned by farmers. Since moving away to Charlottesville, VA, I have kept up with Cabot, ordering cheese online and making recipes for me and my family. When I heard they were having a recipe contest, I decided to send in one of my personal favorites. I am tickled to have won!"
The three first place winners – one from each category – receive $200 cash plus a $75 Cabot Gift box. The three second place winners receive a $75 Cabot Gift Box, and the three third place winners receive a $25 Cabot gift box.
Winning recipes can be found at: http://www.cabotcheese.coop/RecipeContest2010Winners
ABOUT CABOT CREAMERY COOPERATIVE
Cabot Creamery Cooperative has been in continuous operation in Vermont since 1919, and we make a full line of cheeses, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, and butter. Best known as makers of "The World's Best Cheddar," Cabot is owned by 1200 dairy farm families located throughout New England and upstate New York. For additional information on Cabot Creamery, visit http://www.cabotcheese.coop
Source: Cabot Creamery Cooperative