When I talk to veteran recipe contesters, one of the most common things I hear is “I miss the days of those good old-fashioned cook-offs!”  You know, the events where the sponsors value the food and the contestants as the number one priority.

I am here to tell you that those days are not gone!  In fact, one of the greatest bi-annual cook-offs is currently accepting entries now through January 16th, 2015.  It’s the National Festival of Breads!

Enter here:  http://nationalfestivalofbreads.com/the-festival/entry-form-2015

The Grand Prize Winner will receive $2,000 cash plus a trip to attend a baking class of their choice at the King Arthur Flour Baking Education Center in Norwich, Vt.

This contest embraces baking from scratch.  For some of you that is a breath of fresh air in a sea of recipe contests that often require the use of convenience ingredients.  For others, the challenge can be a bit daunting.

To help you all learn more about this contest, I figured it would be best to go to the experts – former finalists!  They can give you a first-hand account of the cook-off in Kansas and offer a bit of insider advice on how to make it to the finals.

2013 finalist Gloria Piantek says,

“Many contests are only interested in product promotion and the finalist is placed second. However, this contest puts YOU first, leaving everyone feeling like a big winner.  The sponsors make you feel extra special. Each finalist had a mini-kitchen decorated in a special color. My cooking area was decorated in sunshine yellow with everything coordinated to match. It was so beautiful!

The sponsors shower you with lots of surprise presents – it almost feels like Christmas. You have more than ample time to cook your recipe and someone from the industry is right there in case you have any problems. They become your best friend, so caring and supportive.”

When it comes to advice, CCC member Marilyn Blankschien shared a few words.

“My tip for other CCC members interested in entering the contest would be to read Cindy’s Tips.  She pretty well covers what it takes to be a finalist.”

Cindy’s Timely Tips:  http://nationalfestivalofbreads.com/hints-and-happenings/2014/10/01/help-your-entry-rise-to-the-top-with-cindy’s-timely-tips

Gloria Piantek added,

“Make sure to follow the rules exactly. Last year, they notified finalists that their recipes were being considered. However, only a smaller number were then called to tell them that their recipe was selected.”

Contest Rules:  http://nationalfestivalofbreads.com/the-festival/contest-rules

If you are new to contesting, another finalist, Elke Roby has some words of advice for you.

“The National Festival of Breads was my first competition with a live bake-off component. A bit nerve wrecking but lots of fun! What amazed, and pleased me the most, was that we might have been competitors, but we all made new friends there. When we wished each other “good luck”, we meant it. When one of us needed a bit of encouragement, we got/gave it. Us newbies were welcomed by the seasoned competitors with open arms. In Manhattan, KS, I found a new world full of fun and opportunities.I am so proud to call some of the ladies friends and follow their cooking adventures through their blogs or on Facebook. I hope to see everyone in Manhattan in 2015. My first recipe is in!”

Don’t forget to show of the wonderful sponsors:  King Arthur Flour and Red Star Yeast!

• All recipes will be disqualified if the type of Red Star Yeast is not specified in recipe. (For example: Red Star Active Dry Yeast, Red Star Quick Rise Yeast, Red Star Bread Machine Yeast, or Red Star Cake (Fresh) Yeast).
• All recipes will be disqualified if the type of King Arthur Flour is not specified in recipe. (For example: King Arthur All-Purpose Flour, King Arthur Self-Rising Flour, King Arthur Bread Flour, King Arthur Premium Whole Wheat Flour, King Arthur White Whole Wheat Flour, or King Arthur Organic Flours).

This year, there are even some special awards!  Think about utilizing White Whole Wheat Flour, Soy products, and C&H or Domino Sugar when developing your entry.

In addition to eight adult finalists’ awards and the Grand Prize, three special awards of $500 cash may be given in the Adult division depending on entries received:

• Best Recipe Using White Whole Wheat Flour (at least 75% white whole wheat flour in recipe)
• Best Recipe Using Soy Ingredient i.e. soy flour, soybean oil (also called vegetable oil or soy oil), soynuts, tofu, soymilk, soynut butter, soy yogurt, soy cereal, soy grits, soy cheese)
• *New: Best Sweet Bread or Roll using C&H Sugar or Domino Sugar

Special Award winners, chosen from among eligible entries, may not be guaranteed a spot as one of the eight finalists and need not be present to win.

Whole Grain Bonus Cash:  Any recipe using at least 50% whole wheat flour that becomes one of the eight(8) ADULT finalists will receive an additional $200 cash.

Soy special award:  http://nationalfestivalofbreads.com/hints-and-happenings/2014/11/12/use-soy-products-in-your-entry-for-a-special-award

C&H Sugar and Domino Sugar award:  http://nationalfestivalofbreads.com/hints-and-happenings/2014/11/07/ch-sugar-and-domino-sugar-sponsor-sweet-award